With school right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to schedule your child’s physical and dental check-up!
These days, most schools require children and teens to visit a health care professional before engaging in contact sports–and visiting your dentist should be on that list too!
In fact, dentists estimate that upwards of 39% of dental emergencies are the result of an injury during sports. Not only can these injuries be painful, but they can also be costly. Your child could suffer from time off of school and rake in a hefty bill. Do yourself and your family a favor and protect your child’s pearly whites.
Protect Your Smile with a Mouthguard
When your child is playing a contact sport like football, ice hockey, cheerleading, karate, soccer or field hockey, their head and mouth are vulnerable. Although some of these sports require a helmet, a mouthguard is an additional protection that will keep your kid safe on the field.
During a contact sport where a child falls, their jaw is prone to lock, teeth can break or chip, they can accidentally bite on their tongue, or hit their head and cause jaw alignment issues. To avoid these issues, a mouthguard is a must.
Riding a Bike? Use a Helmet!
According to the Safe Kids Worldwide organization, helmets are 85% effective at preventing head injuries, which includes the mouth. Falling on your bicycle is similar to falling during a sporting event and can cause the same tooth and jaw injuries.
Even though helmets are a great safety precaution for young bikers, the Safe Kids Organization reports that only 50% of children wear helmets while biking! To minimize your child’s risk, make sure to explain why wearing a helmet while biking is necessary.
For optimal safety, make sure you and your family are up-to-speed on Colorado’s bike laws and safety tips.
Contact Your Dentist in Fort Collins
Before your child begins their fall extracurriculars, contact us and schedule a dental visit. We will be able to speak with you and your child about the appropriate safety measures required with contact sports and fit your child for a mouthguard.
Keep in mind, just because mouth protection isn’t required, doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea.