This month we're spreading the word to remind both children and adults: as you suit up for outdoor activities this spring, don't forget to protect your face and head. Spring often brings a flood of patients suffering with head, mouth and facial injuries resulting from sports-related accidents to doctors' offices and emergency rooms. Many oral and facial injuries can be easily prevented with the use of sports safety equipment like helmets and mouth guards.

National Facial Protection Month is sponsored by the Academy for Sports Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Association of Orthodontists. Together we encourage children and adults to enjoy the pleasures of the season by using common sense and taking the necessary precautions to prevent sports injuries.

For more information about the prevention and treatment of facial injury, visit MyOMS.org.

Help raise awareness. Here you'll find a wealth of resources – facts and statistics, flyers and posters to download and share, and tips for avoiding injuries.

Dr. William Nelson, DDS, discussed National Facial Protection Month on Dr. Kvitko’s April 13, 2014 Dentally Speaking podcast.

April is National Facial Protection Month. Learn more at MyOMS.org/SaveFace.