Recent studies have found that 51 million school hours are lost every year from dental pain. 1 in 3 children will experience some type of dental trauma or emergency. Although accidents can happen, there are several things you can do to lessen your little one’s risk of a dental emergency. Here are some tips you should know to safeguard their smile.
Promote Good Oral Hygiene
Many toothaches and other dental emergencies are caused by untreated issues, like cavities. Childhood tooth decay is more common than asthma. You can keep your little one’s teeth and gums healthy by promoting good oral hygiene habits. Your child should brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes. Daily flossing should commence around the age of 6 or 7.
Limit Sugars and Starches
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 46% of children aged 2-19 years will experience tooth decay. Sugar is a leading cause of cavities. It bathes teeth in an acidic plaque, feeding cavity-causing bacteria. No amount of brushing can reverse tooth decay. It’s best to limit your child’s consumption of sugars and starches.
Schedule a Dental Checkup
Children should begin seeing their dentist every 6 months before their first birthday. Routine cleanings and checkups allow your child’s dental team to monitor their developing smile. They can detect issues while they are small to treat them promptly before they turn into a big problem. Their dentist can also provide several preventive services, like fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel or dental sealants to protect against cavities.
Invest in an Athletic Mouthguard
According to the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, 40% of all dental injuries in the U.S. are sports-related. Researchers estimate that 100,000 to 200,000 oral injuries are prevented each year in football alone from athletic mouthguards. Whether your child rides a skateboard, plays football, or mountain bikes, an athletic mouthguard is just as important as a helmet. It will protect their mouth and oral structures in case there’s an accident or injury. It can also lessen their risk of a concussion.
Even with a proactive approach to preventing dental emergencies, toothaches can still happen. Contact a pediatric emergency dentist for an appointment. They’ll stop your little one’s pain and provide the quick care they need.
About Dr. Janet Ramial
Dr. Ramial earned her dental degree from Baylor Dental College and has continued her training in family and cosmetic dentistry. She has over 30 years of experience treating patients of all ages. If you need an emergency dentist quickly, request an appointment through her website or call her office at (972) 645-4380.