It’s fitting that the start of Facial Protection month coincides with the end of March Madness and the NCAA Basketball Championship.  It’s a good time to draw your attention to the crucial intersection of dental trauma and sports safety. While the excitement of sports is palpable, the risk of dental injuries cannot be overlooked.

Dental trauma is often a concern during sports activities, often resulting in painful and costly repercussions. Many dental injuries are preventable by taking a few simple steps, however if they do occur prompt management is imperative

Children should wear a well-fitting mouth guard, which acts as a vital shield against potential dental trauma during sports. This simple safeguard can significantly reduce the incidence of oral injuries. Several sports require young athletes to wear a mouth guard but basketball and baseball do not, consequently these two sports have a high rate of dental injuries. That’s why we recommend mouth guard wear for children who play these sports. “Boil and bite” mouth guards available online and in sporting goods stores are usually sufficiently protective for younger children.  Serious athletes and those playing high school or college sports may want to consider a custom fitted mouth guard.

Prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment of dental injuries can mitigate the long-term impact on a child’s oral health.  Our office provides after hours care for our patients when needed.   If your child experience a dental emergency after hours just call our phone number to speak to the doctor on call, who will walk you through the steps that need to be taken.

Go Huskies!