Summer is a magical time for kids. School is out, the weather warms up, and adventures lie around every corner. However, this time of year usually brings a few extra dangers with it for your child’s smile. Without proactive prevention, their summer could have a dental emergency or two! Continue reading to learn about potential summer risks for your child’s teeth and what you can do to help them avoid these outcomes.
Swimming in the Pool
Slipping outside the pool can easily chip one of your child’s teeth or result in worse injury. Also, whether you visit the pool regularly or your kid is actually enrolled in a swim team, consistent exposure to chemicals in pools can eventually taint the color of their teeth to yellow or even brown in a phenomenon called swimmers calculus.
Although at-home brushing is essential to maintain, it may not be enough to undo this color change, but professional cleaning with your pediatric dentist typically is. You can also talk to them about other measures you can take to protect your child’s smile during heavier swimming months. Of course, when you’re around the pool, remind your child to be cautious and walk, not run.
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
If you and your family plan to see the wonders of the underwater world, your child will need to have a device in their mouth to assist with breathing. Unfortunately, these mouthpieces can fit their teeth poorly, meaning they can develop tooth or jaw pain after use.
If you can, spend time beforehand finding a comfortable mouthpiece for your child to reduce their discomfort after the trip. Also, make sure they have been checked out before the adventure starts by their dentist to make sure they don’t have any cavities that could be causing additional mouth pain.
Playing Sports with Others
In the warmer weather, your child can spend more time playing outside with their friends in pickup games or in organized sports. Unfortunately, these activities raise their risk of dental injury. Even non-contact sports like soccer, baseball or softball, and volleyball can result in damage to their teeth, oral bleeding, and pain.
If your child doesn’t already have a mouthguard, this oral appliance can protect their teeth from impact. Although you can buy them at drugstores, a custom mouthguard fits more comfortably and stays in place much more easily. In other words, they tend to work better!
Regardless of what your summer plans consist of, do what you can to protect your child’s smile against dental injuries. Visiting your pediatric dentist before adventures and being ready in case you need to see one for an emergency can bring you peace of mind. With some planning and preparation, you and your child can experience lifelong memories this summer!
About the Practice
Wash Park Pediatric Dentistry proudly serve patients as young as infants all the way up through graduating seniors from high school. Dr. Patrick Bowman and Dr. Kathleen Waguespack are board-certified pediatric dentists, which means they devote all their time and attention to issues specific to these age groups. Our friendly office makes each child feel welcome and calm, and we do everything we can to educate kids on their dental health for a lifetime of smiles. If you need to make an appointment, reach out to us online or give our Denver office a call at 720-647-6310.