Mouth Injuries From Sports

By Caroline Jacobson on July 4, 2017 in Kid's Health

Hot temps and the sunshine are prime time for summer favorites, like skateboarding and swimming. But outdoor fun can go south, especially if you have a mouth injury from sports. Besides wearing a helmet and wearing SPF, both adults and kids should keep their smiles safe during these summer sports and activities:

Skateboarding
Skateboarding is one of the riskiest sports for your smile. Beginners risk losing control and (literally) falling on their face. Here’s one safety tip experienced skateboarders may not know: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthguards are recommended while skateboarding. Helmets can protect your head, but it’s important to make a mouthguard part of your skateboarding safety routine.

Biking
Bicycling is the top sports activity related to children’s dental injuries. Adults, take caution too! Age and experience don’t necessarily mean you’re safe from a mountain bike spill. As adults get older, our sense of balance becomes increasingly disrupted.

Trampoline
The last five years have seen a big jump in trampoline injuries—increasing almost tenfold. Head and neck injuries can happen when jumpers collide or during a failed front flip. Many times, not even a mouthguard can save you in the bounce house. Tooth loss and jaw damage are threats, but extreme cases can cause concussions or paralysis. If you do have a trampoline in your home, limit jumpers to one at a time, ban flips, and supervise the area at all times.

Stay safe this summer! Learn what to do during a dental emergency.