Drs. Erkis and Hickman, helping tackle sports injuries

Drs. Erkis and Hickman know sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why the office of Drs. Erkis and Hickman is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards.

Ask us - Drs. Erkis and Hickman can recommend the best mouth guard for you. In addition, the AAO has four quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with Drs. Erkis or Hickman.