Spring is upon us, and the kids are getting outside again for sports and other fun spring activities. That's why we thought this was the perfect time to review general safety tips to help families avoid common childhood problems such as tooth decay, cavities, and dental emergencies. Here's what you should know.
Navigating the Sideline Snacks: Choosing Dental-Friendly Fuel
With sports starting up again, it'll soon be your turn to bring the snacks. Instead of high-sugar snacks like kettle corn and sports drinks, which could jeopardize your child's and the team's oral health, why not choose healthy alternatives like orange slices, strawberries, or Palisade peaches? You can find some great fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy snack alternatives at the Highlands Ranch Farmers Market, which runs on Sundays in April through November.
Sugar is the fuel that bacteria use to produce acids that destroy tooth enamel and cause cavities. So, protect your child's smile by offering them water to hydrate instead of sports drinks and healthy snacks to keep them fueled for game time.
Catle Pines Pediatric Dentistry: Play Hard, Play Safe While Avoiding Park Traumas
Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines are home to several incredible amenities, such as Elk Ridge Park. As the weather gets warmer, it's important to get outside, get some sunshine, and enjoy all the beauty right in your own backyard!
For little kids, it's safety first at the park and playground, and etiquette is important, such as going "feet first" down the slide to avoid injuries to their teeth and face. Smaller kids should hang on tight on swings or merry-go-rounds to avoid uncomfortable falls.
If your child does have a dental emergency, let's talk about what you can do.
Knowing What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Let's set the scene. Your child is on their bike and collides on the trail or while getting to the Southridge Rec Center. They're injured and have knocked out a tooth, which is painful and scary!
The first step in this situation is to remain calm. You have your trusted dental team at Sierk Children's Dentistry to call, and you know your child will be in good hands. Contact our team right away at (303) 865-4066, as the "golden hour" for saving a knocked-out tooth is the first hour after the injury. This is when we have the best chance of saving the tooth.
The next step is to transport your child and their tooth carefully to our Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines dental office. Here's what to do:
- Locate the tooth — Don't touch the root, only handle the crown of the tooth
- Keep it moist — Try to place the tooth back into its socket. Or you can use milk or saliva to keep it moist during transport.
- Arrive safely— Give us a call and get to Sierk Children's Dentistry as soon as possible.
Your Weekend Safety Checklist
Here's the final checklist to ensure you and your family have a safe, fun weekend in the sun!
- Water Bottle — Colorado sun is intense. It's important to stay hydrated, so always bring your water bottle. Drinking plenty of water also provides oral health benefits by washing away any food particles or debris left in your mouth.
- Sports Guard — Did you know that sports injuries account for nearly 40 percent of dental emergencies? If your child plays sports, a custom mouth guard from Sierk Children's Dentistry is essential. The mouthguard protects your child's teeth from damage or injury without interfering with their game-time performance. A custom mouth guard offers better protection than a generic store-bought guard that may be ill-fitting.
- Sunscreen — It's essential in Colorado. Protect your child's face and skin with an SPF sunscreen.
- Sierk Emergency Contact — Save 303-865-4066 in your phone now, so we'll always be a phone call away if a dental emergency arises.
Contact Your Pediatric Dentist in Highlands Ranch
If it's time to schedule your children's next dental appointment, or you have questions or a dental emergency, we're here for you! Never hesitate to talk with our team at (303) 865-4066.