What Can I Do to Protect My Child's Teeth When They Play Sports?

Physical activity is good for everyone. It’s especially good for children. For many kids, being physically active means being involved in sports. Sports offer a range of developmental benefits, and are overall a good thing. Still, a bad collision with another player, a nasty fall, or a ball that doesn’t quite get caught can spell trouble for teeth.

Have Them Wear a Mouthguard

Depending on the sport, wearing a mouthguard may be a requirement or just a recommendation. Whether it’s a requirement or not, it’s still probably a good idea. Mouthguards help keep your kid from losing, chipping, or cracking teeth while they play. One of the nice things about mouthguards is that they tend to be fairly affordable. Look for mouthguards that have the American Dental Association seal of acceptance, since these ones are designed to meet the dental profession’s standards for protecting teeth and lips.

Encourage the Use of Headgear

One of the best things you can do to protect just about any part of your child’s head, including their teeth, is to encourage them to use the headgear that is appropriate for their sport. Headgear that has faceguards can be especially helpful when it comes to protecting more than just the skull. They can play a key role in preventing teeth from breaking or from being lost altogether.

Know What to Do in an Emergency

Accidents and injuries are to be expected when your child participates in sports. If you want to protect your child’s teeth, you need to know what to do if a dental emergency were to arise. If your child happens to lose a tooth, don’t try to put it back. Instead, hold it by the crown and do your best to rinse it off. Put it in milk, water, or saliva to keep it moist. Light pressure with a cold compress will help control your child’s bleeding. Do your best to keep them calm and contact us at Maccaro Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry immediately.

One of the many jobs that you have as a parent is to protect your child. Even things that are generally good for them, like participating in sports, sometimes require you to take measures to help them stay safe while they enjoy them. Do what you can to help keep your child’s teeth safe and then let us help if necessary.

Parents of kids who play sports should know about sports dentistry. Learn more here: Sports Dentistry