Fountain Valley, Calif. (July 29, 2016) - Leading athletic protection and performance brand Shock Doctor announced today an official relationship with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). As exclusive promotional partners Shock Doctor will work extensively with the AAO to promote mouthguard adoption among youth athletes in orthodontic treatment.

Wearing a mouthguard is important for any youth athlete's health, as hard hits can occur in any organized or recreational sport. According to the American Dental Association about 80 percent of traumatic dental injuries occur to the two front teeth. Despite the risk of orofacial injuries, mouthguard adoption remains low, with 67 percent of parents who responded to an AAO survey stating their child does not wear a mouthguard.^*

Mouthguards are critical for all athletes but they're especially important when you're being treated by an orthodontist, because a blow can damage any fixed or removable orthodontic device as well as the teeth, mouth and face, said DeWayne B. McCamish, DDS, MS, president of the AAO, "Orthodontists we see patients who suffer injuries that could have been prevented by mouthguards". Preventing trauma is a commitment both Shock Doctor and the AAO share.

As part of the multi-year agreement, Shock Doctor will use the AAO logo on designated retail packaging and point of sale displays. Shock Doctor will also participate in AAO's‚ "Your Smile is Your Best Fashion Accessory" fashion event in New York City on September 7, 2016, the eve of New York's Fashion Week. In addition, Shock Doctor and expert AAO spokespersons will educate consumers about the importance of mouthguard use among athletes of all ages.

The health and safety of athletes, especially at the youth level, is our top priority across all our brands, said Tony Armand, CEO of United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor. The AAO and its members are dental health experts, and our association with them reaffirms our commitment at the highest levels.

The partnership with USA Football reinforces our commitment to advancing coach and player development, participation and safety, said Tony Armand, CEO of United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor, McDavid and Cutters. All of our brands place great importance on supporting the needs of athletes for both performance and protection, especially at the youth level‚ and partnering with USA Football provides us with the opportunity to elevate our commitment from a multi-brand approach.

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 more than 18,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. The Association 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. For more information about orthodontics or to find AAO member orthodontists in your area, please visit: mylifemysmile.org

^*https://www.mylifemysmile.org/facial-protection

CONTACT:

Mitch Hopton: mhopton@unitedspb.com / (866) 253-1311