Eyes, Mouth & Jaw

There are more than 100,000 sports-related eye injuries every year with 42,000 requiring emergency care.  90 percent of those injuries could be prevented just by wearing the proper eye protection. Why, then, do only 15 percent of children consistently wear the recommended protective eyewear?

Although commonly used to protect an athlete's teeth during contact sports, mouthguards are now being questioned for their potential to injure a player's mouth, and possibly to even cause exercise-induced asthma and allergies.  A new study finds that mouth-guards may increase the number and intensity of mouth cuts and abrasions, exposing an athlete to an increased chance of infection due to the bacteria, yeast, and fungi they collect.  Replacement every 14 days, or earlier if the mouthguard develops sharp or jagged edges, is now recommended.

July is Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month, and through its EyeSmart^TM campaign the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to remind consumers to leave fireworks to professionals.

A new survey reveals parents do not take advantage of some inexpensive protective sports gear, such as mouth guards, in many kids' sports. Since many oral sports injuries can be prevented by wearing mouth guards, why aren't more parents and kids getting the message?

As many as 9 out of 10 of all sports-related eye injuries can be prevented by wearing protective eyewear.  Here are some tips on buying protective goggles for your child.

April is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month, and through its EyeSmart^TM campaign the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds the public that 40,000 people suffer from eye injuries related to sports every year. The Academy advocates the need for athletes to wear appropriate, sport-specific protective eyewear properly fitted by an eye care professional.

Properly fitted mouth guards reduce the oral-facial injury rate significantly in sports and are recommended for all contact sports by the NFHS.

Emergency treatment advice in the event your child suffers a serious dental injury while playing sports.

Researchers have determined that the two most popular brands of football helmet faceshields can withstand a hit equivalent to a kick in the face and provide that protection without disrupting players' vision.  The faceshields' protective potential bolsters an argument favoring mandatory use of the shields for college-age football players and younger.