Fall is a time for football and plenty of other impact sports. If your child is one of the many students who take to the field only to experience multiple bumps, bruises, and maybe even broken bones throughout the season, you might want to consider how you can better protect them from facing a children’s dental emergency. With each hit or pass, you might still cringe while sitting in the stands, by taking proper measures, you can ensure their smile will be protected throughout the game. Find out how.
Wear a Mouthguard
Any time your child participates in a contact sport or activity that puts them in contact with hard objects, it is best if they wear a mouthguard to prevent injury. An impact with the mouth can cause chipped or broken teeth, soft tissue lacerations, and even a fractured jaw. A mouthguard can be designed to fit your child’s mouth comfortably while they play.
Not only will it prevent their teeth from coming into contact with each other, but it will also lessen the impact should they be hit or receive a ball to the face.
Use the Right Toothpaste
Buying a toothpaste that not only protects against tooth decay but strengthens tooth enamel will be beneficial for your child when playing sports. The stronger their teeth are, the greater the chance their pearly whites will be unaffected should an injury occur. While not all accidents will be without a chip or crack, if your child uses a fluoride toothpaste to build up the durability and strength of their teeth, it can certainly make it harder for a sudden impact to affect their teeth.
Wear a Helmet
You’ve told them a thousand times to wear a helmet while riding their bike, but the same goes for playing sports. Football, baseball, hockey, and even skiing are sports that should have your child wearing a helmet for protection. They’ve been known to protect against concussions, broken facial bones, and cuts or tears in the gums, lips, and cheeks.
Don’t let your child miss out on playing their favorite sport just because you’re concerned they’ll get hurt. The best course of action is to talk to your child’s dentist about proper treatment methods to protect their teeth while on the field, slopes, or in the rink. Sports of any king come with a warning label, but if you take the right steps, you can navigate through the season without too many incidents.