Sporting Safety: Protecting Your Child’s Teeth

Enrolling your child in sports has so many benefits including how to work as a team, learning problem solving skills, and getting the necessary amount of exercise. However, with physical sports, especially football, soccer, basketball, and the like, there are inherently some safety risks that are involved. In order to protect your child’s growing teeth, consider the following. In addition, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your local trusted Aliso Viejo Family Dentistry experts.

According to Advocate Health Care, the American Dental Association (ADA) found that athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are 60 percent more likely to damage their teeth than those who wear them; a survey taken by the American Association of Orthodontists found that 67 percent of parents admitted their children don’t wear mouth guards during organized sports.

As 2.6 million children are treated for sports related injuries each year, taking the proper safety precautions is a must. First and foremost, ensure your child is wearing a mouth guard. Rather than take a chance and cause severe damage to already treated teeth or ruin the current dental regimen, protect your child’s mouth with a form-fitting mouth guard. Not only is it as essential as a helmet and a uniform, it’s one of the least expensive protective items you can buy!

Dr. Ruchi Nijjar Sahota, an ADA spokeswoman in a news release stated “It’s important for dentists to encourage their patients to wear a mouth guard because all it takes is one elbow to the jaw or a stray puck to the mouth to destroy their smile.” Therefore, talk to your trusted family dentist to see what kind of mouth guard he or she recommends to protect your child’s smile.

At Turner Dental Care, we provide a wide range of dental services to meet your every need. Our family run business is dedicated to providing the quality treatment and care you deserve. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (949) 770-3294.