Between soccer games, bike rides, and backyard basketball, kids are always on the move, which is great for their health, but not always for their teeth. At Chestnut Ridge Dental, we know how quickly an accidental elbow or fall can lead to a dental emergency. That’s why we’re sharing our top five tips to help parents keep their child’s smile safe during sports and play.
1. Invest in a Custom Sports Guard
The most effective way to protect your child’s teeth is with a properly fitted mouthguard. Unlike over-the-counter options, our custom sports guards are made right here in our office to match your child’s unique bite. They’re comfortable, durable, and designed to stay securely in place – even during the most intense activity. It’s a simple way to prevent chipped teeth, jaw injuries, and more.
2. Keep Up with Routine Dental Visits
A healthy mouth is more resilient to injury. Regular checkups help us catch issues early, – like loose fillings or emerging alignment problems – that could increase the risk of damage during sports. At Chestnut Ridge Dental, our full suite of services makes it easy to stay on top of care, all in one convenient location.
3. Encourage Safe Play Habits
Teach your child to avoid using their teeth to open packages or hold equipment, and remind them of the importance of playing by the rules. Good sportsmanship isn’t just about teamwork – it helps prevent injuries, too.
4. Have a Plan for Dental Emergencies
Accidents can happen even with the best precautions. That’s why Chestnut Ridge Dental offers 24/7 on-call support for dental emergencies. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or a painful chip, you can trust our experienced team to respond quickly with the care your child needs.
5. Don’t Forget Helmets and Face Shields
For sports like football, hockey, or skateboarding, a helmet with a face shield adds another important layer of protection. Combine that with a custom mouthguard, and you’ve got the gold standard for dental safety.
Protect Their Smile with Confidence
Chestnut Ridge Dental blends advanced expertise with personalized care to create a truly exceptional dental experience for families. From preventive checkups to custom sports guards and emergency care, we’re here to support your child’s smile every step of the way – with state-of-the-art technology, flexible financing, and a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Need a custom sports guard? Schedule your child’s fitting or call us today at (201) 391-4466 and give them the protection they deserve—on and off the field.
