Keeping a Child’s Smile Safe in Sports

Many children are into sports like football, soccer, and even martial arts. These same children, however, are also susceptible to injuries that may or may not require medical attention. Dental emergencies are also common among young kids, particularly those who enjoy contact sports.

A common dental emergency in sports is a knocked-out tooth due to an errant elbow or other blow to the area of the mouth. In such cases, the child’s guardian should pick up the tooth by the crown, store the tooth in a container of milk, and immediately seek the help of a dentist.

Sadly, not all dentists offer their services after office hours, or are not immediately available at the time of a dental emergency. When faced with a knocked-out tooth, time is of the essence as the earlier the tooth is treated, the higher the chance of saving it. With that in mind, if your child suffers tooth loss or injury during a game or practice, take him or her to an emergency dentist in Philadelphia.

Parents of young athletes should also bring their children to a reputable pediatric dentist in Philadelphia for consultation before the child starts a new sport, to be educated on the benefits of using mouthguards. A trusted pediatric dentist can recommend the type of mouthguard that would be appropriate for a budding young athlete.