National Facial Protection Month

Dr. Rooney is going to be a guest on the “Hey, Coach Tony” show on ESPN 1510 radio this weekend at 9 a.m. You can also listen live via this link. Patients and parents are encouraged to call in with their questions to (855) HEY-COACH or (855)-439-2622.

The “Hey, Coach Tony” show is hosted by coach Tony Fiorino, and is a weekly call-in show for parents and coaches of youth athletes. Tony spent eight years as Director of the Center for Sports Parenting, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents, coaches and officials on the subtleties of the youth sports environment. He also wrote the book, “Kids in Sports: A Tactical Guide for Parents and Coaches. “

On this week’s program, Dr. Rooney will be interviewed about mouthguards, facial protection, and the importance of staying hydrated during athletic activities.

Did you know that dental injuries are the most common types of orofacial injuries in sports? How about the fact that orofacial injuries account for 34% of all sports injuries? It’s estimated that the use of a mouthguard prevents over 200,000 injuries per year in the US: and that’s just in football alone. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, more than FIVE MILLION teeth are knocked out in sporting events each year.

So what should one look for in a mouth guard? Tune in and find out!

Hydration during sports is also crucial. When you exercise, your muscles generate a lot of heat, as much as 20 times its normal temperature. Your body uses water and sweat to reduce its core temperature. As sweat evaporates, it cools the skin. Proper hydration is necessary to keep this process going. When an athlete becomes dehydrated, blood volume decreases, making the heart work harder and decreasing overall performance.

Do you have questions about mouth guards, sports, or hydration? Call in and ask!

With spring here, many children, teens and adults will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Dr. Sean Rooney and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. If you play sports and are undergoing orthodontic treatment with Dr. Sean M. Rooney Orthodontics, it's important that you consult Dr. Rooney for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with our office. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Rooney offers mouth guards to patients in and out of treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment.