San Jose, CA Orthodontist Dr. Stephen Yao is Tackling Kids Sport Safety throughout Silicon Valley in Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, and Santa Clara by Giving Away Free Mouth Guards

    SAN JOSE, CA, April 02, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Many school teams are out on the practice fields in the greater San Jose, CA area getting ready for the 2010 spring sports season. Orthodontist Dr Stephen Yao is joining forces with football great Emmitt Smith and the American Association of Orthodontics, educating patients and parents on the importance of wearing mouth guards while playing sports. This year the team at Braces for Pretty Faces is giving away FREE mouth guards at both San Jose office locations during the month of April.

In a recent survey, the AAO discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is their child will be injured while playing organized sports, yet 67 percent admit their child does NOT wear a mouth guard during organized sports including football, basketball, soccer and lacrosse. Children today are placing themselves in danger on the playing field while coaches and parents stand by on sidelines, failing to reduce the possibility of preventable injuries.

The American Association of Orthodontics, with the help of Emmitt Smith and the National Alliance of Youth Sports (NAYS) are proactively promoting facial protection and sport safety. Their goal, along with Dr. Stephen Yao, is the hope that "Play It Safe" will become a mantra for youth sports. Watch the "Play It Safe" video on YouTube.

"As an orthodontist, my goal is to help patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime of good dental health," commented Dr. Yao. "It is very upsetting when I see a beautiful smile I created ruined by an easily preventable sports injury."

Sports-related injuries are the leading cause of emergency room visits in 12- to 17-year-olds according to the Centers for Disease Control. The damage caused by a ball, puck or elbow to the face can be devastating. "Unfortunately, many parents, kids and coaches don´t realize the damage a ball or on-field collision can cause until it´s too late," mentioned Dr. Yao. "Severe injuries when teeth are lost or fractured or jaws are broken are uncomfortable, time consuming, and expensive to repair. It also dooms the child to a lifetime of repeated dental care and maintenance."

"Many kids complain they can't breathe or play as well when wearing a mouth guard," added Dr Yao. "However, parents and coaches are encouraged to stand firm on mouth guard wear. It is up to them to reinforce the importance of wearing a mouth guard and encourage kids to comply, whether they like it or not."

Why Use a Mouth Guard

Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Over-the-counter versions may cost as little as five dollars, although custom-fit mouth guards offer greater protection. Also, not only do mouth guards save teeth from fracturing or total loss, they may protect a jaw from fracture or TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) injury. An orthodontist can recommend the best type of mouth guard for an athlete while wearing braces.

"Teeth are constantly moving during orthodontic treatment," stated Dr Yao. "When wearing braces, a special type of mouth guard is required to allow the teeth to move. Some mouth guards will prevent movement of teeth, delaying treatment." He continued to add, "If a patient is injured while playing a sport without a mouth guard, the braces can cause further damage to lips and cheeks. However, on a positive note, patients wearing braces are less susceptible to knocking a tooth out or fracturing teeth because the teeth are all wired securely diffusing the blow."

Wearing other types of protective equipment is important also. Many organized sports require helmets, which save lives and prevent head injuries. Face guards, devices made of plastic or metal attach to baseball, football, and hockey helmets also help to prevent facial injuries. To help parents and coaches, the AAO has four quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

1. Wear mouth guards during contact sports, whether organized or just playing with friends
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratches, abrasions, or bruised skin

Although mouth guards are recommended for all young athletes, they are a must for orthodontic patients during and after treatment to maintain the correction and beautiful healthy smile everyone worked so hard to achieve.

"Braces for Pretty Faces" provides the latest in state-of-the art orthodontic care and Invisalign for adults, teens, and children. Dr Stephen Yao is one of the Top 10 Invisalign Premier Elite Treatment Providers in the World. Invisalign is the braceless alternative to straightening teeth and very popular with teens and adults who are uncomfortable with traditional braces.

To learn more about the services provided by San Jose, CA orthodontist Dr. Stephen Yao visit: www.smilebysanjoseorthodontist.com or www.bracesbysanjoseorthodontist.com. To schedule a complimentary new patient evaluation with Dr. Stephen Yao call 1-408-997-7772 for the 4010 Moorpark Avenue location in San Jose, CA or 1-408-997-7772 for the 6489 Camden Avenue Location in San Jose, CA.

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