Sports are perfect for teaching kids about teamwork, but they also put them at risk of injuring their mouths and teeth, so preventive dental care is essential for anyone who enjoys vigorous physical activity. In the world of organized sports, there are more hazards for oral health than you may think. If your kid likes being active, here are a few ways to reduce the likelihood that you’ll need an emergency trip to see a children’s dentist.

3 Tips for Protecting Kids’ Teeth in Sports

1. Get a Mouthguard

Many kids dismiss mouthguards if they’re not required by their coaches to wear them. However, they’re an essential method of dental care for any sport in which balls, tools, or even bodies are likely to come anywhere near the jaw at a high velocity. This includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, volleyball, martial arts, and more. You can get one-size-fits-all mouthguards over the counter, but for something more effective, have a kids’ dentist mold one specifically to fit your child’s mouth.

2. Wear a Helmet

While it’s true that a helmet’s primary purpose is to protect the skull, they’re also effective at shielding teeth against injury, especially if they come with a face guard. If your kid falls down at any point while playing, the helmet can cushion their entire head and keep the jaw from hitting the ground too hard. This makes them great for safe and attentive dental care. In many sports, helmets are required, but take the extra step to ensure that your child has one that fits properly—snug, but not too tight or loose. 

3. Beware of Chlorine

A fact that many people don’t know about swimming pools is that they can wear away your tooth enamel if they’re acidic enough. In turn, your child’s teeth could become yellow and hypersensitive. Damaged enamel can be repaired to a point, but once it’s gone, it can’t be restored. If your child is on the swim team or simply enjoys swimming in their spare time, check with the pool staff to ensure that the pH level is between 7 and 7.6. Find a different pool if it’s any higher. Just to be safe, have your child use toothpaste that’s formulated to strengthen enamel, too.

For more advice about preventive dental care for athletic kids, contact Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage. At an affordable rate, Dr. Chris Coplin uses state-of-the-art equipment to provide personalized care and attention to your child. If you’d like to get them a customized mouthguard or any other type of dental service, like teeth cleaning or fillings, schedule an appointment by calling his office at (907) 274-2525 or sending a message online.