There are no precise figures, but it has been estimated that every single year, three million kids have one or more of their teeth knocked out while playing sports. Some of them end up at OnCall Dental in Fresno for emergency treatment.
Most kids love playing sports, and that’s a good thing: it gets them lots of exercise, teaches the importance of teams, fair play, and plenty of other life lessons. But there are risks involved, and parents have to take every possible precaution.
Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports is just as important as helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear. Even so-called non-contact sports like basketball can get pretty rough; all it takes is an accidental elbow to the jaw to knock out a tooth.
A mouthguard can prevent that. The American Dental Association says that wearing mouthguards prevent more than two hundred thousand mouth injuries every single year! That includes keeping teeth from being chipped, cracked, or knocked out.
Mouthgaurds range from the inexpensive boil-and-bite variety available at any sporting goods store to higher-end, custom mouthguards. Ask us for a recommendation.
At OnCall Dental in Fresno we think any youngster who plays sports should wear a mouthguard, even pick-up games on the local playground. Better to be safe than sorry! We specialize in emergency dental care, and we’re here if you need us. Walk-ins are always welcome. But with a little precaution, your youngster will be safe on the playing field!
