Star player speaks about the importance of healthy habits in new video
Knoxville, Tenn. — (August 26, 2026) — Delta Dental of Tennessee (Delta Dental) today launched a statewide initiative in partnership with University of Tennessee star linebacker Arion Carter to encourage young athletes to wear mouthguards while playing sports at every age and ability level. The Vol Network produced a video in which Carter, a captain of the Volunteers’ football team, discusses the importance of wearing a mouthguard and how healthy habits have contributed to his success both on and off the field.
WATCH: UT’s Arion Carter talks mouthguards and healthy habits in new video
Mouthguards help protect your teeth and stabilize your jaw, minimizing the risk of injuries to the face, yet 67% of parents admitted that their children do not wear a mouthguard during organized sports, according to a survey commissioned by the American Association of Orthodontists. Pediatric sports and recreation dental injuries account for more than 11,000 emergency room visits per year.
"As a football player who hits someone on every play, wearing a mouthguard is my number one priority – and I hope it is for any young athlete today, regardless of what sport you are playing,” said Carter, a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient and member of the SEC Football Leadership Council. "Wearing a mouthguard while going out and dominating allows you to stay safe while also looking cool.”
Multiple studies have found that the highest number of dental injuries occur in basketball, where mouthguards are not required. Contact sports like football where mouthguards are required offer compelling evidence that wearing one can substantially lower a player’s risk of dental injury. Since mouthguard and faceguard requirements were implemented in high school and college football in the 1960s, the incidence of oral-facial injuries has dropped dramatically; by some estimates, from approximately 50% to under 1%.
Carter, a native of Smyrna, Tennessee, who recently graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in public health, also highlighted the importance of good oral hygiene and developing healthy habits and routines. Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease of childhood and can affect a child's health, school attendance, and academic success.
“Small, healthy habits, starting with brushing my teeth and washing my face in the morning, have always been a big deal for me,” added Carter. “It allows me to present myself the right way as I step outside the house and take on the world, and to be as focused and confident as possible. All it takes is 30 days to create a consistent routine, and once you find that routine, don’t deviate from it.”
"Developing healthy habits and consistent routines at a young age can help set kids up for success in school, in sports, and in life," said Jeff Ballard, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee. “Arion embodies that message and is a great example and inspiration for the thousands of kids across the state playing youth football and in other sports leagues who dream of playing on a bigger stage.”
To learn more about mouthguard usage, cleaning and care guidelines, and tips for what to do if your child does get a tooth knocked out, click here. To learn more about Delta Dental’s philanthropic work across Tennessee, visit DeltaDentalTN.com/GivingBack.
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Delta Dental of Tennessee
Delta Dental of Tennessee is the state’s largest independent dental benefits carrier with 1.8 million lives covered. As part of the Delta Dental Plans Association, Delta Dental of Tennessee members have access to the largest dental network in the nation, with more than 151,000 providers serving more than 411,958 locations. With the simple mission of ensuring healthy smiles, Delta Dental of Tennessee works hard to help members of the communities it serves. Along with its corporate foundation, Smile180, Delta Dental of Tennessee donated more than $5.0 million in funding and in-kind services to over 110 organizations in 2025.