3 Tips on Protecting Your Child’s Teeth During Sports

Did you know that it costs parents on average 20 times more to replace a child’s tooth versus simply making sure a child wears his mouthguard, pads, or helmet. Aside from a costly emergency, the American Dental Association has warned that prematurely losing a baby tooth could cause crooked teeth and problems with eating.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports seven million injuries annually to athletes as young as 5 years old! Additionally, the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation reports that around three million youth have their teeth knocked out in sporting events every year. The right kind of gear prevents around 200,000 injuries annually!

Safety Tips to Protect Your Young Athlete

• The mouth guard is the most important piece of equipment when it comes to protecting your little athlete’s teeth. Mouthguards range in price from anywhere between $5 - $150, depending on the type. Stock mouth guards come in small, medium, and large sizes and are boiled in water before being bit down on to create a mold. Vacuum formed mouth guards can be made specifically for your child in our office.
• Helmets and pads have also been shown to prevent head injuries and knocked-out teeth as well. This equipment absorbs the impact from falls and hits, making concussions less likely.
• Lastly, make sure you stress to your children the importance of putting their safety first. Take it a step further by teaching them proper safety techniques in their preferred sport. Remember that younger athletes carry a higher risk for sports-related injuries than any other athlete. 

Win or lose, avoiding knocked out teeth results in the best outcome! However, if your child does suffer a sports-related dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to call Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry here in Greensboro, North Carolina.