No matter the age of your child, they’re likely to be full of energy, making them prime targets for dental injuries. Whether they spend most of their time outside climbing trees, riding their bike, or playing sports, a dental emergency is always a concern. While not all accidents can be avoided, there is a lot you can do to lower their risks. Keep reading to discover five ways you can help your child reduce their chances of a serious dental injury.
Make Sure They’re Practicing Their Oral Hygiene Routine
If your child has yet to reach the age of 8, you’ll want to continue overseeing their oral hygiene routine. This means making sure that they are brushing twice each day for two minutes using fluoridated toothpaste, flossing before they go to bed, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash (only if they are old enough to swish and spit).
This reduces their chances of cavities and helps strengthen existing enamel.
Be Mindful of Their Snacks
It’s no surprise that children love to eat sugary and starchy foods. Chips, crackers, candy, and sodas are their preferred choices when choosing a snack, but if you want to mitigate possible dental decay and the need for fillings or crowns, make sure they’re eating the right foods.
Items filled with calcium and vitamins, leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats will keep them full and energized throughout the day, and you will worry less about the state of their smile.
Keep Them Hydrated
When asking them what kind of beverage they want with dinner, they’ll likely suggest a soda, fruit juice, or sports drink. However, if you want to better protect their pearly whites and gums from a bacterial attack, give them regular water.
This hydrating beverage serves many purposes; however, it is highly effective in flushing out bad bacteria and stimulating the salivary glands, which help to neutralize harmful acids inside the mouth.
Have Them Wear a Mouthguard
Protecting your child’s smile with a customized mouthguard is necessary if you want to reduce their chances of seeing an emergency dentist. Whether they play contact sports or enjoy skateboarding, bike riding, or other physical activities, this type of oral device will safeguard their teeth and gums should they suffer a hard hit or take a tumble.
Keep Their Regular Dental Visits
Six-month dental checkups and cleanings are essential for patients of all ages, but children are far more prone to developing cavities. This is why these visits can make a significant difference in detecting problems early on and getting them the treatment they need right away.
By keeping them on track with these biannual visits, you ensure their oral health is in the best possible shape year-round, reducing the need for restorative care and preventing the possibility of an emergency dental visit.
Taking proactive steps to keep your child’s smile safe and intact is a worthwhile investment of your time. Although other injuries may occur that are out of your control, you can help them do their part to maintain a healthier smile throughout the year.
About the Author
Dr. Margaret Santiago is a trusted pediatric dentist who deeply cares about young patients’ smiles. Offering emergency dentistry for those who are suffering from a dental injury, she and the team at Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Danville can address the problem right away so that smiles look and feel as good as new. If you want to help your child avoid a sudden visit to the emergency dentist, though, contact us at (925) 575-8878 to discover a few tips that can help protect their pearly whites.