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Play it safe and wear a mouth guard, warn dentists

Athletes who wear braces should always wear a form of mouth protection when taking part in sport, it has been claimed.

Speaking to New Jersey news site APP.com, West Creek orthodontics Dr Amy James and Dr Greg DeFelice reminded brace wearers that April is National Facial Protection Month in the US.

"Play it safe" is their advice in sport, adding that parents and coaches need to remind their young athletes that mouth guards and other appropriate protective gears can prevent serious injuries.

"Athletes who wear braces should consult their orthodontist for a recommendation of the best mouth guard to wear during orthodontic treatment," said Dr James.

For players who do receive a dental injury, parents or coaches need to clean the area and apply ice before calling a dentist straightaway, the experts advised.

The American Association of Endodontists has claimed that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury if they do not wear a mouth guard. ADNFCR-1374-ID-18562971-ADNFCR