Dental Advice for Kids Who Play Sports
Playing sports offers plenty of benefits for children, like learning to work as a team. However, it can also result in dental injuries if your kids aren’t careful (and even sometimes when they are). Kids already undergoing dental treatments may have to take special precautions to prevent injuries. According to the AAPD, 10-39% of children’s dental injuries are caused by sports. Use these tips and tricks to deal with dental care while your little one plays sports activities.
Have Your Dentist’s Phone Number at the Ready
Always have the number of your family dentist handy. Ensure the dentist is available for walk-in emergencies, such as a broken or chipped tooth. This is a great way to ensure your little one receives care as soon as possible after an accident happens. Save your family dentist’s number in your phone and note their available office hours.
Make Sure Your Child Always Wears a Mouth Guard
Mouth guards are specially designed to help keep your child’s teeth protected. Mouth guards can prevent chipped and broken teeth before they happen. The mouth guard absorbs most of the impact, providing a buffer of protection for your child’s teeth. A lot of sports don’t require these, like basketball. However, mouthguards, like tackle football, are essential for contact sports that can cause injuries.
Make Sure Your Child Follows a Proper Hygiene Routine
Taking care of your teeth can go a long way in preventing accidents before they happen. Teeth with cavities and decaying teeth are more brittle and break more easily than healthy teeth. Make sure your child knows to brush, floss, and use mouthwash regularly. Contact your family dentist to ensure you receive regular check-ups. Everyone should follow this piece of advice, especially children involved in sports.
Have Your Child Avoid Sugary Drinks
Sports drinks and playing sports go hand in hand, but avoiding sugary drinks is best. Sugary drinks do little to help with hydration, and the excess sugar can erode tooth enamel, causing cavities and decay. Instead, invest in drinks known for having little or no sugar. Water is always a great idea if you need help with what to bring to the game.
Preventative care is the best way to prevent dental emergencies, but they may still happen. If your child has a broken or chipped tooth, a family dentist in Las Vegas can help you fix your child’s smile. Contact us today at Hudson Family Dental to learn more about our services.