Safety First: Preventing Dental Injuries

Safety First: Preventing Dental Injuries

Dental injuries and emergencies can happen to children anytime. Research suggests that when children start to walk and run—generally between the ages of 1 and 3—they are at high risk. Toddlers are often uncoordinated, which places them at major risk for falls and bumps.

Another high-risk time is between the ages of 8 and 11 years, when children are more active and less cautious. Injuries to children’s teeth can be stressful to them and their parents. Dental injuries tend to occur from

*sports accidents

*falls inside or outside the home

*road traffic accidents

*fights

Playing It Safe

Fortunately, you and your children can use some strategies to help prevent most dental injuries. Knowing what to do is also important in the event of a dental injury, so talk to Dr. Jared about your child’s activities and what to do should an injury occur. You can help to prevent dental injuries by advising your child to

*avoid walking or running with an object in his or her mouth

*never suck or chew on hard, sharp or pointed objects

*wear a mouth guard for sports activities that could cause injury

*always wear a seat belt in the car

Buying and Wearing a Mouth Guard

Mouth guards are especially important in sports such as rugby, hockey and boxing. Usually made of rubber, they provide a protective cover that shields teeth and gums. Although you can purchase them in sports stores, it’s best if we make a custom-fit one for your child. This ensures that your child can talk and breathe normally while wearing it. As new teeth develop and their mouths change, children need to have their mouth guards replaced.

Dental injuries are common but largely preventable. Follow the tips mentioned to prevent the likelihood of trauma. Make sure you also talk to us about risk factors for injury and how you can best prevent problems with age-appropriate strategies.

Call us to schedule an appointment today!  509-891-7070. We'd love to meet you and your family!

Remove Plaque and Reduce Pneumonia Risk

Remove Plaque and Reduce Pneumonia Risk

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to preventing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. But did you know that proper oral care can also benefit your child’s overall health?

Recent research has linked dental hygiene to many respiratory conditions, particularly pneumonia, which, along with influenza, is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.

Pneumonia is commonly triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral pneumonia usually heals on its own, while the bacterial form can be treated by antibiotics. However, the disease has become more resistant to antibiotics over time, so taking steps to help your child avoid it is wise.

The connection between dental hygiene and pneumonia lies in the fight against bacteria. Oral hygiene aims to prevent and remove plaque from teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on teeth through the eating and chewing processes and encourages the growth of bacteria.

If plaque is not removed from teeth, the bacteria thrive and can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Decay-causing bacteria can also contribute to other illnesses, particularly respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia.

To prevent and fight plaque build-up,

• have your child brush his or her teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and use an antibacterial mouth rinse each day
• bring your child to our office for regular checkups and cleanings
• encourage your child to eat a healthy diet
• limit your child’s intake of sugary foods and drinks, because these encourage the growth of plaque and bacteria

These basic preventive measures can help your child maintain good oral health, while also strengthening his or her resistance to other bacteria-caused illnesses. Keep in mind that if your child already suffers from asthma or another chronic respiratory condition, he or she may be particularly vulnerable to pneumonia.

Good dental care is a simple, cost-effective and proven way to defend your child’s oral health and general well-being. Make an appointment at KiDDS Dental so we can review these measures with you and your child.

Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.