Compliments of
Arvind Kataria, D.D.S.

Welcome to this months issue of our newsletter. We are pleased to have the opportunity to say "hello", and to bring you tips for making the most of your smile!

Please enjoy our newsletter here and as seen in the Oakville Today's Tooth Doctor Column every week.

We would like to remind you of the importance of maintaining regular appointments to preserve your optimum oral health.

When you call to schedule your next appointment, remember to ask us about our latest promotions.

Enjoy this newsletter, and all the best.

Traumas to the mouth are always difficult, and not always necessarily because of the actual injury, but because it also means a visit to the dentist. One of the most upsetting thing to a parent (and to the child) is an accidental injury in which a child's tooth is chipped or knocked loose. Such injuries are often preventable if a properly fitted mouth guard is worn. Although mouth guards are not mandatory equipment in all sports, their worth is indisputable.

As dentists we see too many oral and facial injuries to children and adolescents that might have beenprevented by the use of a mouth guard. Even adults are not immune to the dangers of mouth injuires. Dentists treat many trauma injuries in weekend athletes. Fact is, facial injuries in nearly every sport can result in damage to your teeth, lips, cheeks or tongue.

So, whatever your age or sporting interests, mouth guards are
an important part of sports safety and should be a part of
every athlete's gear, because they cushion blows to the face and neck that could otherwise result in injury. Do what you can to protect your family's smiles and preserve their oral health by seeing the dentist for custom made mouth guards.

Amouth guard is especially important if a person wears fixed
dental appliances such as braces or bridgework. Custom mouth guards are professionally designed by the dentist from a cast model of your own teeth. Because they are designed to cover all back teeth and cushion the entire jay, they can
prevent concussions caused by blows to the chin. They fit securely in the mouth and do not interfere with speech or breathing.

Although inexpensive, ready made commercial mouth guards made of rubber of polyvinyl can be purchased at many sporting goods stores, they are the least effective in affording protection. Whether the sport of choice is football, hockey, skiing, cycling, roller blading, skate boarding or baseball; it's better to play it safe than face a devastating and painful oral injury.

Remember to keep your mouth guard in top shape by rinsing it with water or mouth wash after each use, and allowing it to air dry. With proper care, it should last the length of the season or longer.

Yours for better dental health,

Dr. Arvind Kataria / Dental Surgeon