Protecting Your Child’s Smile on the Field
Did you know that mouth injuries are the most common type of injury sustained in sports? According to the American Dental Association, around 200,000 mouth injuries occur each year in the United States alone.
Learn how you can help your favorite star athlete keep avoid dental emergencies and keep their smile healthy and intact:
The Importance of Avoiding Dental Injuries
Mouth injuries can range from a simple cut or scrape to a broken tooth or even a concussion. In severe cases, mouth injuries can even be life-threatening. That’s why it’s so crucial for athletes of all levels to take precautions to protect their mouths while playing sports.
To prevent injuries or poor oral health on the field, use these tips:
Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dry Mouth
Intense breathing during sports can lead to dry mouth — which creates an opportunity for harmful bacteria that leads to gum disease and other oral health issues. Remind your child to stay hydrated, choosing water over sugary sports drinks that cause cavities. Unsweetened coconut water is an excellent alternative because it’s low in sugar and packed with electrolytes and potassium, supporting healthy muscles.
Wear a Mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard, a helmet, and being aware of mouth safety can help athletes avoid dental emergencies. Mouthguards protect your teeth from damage if you play contact sports such as baseball, soccer, football, hockey, or lacrosse. Even with a mouthguard, your athlete should try to avoid hard surfaces such as collisions with bases or goalposts as much as possible to prevent possible injury.
It is essential to wear a mouthguard that fits properly. At ProHEALTH Dental, we offer custom-made mouthguards to ensure it fits your child’s smile appropriately and protects their teeth.
Custom-made mouthguards are professionally fitted to the child’s individual characteristics, giving a comfortable fit and ease of talking and breathing. Be sure to properly care for your child’s mouthguard to keep it clean!
Learn How to Handle a Dental Emergency
An accident can happen in the blink of an eye — especially during a game. In the event of a dental emergency, it is vital to seek treatment immediately. If your child has been injured while playing, use this advice and head to the dentist immediately:
- If your child has a mouth injury, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth.
- If you think your child may have a broken tooth, try to find the piece of tooth and bring it with you to the dentist.
- If your child has a loose tooth, do not try to wiggle or pull it out. Seek treatment from a dentist immediately.
Pediatric Dentistry in New York & New Jersey
Our pediatric dentists at ProHEALTH Dental provide preventative and general dentistry to children compassionately and gently. Our warm and welcoming atmosphere will help your children stay relaxed and calm.
Contact our team today to book an appointment with our pediatric dentists and discuss sports mouthguards. Remember to sign up for our text message program to help keep track of your family’s routine dental checkups, as well!