The warm weather of summer in Tacoma means getting outside and being active. While these sports can help build a child’s confidence, team working skills and development, there is also an inherent risk of injury. As kids are out playing sports and other recreational activities, parents need to be wary of their health and protection of their child’s teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) reports that up to 39% of all pediatric dental injuries are sports-related. If your child participates in sports or activities, it is important to take necessary precautions to protect his or her teeth.
Common pediatric dental injuries or trauma includes dental intrusion, root fracture, chipped teeth, dislodged or knocked out teeth.
Preventing a Pediatric Dental Emergency
The best treatment for pediatric dental injuries or trauma is prevention. Parents, coaches and teachers should encourage all children involved in contact sports to wear a protective mouth guard. A properly fitted mouth guard can protect the entire mouth from traumatic injury, preserving both the appearance and the health of the smile.
There are different types of mouth guards, such as “boil and bite” and custom-fitted mouth guards. To determine which type is best for your child’s needs, discuss with your Tacoma family dentist.
It’s important to teach your child how to properly take care of their mouth guard. Keeping it as clean as possible will prevent the spread of germs. Make sure your child has a container to keep transport the mouth guard. Along with mouth guards, protective gear accessories such as helmets or face guards can also help prevent a dental injury.
Schedule an Appointment at Your Tacoma Family Dentistry
If you want any additional information on protecting your child’s teeth, contact our Tacoma dental clinic today. Our dedicated and knowledgable team at Plancich Dental is here to help answer any questions may have on pediatric teeth protection.