The AAO will work with Arizona’s starting pitcher, Patrick Corbin, to promote National Facial Protection Month in April.  Corbin is dedicated to facial protection and worked with the AAO on a radio public service campaign to encourage athletes of all ages to protect their mouths, teeth and faces. His goal is to remind players of the importance of wearing a mouth guard, and the serious repercussions of an injury to the teeth.

National Facial Protection Month is an annual initiative that reminds athletes that wearing a mouth guard and appropriate safety gear at every practice and every game will help them stay safe during recreational and organized sports.

Corbin, All-Star starting pitcher for Arizona, is a prime example of a professional athlete who takes protecting his teeth seriously. Because baseballs may be hit at speeds over 100 mph in professional games, the pitcher protects himself on the mound by always wearing a mouth guard.

“Wearing a mouth guard on the field is just as important as any other protective gear,” says Corbin. “In baseball, a line drive can come at you when you least expect it, and it’s crucial to be protected at all times.”

AAO members may download the Patrick Corbin PSAs and, if desired, notify local radio stations about the PSAs and ask that they be aired. The PSAs are available in 10-second, 15-second and 30-second formats.

In addition, a 3.5” by 2.5” Patrick Corbin “baseball card” featuring facial protection information, which may be printed out and distributed, is now available in the AAO Facial Protection Month collection (see below). Instructions for printing the card for distribution to patients are included. Also available is an 8” by 10” photo of Patrick Corbin that can be displayed in your office. All materials may be used from April 1 through May 15, 2014.

About National Facial Protection Month

National Facial Protection Month is sponsored annually during the month of April by the AAO, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Academy for Sports Dentistry and the American Dental Association.

To view additional resources that AAO members can use to promote facial protection in their practices and communities, visit the Practice Management section of aaoinfo.org. Resources include:

  • A poster showing activities in which wearing a mouth guard is essential to safety;
  • Copy for a parents’ message about facial protection and mouth guards for orthodontic patients;
  • A link to the AAO “Bubble Wrap” video, a short, humorous video showing that mouth guards are better for protecting kids than wrapping them in bubble wrap. The video is ideal for posting on orthodontic practice websites or social media pages;
  • The downloadable AAO dental injuries flier, Prevent Accidents, But Know What to do if One Occurs. The flier may be customized by AAO members for community distribution or posting on practice websites.