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Prevent Broken Noses, Chipped Teeth, and Jaw Fractures

SURG Blog-Bitonti-Prevent Broken Noses, Chipped Teeth, and Jaw Fractures

Every year, children need emergency care for facial injuries that could have been prevented if they had been wearing a mouth guard or protective headgear. To raise awareness about this issue, healthcare providers nationwide are recognizing National Facial Protection Month in April to remind parents to play it safe in organized and recreational sports by making sure their children have the proper equipment to protect their faces year-round.

Up to 18 percent of sports injuries are related to the face, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). Fractures can occur to the jaw, cheekbones, nose, eye socket, and frontal sinus area. These injuries can affect a child’s ability to breathe, speak, and swallow.

Children between the ages of 7 and 11 are most vulnerable to sports-related mouth injuries, according to the AAOMS. Fortunately, wearing a mouth guard can significantly reduce a child’s risk of having a tooth knocked out or injuring their jaw.

While some parents choose to have a custom mouth guard made for their child, other options include stock mouth guards, which are pre-formed, and boil-and-bite mouth guards, which can be shaped to a child’s mouth.

Mouth guards are most effective when they cover the upper and lower teeth and gums and provide a good fit. When a child wears their mouth guard, it should not misalign their jaw or change their bite. Look for a mouth guard that’s lightweight, strong, and easy to clean.

Some parents may think their child doesn’t need to wear a mouth guard because it isn’t required to participate. However, mouth guards should be worn while playing any type of contact sport. This includes any type of activity where a player is likely to have their face come into contact with the pavement, a hard surface, or another player. Kids who participate in soccer, BMX biking, skateboarding, and in-line skating should wear a mouth guard as well as other protective helmets and equipment.

Wearing a mouth guard might feel strange at first, but children get used to wearing them with time. Parents can help their child become accustomed by making sure the mouth guard fits properly.

If your child suffers a facial injury, make sure to seek appropriate emergency care.

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About This Author

Dr. David Bitonti, Pediatric Surgeon at CHKD, Plastic and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Dr. David Bitonti is a pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgeon at CHKD. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining CHKD, Dr. Bitonti spent two years in private practice before joining the staff at the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center as the Dental Service Chief and oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Learn more about plastic and oral maxillofacial surgery at CHKD

Meet Our Blogger: David Bitonti, DMD, FACD, FICD