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If you have student athletes in the family, you’re likely familiar with the demands of their sport. However, training during the offseason so they can achieve peak performance during every game, meet, or competition isn’t all they have to worry about. For example, student athletes have special dental care needs too. To promote your children’s oral health, make sure they follow these dental care tips. 

How to take Care of Student Athletes’ Oral Health

1. Wear a Custom Mouthguard

Mouthguards protect the teeth, tongue, and gums from serious trauma in forceful impacts. While you can find universal devices at any major sporting goods store, your children will have a lot more protection when wearing a custom guard from their dentist. Molded devices are so effective at absorbing shock that they can even reduce the risk of concussion

2. Limit Sugar-Laden Sports Drinks 

dental careSports drinks help replace electrolytes; however, student athletes rarely work so hard during practices and games that they need to replenish them. Since such drinks are also loaded with sugar, it’s best to avoid them unless they’re absolutely necessary. A mouthful of sugar creates the perfect breeding ground for oral bacteria, which cause decay. Instead, send your athletes off with bottles of water. 

3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene 

Damaged and decayed teeth are a lot more vulnerable to severe damage in the event of forceful impacts. Additionally, painful tooth infections, also known as abscesses, are enough to sideline even the most determined athletes. To avoid these issues, it’s essential that your children brush and floss diligently.

 

In addition to following these tips, your student athletes should visit the dentist periodically for professional cleanings and exams. If they’re due for dental care, head to Pedodontic Associates. With two offices on Oahu and one on Maui, this pediatric practice has cared for toddlers, children, and adolescents for more than 25 years. To meet their friendly team, visit their website. To make an appointment, call (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.

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