How Arizona's starting pitcher is setting an example with a well-protected smile

ST. LOUIS, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This April, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is partnering with Arizona's starting pitcher, Patrick Corbin, to promote National Facial Protection Month.  An All-Star example of safety on the field, Corbin consistently wears a mouth guard from his position on the pitching mound and while at bat.

Corbin is dedicated to facial protection, and created a radio public service campaign to encourage athletes of all ages to cover their bases when it comes to protecting their mouth, teeth and face. 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 to play it safe during recreational and organized sports by wearing a mouth guard and appropriate safety gear at every practice and every game.

Corbin, All-Star starting pitcher for Arizona, is a prime example of a professional athlete who takes protecting his teeth seriously. When baseballs can be hit at speeds over 100 mph in professional baseball games, Corbin protects himself on the pitching 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."

Not only does his mouth guard provide protection to his face, Corbin says it improves his game. He wears his mouth guard to align his jaw with his center of gravity. The alignment helps alleviate the muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and back, which in some ways allows this All-Star pitcher to reach maximum velocity and performance.

"We are fortunate to partner with Patrick Corbin, and applaud him for consistently wearing his mouth guard.  He sets a great example for athletes of all ages, which drives home the importance of protecting the teeth and face," says Gayle Glenn, D.D.S, M.S.D., president of the AAO.  "It's a message we hope everyone takes seriously in April and all year round."

About National Facial Protection Month
National Facial Protection Month is sponsored annually during the month of April by the American Association of Orthodontists (www.mylifemysmile.org), the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (www.aaoms.org), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (www.mychildrensteeth.org), the Academy for Sports Dentistry (www.academyforsportsdentistry.org), and the American Dental Association (www.mouthhealthy.org).

About the American Association of Orthodontists
Founded in 1900, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization.  It represents 17,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.  The AAO encourages and sponsors key research to enable its members to provide the highest quality of care to patients, and is committed to educating the public about the need for, and benefits of, orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws.  Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education in orthodontics beyond dental school at an accredited orthodontic residency program. For more information, visit www.mylifemysmile.org.

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SOURCE American Association of Orthodontists