April is National Facial Protection Month, Help Athletes Play It Safe

April marks National Facial Protection Month, an important reminder that while spring sports bring excitement and opportunity, they also bring an increased risk of dental and facial injuries for athletes of all ages.

Each year, thousands of dental injuries occur during sports and everyday activities like biking, skateboarding, and scootering. In fact, youth sports alone account for an estimated 22,000 dental injuries annually in children under 18, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. These injuries can be painful, costly, and often require ongoing treatment.

The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable with the right protective equipment and habits.

Five Ways to Help Athletes Stay Protected

Parents, coaches, and athletes can reduce the risk of dental and facial injuries by making protective gear part of the routine:

• Make mouth guards routine.  Athletes should wear mouth guards during both practices and games. Custom-fitted mouth guards provide the highest level of protection and comfort.
• Check helmet fit and condition. Helmets should fit properly and be in good condition for activities such as football, cycling, skateboarding, and more.
• Protect the eyes.  Sport-specific protective eyewear or goggles can prevent serious eye injuries.
• Use face shields or guards when available. These can reduce the risk of injury from balls, sticks, bats, and player contact.
• Do a quick safety check before play. Ensure all protective equipment is properly fitted before practice, competition, or recreational activities.

Spring sports should be remembered for great moments, teamwork, and fun, not preventable injuries. As leaders in sports dentistry, ASD members play a critical role in educating athletes, families, and communities about the importance of facial protection.

We encourage our members to help spread the word throughout April by sharing prevention tips with patients, teams, and on social media using #PlayItSafe.

Together, we can help athletes of all ages enjoy sports safely while protecting their smiles.

Thank you for your continued commitment to athlete safety and the advancement of sports dentistry.