As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
Keeping Your Kids' Teeth Safe in Close Contact Sports
Mabel Hicks
Close contact sports such as rugby are popular amongst kids of all ages. Although they promote fitness and encourage team-building skills, they also come with risks. Dentists often see children who've suffered from tooth damage due to close contact sports. There are steps you can take to prevent significant problems, though.
Wearing a Helmet
Wearing a helmet that features a faceguard provides your child with an essential layer of protection while they're playing contact sports. Your child's teeth rest firmly inside their jaw, which means their jaw requires protection.
To make sure your child experiences the maximum benefits, use a helmet that's appropriate for the sport they're playing. For example, hockey helmets focus on protecting the immediate oral area, as your child is at risk of damage from a flying puck as well as other people.
Wearing a Mouthguard
Many dentists will recommend that your child wears a mouthguard when they're playing contact sports. Mouthguards cushion blows to the face by resting against their upper teeth. If your child suffers from a blow during contact sports, they're far less likely to experience tooth loss when they're wearing a mouthguard.
In addition to protecting their teeth, a good mouthguard will protect your child's soft tissues too. This means there's a reduced risk of abrasions to their gums, cheeks and inner lips. As a result, any injuries they suffer during sports may not feel as uncomfortable.
Understanding Rules
A thorough understanding of the rules and risks that come with certain contact sports will also go a long way. Ask their coach to discuss where injuries are most likely to happen and the risks that come with them. Additionally, ask them to explore how not following certain rules could result in injuries that are even worse.
As your child becomes more proficient at the sport they're playing, they'll naturally strike the right balance between trying certain tactics and reducing risks. But for this to happen, they do need to be armed with the right knowledge first.
Maintaining Oral Health
If your child is suffering from poor oral health, their teeth will be weaker than normal. To prevent this from being an issue, make sure they follow a strict oral hygiene routine. Additionally, they should avoid consuming too many sugary or acidic beverages and foods.
You should also take your child to see their dentist regularly. By visiting them every six months, you can spot oral health issues early and tackle them before they become a significant problem.
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