The world can come to a screeching halt whenever you experience a dental emergency—but when it’s your child’s smile in danger, things can really seem alarming! That’s why you should take measures to ensure that this summer, your little one’s pearly whites are healthy and safeguarded from the likes of disaster. Here are three tips from your trusted pediatric dentist that’ll help you prevent dental emergencies from derailing your family’s summer plans!
#1. Schedule a Routine Dental Checkup
No matter what your child’s summertime schedule includes, you shouldn’t hesitate to get a dental visit marked on their calendar before things get too hectic. This will allow their dentist to inspect their mouth and ensure it doesn’t just look great—it’s healthy going into the summer and fall months. Plus, since your kids won’t be in school during the summer, you won’t have to worry about pulling them out of class or making up any tests!
#2. Sports Safety Is the Name of the Game
If your child actively participates in sports, both contact and non-contact, as well as other intensive physical activities and games, you should be sure that they’re outfitted with the proper safety equipment; believe it or not, a large percentage of all dental-related emergencies can be traced back to sports injuries! That said, a protective mouthguard can go a long way toward protecting your child’s teeth, even more so if they have orthodontics. You can also talk to your child’s dentist about getting them a customized mouthguard; these tend to work a little better than their store-bought counterparts, though any mouthguard is better than none at all.
#3. Encourage a Healthy Diet
Nothing beats a popsicle or a snow cone on a hot summer day, and your child probably agrees! However, many of the frozen treats and sweets that are so popular during the summer are quite unhealthy for children’s and adults’ teeth alike. That said, you should try to encourage a healthy diet for your child and provide them with plenty of smart choices such as fruits and veggies, lean proteins, nuts, cheeses, yogurts, and more. Also, be sure that they’re drinking plenty of water!
#4. Update Your Dental Emergency Kit
Although it’s not possible to prevent dental emergencies entirely, you can still adequately prepare for them; this way, if something happens to your child, you can quickly leap into action and assist them! Consider stocking up your emergency supply cabinet with the following useful and affordable items:
- A card including your child’s dentist’s name and phone number
- Gauze or a clean handkerchief
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- A small plastic container for displaced teeth
By following these useful tips, you can easily safeguard your little one’s smile this summer and ensure that a dental emergency doesn’t spoil any of their fun escapades!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo, the team at Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen is thrilled to help families in the area with all of their dental needs! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for your little one this summer, please contact the practice online or over the phone for further information and assistance. Telephone: (469) 874-6746.