Safeguarding Smiles

Medina Orthodontics

April isn't just about showers bringing May flowers; it's also a time to highlight the importance of safeguarding our smiles. National Facial Protection Month serves as a reminder of the significance of protecting our faces during sports and recreational activities.

Sports and recreational activities bring joy, camaraderie, and numerous health benefits. However, they also pose risks, particularly to our faces. According to the American Dental Association, sports-related injuries account for a significant portion of dental injuries each year. From knocked-out teeth to fractured jaws, these injuries can be painful, costly, and sometimes irreversible.

The good news is that many sports-related facial injuries are preventable with the use of proper protective gear. Mouthguards, helmets, face masks, and protective eyewear function as a barrier against potential impacts, reducing the risk of injury to the face, mouth, and jaw. These simple yet effective tools can make all the difference in preserving your smile and overall oral health.

National Facial Protection Month serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of facial protection in sports and recreational activities. It's a time for athletes, coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals to come together and advocate for injury prevention strategies. By promoting education, proper equipment usage, and adherence to safety guidelines, we can create safer environments for participants of all ages and skill levels.

How to Protect Your Smile

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, taking proactive steps to protect your smile is essential. Here are some practical tips to minimize the risk of facial injuries during sports and recreational activities:

• Wear a Mouthguard: Invest in a custom-fitted mouthguard, especially if you participate in contact sports like football, hockey, or basketball. A well-fitting mouthguard provides cushioning and protection for your teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue.
• Use Appropriate Headgear: Depending on the activity, wear helmets, face masks, or protective eyewear to shield your head and face from impact. Make sure the gear fits properly and meets safety standards recommended for your sport.
• Practice Safe Play: Follow the rules of the game and encourage sportsmanship among players. Avoid reckless behavior that increases the likelihood of collisions or injuries to yourself and others.
• Stay Alert and Aware: Be mindful of your surroundings and potential hazards on the field, court, or playground. Stay focused on the game while remaining vigilant to avoid accidents or collisions.
• Maintain Proper Technique: Learn and practice proper techniques for your sport to reduce the risk of injury. Proper form and body mechanics can help minimize the impact of falls, collisions, and other incidents.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule routine dental checkups to assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw. Early detection of dental issues allows for prompt treatment and intervention to prevent further damage.

As we celebrate National Facial Protection Month, let's commit to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our smiles. By raising awareness, advocating for proper protective gear, and promoting injury prevention strategies, we can enjoy sports and recreational activities with greater peace of mind. Together, let's safeguard our smiles for a lifetime of health and happiness.

If you have any questions on how to protect your smile while playing sports (especially when in braces treatment), feel free to contact Medina Orthodontics. Our team of experienced professionals are here to help. 

 

How to Solve Emergencies at Home

Medina Orthodontics

At Medina Orthodontics, we want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur while in orthodontic treatment and understand how to temporarily solve them until it is possible to return to our office.

If you ever find yourself in what you believe to be an orthodontic emergency, the first step is to determine the severity of the problem...is it really a true emergency or is it a less serious issue that you can fix yourself?

Most orthodontic problems are minor although some may irritate your mouth or cause discomfort. In general, the best approach is to try to ease the source of the problem, and then call our office to schedule an appointment.

Here are five common orthodontic problems you may be able to take care of at home, prior to scheduling a visit to our orthodontic office.

1. Loose band or bracket: While a tight band or bracket actually protects a tooth from decay, a loose band or bracket is extremely dangerous and decay can occur under it very rapidly. If a band or bracket comes loose from the tooth and is still attached to a wire, leave it in place and apply wax if there is discomfort. If the band or bracket comes completely out, place it in an envelope and call for an appointment.

2. Poking wire: Sometimes a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes you discomfort. Try to tuck the wire back in and out of the way with the blunt end of a toothbrush. If you are unable to take care of a poking wire, apply wax and call our office for an appointment.

3. Loose Teeth and Soreness: It’s natural for teeth to become slightly loose when wearing braces. Sometimes this tooth movement can be accompanied by tenderness, especially immediately after braces are fitted or adjusted. Try taking over-the-counter pain relief. Rinsing your mouth twice a day with a cup of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt can also be soothing. A heating pad or warm washcloth placed on your face may help to relieve tenderness as well.

4. Food Stuck Between Teeth: Use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food. If you cut your gums, tongue, or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call your family dentist for an appointment.

5. Ulcers or Mouth Sores: Sometimes your gums or mouth may be irritated by contact with your braces; in certain cases, this irritation causes small sores or ulcers. While they can be uncomfortable, they are normal and will go away quickly. Avoid touching the ulcers with your fingers. Cover the irritating bracket or wire with wax and take over-the-counter pain medications if you feel discomfort. You may also find topic gels helpful, as they will slowly and safely eradicate your sores.

And remember…if you are a patient in retention and your retainer cracks or breaks, remove the retainer from your mouth and bring all the pieces to our office for professional repair or replacement.