It’s warming up, and your attentions might be turned toward all things spring. If you have children, chances are good that they will be more active and enjoying different foods during the hot months of the year. You likely ensure that your child wears a helmet when riding his or her bike and that the kids are buckled up when you go places in a car, but do you take special precautions when it comes to keeping your children’s teeth safe? Here are some ways you can keep those little chompers healthy and in good condition this spring and beyond.
Use a Mouthguard
If your child plays any type of sport, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re wearing a mouthguard. You might think this is a no-brainer when it comes to sports like hockey or football, but even non-contact sports like tennis or soccer could result in a nasty dental accident if a ball or a racket is in the wrong place at the wrong time.
You can have a dental mouthguard fabricated at your dentist’s office, or you could opt for the “boil and bite” type at your local pharmacy or discount store. The most important thing is that your child wears it whenever he or she could take a ball, baseball bat, tennis racket, or even the head of another child to the mouth.
Be Careful in Swimming Pools
Most families are safety-conscious around swimming pools, particularly when the children are young. Once your child is a good swimmer, however, you might not implement the rules as much as you did when he or she was younger. Keep in mind that older kids might be more likely to roughhouse and take risks when jumping into a pool than they did when they were little.
Be vigilant that your kids do not engage in horseplay on slippery pool decks. No one should be tossed or pushed into a pool unexpectedly, and it’s important that they do not jump onto pool toys that are near the edge of the pool. This is because a slip could result in their teeth hitting the side of the pool. Keep the deck clean so it’s not slippery, and urge the kids to use caution. In addition to saving their teeth, this could also prevent injuries to their faces, wrists, and other body parts, too.
Watch Their Dental Hygiene
During the hot days of spring and summer, kids tend to spend more time outdoors. They might indulge in treats from the ice cream truck, or you might pass out popsicles after dinner to enjoy by the pool or while they play in the sprinklers. When kids come in exhausted, it’s tempting to let them just crash and go to bed, particularly on the weekends. While skipping the brush-and-floss routine once isn’t going to do any lasting harm, making it a habit could lead to gingivitis and dental decay. Be stern about at least getting their teeth taken care of before they fall asleep.
If your child is due for their cleaning and checkup, give us a call. We want to help you keep your children’s teeth healthy and strong, and regular dental visits are one way to make that happen!
Creative Commons image by oshokim.