SPORTS DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN PORTLAND
Fewer Dental Injuries & More Points
Watching your child play sports is both exhilarating and stressful. You love seeing them be active and work together with their peers, but you’re a parent, so you’re naturally concerned about their safety as well! For kids, the overwhelming majority of dental injuries will occur while playing sports, but that risk can be drastically reduced with a custom-made mouthguard from Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children.
Why Choose Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children for Sports Dentistry?
- Science-Based Method for Keeping Kids Calm
- Led by Two Children’s Dentistry Experts
- Our Dentists Are Also Fellow Parents
Is Sports Dentistry Right for Your Child?
Sports dentistry isn’t reserved for adults or professional athletes. We provide sports dentistry consultations to children and teens who play sports for their local schools. If an unfortunate sports-related injury does affect the mouth, we can help to correct the teeth and other oral issues that may result.
Common Dental Injuries When Playing Sports
Certain dental injuries are more common than others when playing sports, and by identifying those that are most likely to occur, you can take steps to prevent them:
- Knocked-out teeth: If your child is struck in the mouth by a ball or other piece of athletic equipment, they may lose a permanent tooth. It is important to get to us as soon as possible to see if the tooth can be re-implanted into the socket.
- Displaced teeth: If your child suffers an injury in which their teeth have been moved, but are still in place, it is important not to try and shift the tooth on your own. See us as soon as possible and apply ice to relieve discomfort.
- Cracked or chipped teeth: Serious chips that expose the pulp in the tooth require an immediate trip to the dentist. Depending on the severity of the break, a simple filling or bonding may be able to correct the problem.
Treating Sport-Related Dental Injuries
The field of sports dentistry involves the repair of injuries to the mouth and teeth that occur during athletic competition. These injuries can be costly and disfiguring, and without treatment, your child could suffer from problems with chewing, biting, self-esteem, and confidence. Sport-related injuries can be costly, but many can be prevented by using properly designed protective equipment.
Sport-related injuries to the teeth and oral tissues aren’t necessarily treated differently than other traumatic injuries to the mouth. However, some student-athletes or children may need to be treated with specific timelines in mind to take into consideration game schedules. For example, temporary restorations may be required until a permanent, long-term treatment option can be properly scheduled and planned.
Preventing Sport-Related Dental Injuries
Wearing certain protective equipment is the first line of defense in preventing sports-related dental injuries. Mouthguards are especially important, as they serve as one of the best ways to prevent injury to the teeth, lips, and tongue. We can provide custom-fit mouthguards that will give your child’s teeth better protection than a standard store-bought option.
Depending on the sport that your child is participating in, face cages and helmets may also be advised. Face cages protect against facial trauma, especially when playing certain sporting positions, like a hockey goalie or baseball catcher. It is also advisable to wear a helmet whenever possible, and although most helmets won’t protect the mouth, they will protect your child’s head to prevent concussions.