From Cookies to Mouthguards

What an amazing time we had during our Troops4Troops Girl Scout cookie campaign. In total,, 47 local Girl Scout Troops sold us cookies to support our service men and women overseas. The response was amazing. We wanted to thank each troop, troop leader, cookie mom, and girl scout who helped out… you girls rock! The cookies will be made into care packages and sent to the troops overseas. Many boxes will also stay in local food pantries in Souderton, Perkasie, Lansdale, Quakertown, and Pennsburg.

Another event we are proud to sponsor this month is our Mouthguard Campaign. We at OSIV believe that every young athlete benefits from a mouthguard. In many contact sports mouth guards are already required, but there are several sports where there is still a great risk for mouth trauma (see the following image courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists)

Here are some facts about mouth guards and mouth trauma that you may not know:

• Injuries to the mouth and teeth can occur at any age, but they are especially prevalent in young children and teenagers. They are most common in children under the age of 10.
• Falls cause most mouth injuries in preschool children, and sports cause most oral injuries in children of school age.
• The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that more than 3 million teeth will be knocked out in youth sporting activities.
• Mouthguards have been shown effective in preventing mouth trauma and injury to the teeth.
• Not only do mouthguards help prevent tooth damage, which can be expensive in the short and long term, but a properly fitted mouthguard also reduces the risk of concussion during sports.

In March and April, we are happy to provide mouthguards for the girl’s lacrosse team at Souderton Area High School. Thank you, Coach Nancy Offner, and best of luck this season. We are also sponsoring the lacrosse league of Deep Run with mouthguards. Coach Bill and the organization at Deep Run Valley Sports do an amazing job organizing youth sports for our region. If you or your child athlete needs a mouthguard, please reach out! It would be our pleasure to provide you with one free of charge! That’s how strongly we believe in preventing mouth injuries. Our phone number is 215-799-4602. Life is better when you’re always giving.