Sports are an essential part of childhood and a great way to stay healthy. However, they do pose a risk to your child’s teeth, especially if there’s heavy contact. Whether it’s playing football, gymnastics, or martial arts, the staff at Four Corners Dental Group in Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, advise that it’s essential to protect your child’s teeth. Early trauma requires emergency treatment from a dentist and can lead to lifelong oral health issues. Safety steps, as well as dietary limits, will ensure that your child’s smile stays intact, which is especially important as their adult teeth begin to come in. 

Use Mouthguards

A common sports problem regarding your child’s teeth is having them knocked out by another player, ball, or item used in the game. This is extremely common—even with traditional safety equipment and care. To prevent this, make sure your child is always wearing a mouthguard. They’re extremely affordable and can be purchased at almost any pharmacy. These boil-and-bite mouthguards fit comfortably over teeth and will protect against basic contact. However, for a more comprehensive guard, turn to a dentist, as they can create a custom one in their office that will offer further protection.

Cut Sugars

Protective measures don’t stop at keeping your child’s teeth safe while in play. You also need to monitor what they drink. While sports drinks are advertised to replenish the body and enhance athletics, they’re loaded with unhealthy amounts of sugar and acids. These heavily contribute to tooth decay, so substitute these and other juices with healthy amounts of clean water. For a complete list of drinks to avoid, speak with your dentist.

By taking the proper safety steps, you can ensure your children’s teeth remain protected during activities. For any dental care needs, turn to the staff at Four Corners Dental Group. They offer comprehensive general dentistry, as well as cosmetic services, and are committed to ensuring families maintain healthy smiles. To schedule an appointment with the family dentist, call (907) 258-3384 for their Anchorage office or (907) 376-2790 for their Wasilla location. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.