Dr. Valeria Poggio, helping you save face this fall

Last week, Dr. Poggio and our staff discussed the importance of wearing your retainer after completing your treatment at Otay Lakes Orthodontics. Today, however, we thought we'd talk about another important appliance you should always have handy: your mouth guard.

The fall months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of our athletes in treatment damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Chula Vista orthodontist Dr. Poggio for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing fall sports such as soccer, basketball and especially football.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field:

• 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. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment!