Stratford Orthodontics Encourages Youth To Wear Mouth Guards During Vigorous Activity

As spring athlete's lace up their cleats and suit up to play ball, the doctors and staff at Stratford Orthodontics want to make sure they sport another important piece of equipment: mouth guards.

Dr. Jeff Kozlowski, Clinical Director at Stratford Orthodontics, urges children and teens to wear facial protection gear when participating in vigorous activities, especially athletics. Dr. Kozlowski is seeking to raise awareness of sports safety and increase the use of mouth guards in children and youth sport activities. More than 30 million children ages 5-14 participate in sports each year—which is the primary cause of tooth loss in people under age 35, according to Safe Kids USA and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Furthermore, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, 31 percent of parents say their child is undergoing orthodontic treatment while playing an organized sport. "Every year, I treat numerous people who have sustained mouth or jaw injuries that could have been prevented with the use of facial protection," Dr. Kozlowski said. "It is my priority to create further awareness of the essential benefits of mouth guards and prevent unnecessary injuries." For a mouth guard to be most effective, it is essential that it fit properly and stay in place during strenuous activity. Custom mouth guards offer the best fit and protection because they cover all of your teeth. In an effort to give back to our community, we offer local sports teams' special pricing for custom fit mouth guards. Please call Stratford Orthodontics at (203) 375-8332 for more information. Mouth guards prevent: • Lip and facial laceration • Dental fracture • Tooth displacement • Jaw fracture • Concussion ### Stratford Orthodontics is a local orthodontic practice that serves the Stratford, CT area. The Stratford Orthodontics team uses the latest technological advances in the industry, such as Damon Brace, Insignia and Invisalign®, along with the latest in computer technology to ensure that patients receive the most effective care possible. For more information about Stratford Orthodontics and orthodontic treatment, please visit www.stratfordsmile.com.