It is Never Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth

For kids, summer is a season of treats, fun activities, and freedom. However, as a parent, you have to make sure that they stay healthy and well, and that includes their dental health. When the routine changes for the summer, the things that you have to keep your eyes on change as well. Take a look at some summer dental tips that will help maintain your child's dental health through the summer season.

Protect Their Teeth With Mouthguards

Summer sports are a great way for your kids to use up their energy in a constructive way during the summer months. However, sports and outdoor activities can also lead to injuries. You probably take advantage of protective equipment like helmets or elbow and knee pads to protect your kids when they're playing sports. Make sure that you take steps to protect your child's mouth as well. The best way to do that is with a mouthguard.

The best mouthguards are custom made for your child. Your dentist can take a mold of your child's teeth to make a mouthguard that fits their mouth perfectly. Not only do mouthguards protect against knocked-out, cracked, or chipped teeth, they can also help reduce your child's risk of a concussion by absorbing some of the shock of a hit in the jaw.

Know What To Do In Case of A Dental Injury

Not every dental injury is foreseeable or preventable. A fall or poorly aimed projectile can knock out or break a tooth when you're least expecting it. Most parents know at least some first aid, like how to stop heavy bleeding or perform the Heimlich maneuver. But do you know any dental first aid?

If you act quickly, you may be able to replace a knocked out tooth back in its socket. Grasp the tooth by the crown, being careful not to touch the root. Rinse it with water if it's dirty. Push the tooth into the socket with your fingers and hold it in place, or have your child bite down to keep it in place. If you can't reinsert the tooth, put it in a glass of milk or water to keep it moist. Or, if your child is old enough not to swallow it, have them hold it in their mouth between their cheek and gum, so that their saliva keeps it moist. If you can get to the dentist within half an hour, your dentist will have the best chance of replacing the tooth.

If the tooth is broken, and not fully knocked out, you should still save the fragment and see an emergency dentist quickly. Depending on how the tooth broke, the dentist may be able to use a bonding material to reattach the fragment.

Make sure that you have your child's dentist's emergency number in case of an after-hours or weekend dental emergency. Protecting your child's teeth and knowing how to quickly address a dental emergency will help you keep your child smiling this summer. For more information, talk to a professional like Hoffman & Karl Dental Associates, PLLC.