Summertime is finally in full swing, and you and your family probably have a ton of fun activities and trips planned! But something you should be mindful of is the possibility of experiencing a dental emergency—and if you have kids, their young smiles are actually at a heightened risk if they’re participating in certain activities. Here’s more from your trusted emergency dentist about some of the summertime activities that could potentially harm your little one’s pearly whites, along with some tips for keeping them safe.
Summertime Activities to Be Mindful Of
If your child is one to stay busy and active during the summer months, you should be mindful of certain sports, games, and outdoor activities. Believe it or not, a large percentage of dental-related emergencies occur during sports (both contact and non-contact alike), meaning that it is worth knowing which activities pose a hazard. Here are a few examples:
- Contact sports including things like football, basketball, and soccer all pose a serious risk of dental injury.
- Non-contact sports such as baseball, running, cycling, and even flag football can also pose a threat.
- Trampolining, which is popular during the summer months, is also quite hazardous since your child might fall off or collide with something/someone that could cause a dental injury.
- Swimming actually poses a notable threat too, as running and slipping near the pool is always a possibility, as is injury during horseplay in the pool Not to mention, if the pool has improper pH levels, it can also harm tooth enamel.
Tips for Safeguarding Your Child’s Smile During Summer
Here are some tips for protecting your child’s smile during the summer months, no matter what types of fun they find themselves getting into:
- Always ensure that your child is using the proper protection during whatever sports or games they’re participating in, whether it’s a mouthguard, facemask, helmet, or any other type of equipment. You might even ask their dentist about receiving a customized mouthguard; however, even a store-bought one will suffice.
- Encourage your child to keep up with their oral hygiene during the summer; a healthy mouth is far less likely to experience a dental emergency than one riddled with tooth decay, gum disease, or other issues.
- When your child isn’t on the field, be sure that they’re not frequently consuming frozen treats and chilled, sugary drinks—even though these items are great for cooling off, they spell bad news for teeth when consumed in excess. Even sports drinks can be problematic; instead, have your child drink plenty of water instead.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo, the team at Sprout Dentistry for Kids is honored to provide an elite level of care for families in the Allen area. They’re excited to offer a wide range of pediatric services to help your little one achieve a healthy and bright smile for the summer season. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to arrange an appointment for your child, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (469) 663-0098.