Sports are an excellent method to improve health, attention, social skills, and confidence. Unfortunately, most sports cause face and mouth injuries as a result of falls and collisions. These are not only unpleasant, but they can also have long-term consequences. While some of these injuries are preventable, others can be mitigated.
Dental Injuries That Are Common
- Chipped or cracked teeth: When a youngster is struck in the face or mouth, a tooth can be shattered or chipped. However, if the damage exposes the pulp of the tooth or affects a nerve, a more complex treatment may be required.
- Fractured Roots: This damage happens when the blow is delivered at an angle, causing the tooth to shatter at the root. The injury may not be obvious at first, but it can be recognized when the root becomes infected or the fracture moves to the surface.
- Tooth Displacement: A tooth can sometimes be forced out of its socket. In such instances, go to the dentist right away. Do not attempt to move it to its original location.
How to Protect Child from Dental Injuries
Use correct safety equipment: The ADA recommends that children and youth participate in organized sports such as basketball, biking, boxing, field or ice hockey, baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling use protective equipment.
- Helmets protect the head and provide additional protection for your child’s teeth if they fall. Check that the helmet fits and is properly worn.
Catchers in baseball, goalies in hockey, and football players are all at danger of being hit in the face with a ball or puck. Face cages prevent children from severe facial and dental damage in such postures.
- Mouth guards: These protect against chipped or broken teeth as well as tooth loss. Although there are many different types on the market, you may also have mouth protectors personalized for improved protection and comfort.
Strengthen teeth: Recommended ways on maintaining healthy and strong teeth include:
- Teeth strengthening: The following are some tips for keeping your teeth healthy and strong:
- Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day
- Fluoride toothpaste use
- Consuming meals that promote tooth health and avoiding foods that are damaging to oral health
- Visits to the pediatric dentist should be made on a regular basis.
What to Do If You Get Dental Trauma
If your child’s tooth is broken or chipped, apply cold water or an ice cube to relieve discomfort and swelling. Collect all of the shattered bits, making certain that none have been ingested or become trapped in the mouth. If the area is bleeding, have the youngster bite down on a clean piece of cloth or gauze. A filling or bonding may be able to repair the tooth.
A tooth that has been knocked out of position or become loose may be repairable. Rinse any debris from the tooth’s root gently. Transport the tooth in cold milk or saliva to avoid drying out on the way to the dentist. If you have any questions about sports-related dental injuries or are searching for a pediatric dentist in Los Angeles contact us : (866) 553-3368