Have you ever wished you could bottle up some of your child’s energy and save it for yourself? If so, you are not alone. Kids are full of energy and like to try new things. They also don’t know the dangers associated with combining their energy and trying new things. We’ve all heard stories about children who chipped or lost permanent teeth because they weren’t properly prepared for the risks that come with athletic or dangerous activities. You want to protect your children from everything bad, but it’s always a challenge to know what they’re up to, and it’s impossible to watch their every move. Fortunately, parents can take a few simple steps to keep their children’s teeth in their mouths and off the sidewalk or field.
- Mouthguards―Sports such as hockey and football are major causes of dislodged teeth among children, right? Wrong. Mouthguards have been mandatory equipment in these sports for decades and fortunately have reduced the number of dental injuries for players, but other sports pose risks that you might not expect. Baseball, basketball and even gymnastics can be a danger to your child’s smile if you don’t make sure he or she uses a mouthguard. Equestrian activities are another commonly overlooked activity when it comes to using a mouthguard.
- Helmets―While mouthguards protect the lips, gums and teeth from direct impact, a well-designed helmet can make sure that the threat―be it the sidewalk, a hockey puck or an errant kick from a careless teammate―never even reaches your child’s mouth. The right helmet also reduces the risk of concussion or worse, traumatic brain injury, something that can have severe and far-reaching consequences.
Make sure your child’s protective equipment is effective and up-to-date.
Ask about how to protect your child’s teeth from traumatic injuries. Dr. Sjostrom’s specialty residency training and experience have given him the opportunity to treat many dental injuries and he can help you make informed choices to minimize your child’s risk.
