Playing sports is one of the best ways for your kids to get the exercise and socializing that they need. The only concern is how to handle it when they get hurt? Protecting your children’s teeth while they play sports, not just heavy-contact sports, is incredibly important. The general cost of fixing a missing tooth can be twenty times more expensive than using other, easier methods. If something does happen, don’t hesitate to remedy the situation. You can schedule an emergency appointment by calling your nearest office. Visit our locations page to find an office near you!
So, what can you do to prevent unnecessary headaches…or toothaches?
#1: Practice Makes Perfect
We know you’ve heard this before. But what better way to prevent injury than to help get your child playing to their best ability? As your child improves, they will be less likely to receive a football or a hockey puck to the face. Also teach your kids to avoid unnecessary roughness. Often children will listen if you stress the importance of not hurting others, and by proxy, themselves. Of course, these efforts do not account for accidents and other injuries on the court or field. These can be further helped by…
#2: Helmets
You wouldn’t send your child out onto the football field without a helmet, right? Helmets protect more than just a child’s head, though; especially ones with face guards. These can prevent your child from breaking or losing a tooth entirely. Even helmets without the additional front face guard help kids by decreasing the impact they take to their heads, which can cause them to bite down hard enough to break or chip teeth. For those children participating in non-contact sports such as swimming or soccer, consider still having them wear a helmet. If that is not an option, the best method to preventing losing a tooth is…
#3: Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are the best method for preventing your child from losing or chipping a tooth. Mouth guards are sold at most sports stores, and usually come in one-size-fits-all. These are generally cheaper, but might not fit your child’s mouth properly. We recommend getting a custom-made mouth guard. These will better protect your child, and are still far cheaper than the alternative: coming in for a replacement tooth.
You might be thinking that your child won’t like to wear a mouth guard. There are a few ways to make this more appealing to them.
- Consider also wearing a mouth guard while playing with your child. Show some support!
- Explain to a child that even superheroes wear protective gear to keep them safe while fighting crime!
- Have your child practice wearing the guard while doing things besides sports to help them become accustomed to it.
Taking measures to keep your child safe while participating in sports will both make you feel more comfortable, and save you money!
