Tooth injuries to be careful about while your child is growing.

A while ago, a boy had his front teeth fractured when the batman in his cricket team swung the bat backwards. It may seem a freak accident but evidence shows that many children unfortunately have similar accidents. It is estimated that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports and about 80% of the injuries affect at least one of the front teeth. Damage to the tongue or cheek is common, too.

Since even “minor” injuries can cause serious and costly damage. If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, it is important to wear a protective mouthguard. The use of mouth guards among football players, for example, is believed to prevent about 200,000 mouth injuries a year. A custom-fit mouth guard is the best option, since it will feel comfortable and not get dislodged in the important moment of impact. Another option is a “boil-and-bite” mouth guard which can be bought from the chemist and sporting-goods store, but it may not fit or be to bulky and cause muscle fatigue and damage to the TMJ.

Depending on the type of sport you participate, in addition to the mouth guard, you may need a helmet. It is a must for activities that involve speed or impact. These include hockey, skating and bike riding. The helmet should fit correctly and it should be designed for the sport you are playing.

In the unpleasant instance that your child’s teeth or mouth are damaged, it is important to get them inspected as soon as possible. Please collect all the fragments of the tooth or teeth that have come out and keep them in a moist environment, cold milk is a good medium.

If your teeth have been hit or you would like to know more about the how to protect your teeth, please call Tooronga Family Dentistry, Phone number 98227006.