Kuipers Orthodontics Promotes Sports Safety By Donating Mouth Guards
Online, October 6, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Burnsville, MN - Children and teens in Burnsville received custom-made mouth guards on Saturday, September 17th, during Kuipers Orthodontics' Mouth Guard Day. Dr. Peter Kuipers, a local orthodontist serving the community for more than 30 years, hosted the day in an effort to educate and encourage children to take proper precaution when participating in sports that may cause mouth and jaw injuries.
According to Safe Kids USA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 30 million children ages 5-14 participate in sports each year. Participation in sports is the primary cause of tooth loss in people under age 35. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that more than 3 million teeth will be accidently knocked out in youth sporting events in the United States this year.
"I have seen my fair share of mouth injuries, especially in children involved in sports," says Dr. Kuipers. "I am happy to see that so many young athletes understand the importance of proper mouth protection. It doesn't matter if you're a professional athlete or an amateur-you should wear a mouth guard."
A fall or collision can cause serious injury, emergency room visits and various oral health problems. Properly wearing a helmet, protective eyewear, face shield and a mouth guard can help to significantly reduce or prevent brain, eye, jaw and mouth injuries. According to the American Association of Orthodontist, 31 percent of parents say their child is undergoing orthodontic treatment while playing an organized sport. Children with braces should take additional care to protect their mouth and appliances while playing sports by using mouth guards, which are available at most pharmacies or can be custom-made for a better fit by an orthodontist or dentist.
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Kuipers Orthodontics has served the Burnsville, Bloomington and Red Wing communities for more than 30 years. Dr. Peter Kuipers and his team are committed to excellence in orthodontics, providing the highest quality of orthodontic treatment available in a professional and caring environment where our patients' individual needs are our top priority.