Dr. Gottsegen wants to know: Are you wearing your mouth guard?

Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our team at Gottsegen Orthodontics know sports-related injuries are common among kids nowadays. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. Another 67 percent admitted their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when playing sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

That’s why the team Gottsegen Orthodontics is doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—we'll recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Remind them to:

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

All of these can reduce injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our office in New Orleans or Metairie. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues.