Winter Sports and Dental Safety: Protecting Your Child’s Smile

Winter is a time when children get to indulge in activities such as hockey, skiing, snowboarding and sledding. These sports are a great way to get some exercise, as well as have a good time, but they also come with a risk of getting injured – including dental injuries. It’s crucial to take care of your child’s teeth and mouth during the winter season to avoid the risk of getting any dental injuries.

In this blog, we will discuss what dental injuries are, the types of injuries that may occur during winter sports, and ways that you can help prevent these types of injuries. 

Dental Risks in Winter Sports 

Winter sports can be high-energy and fast-paced which can increase the likelihood of accidents for your children. Here are some common dental risks associated with these activities:

Falls: Slipping on ice or falling over when on skis or snowboards can lead to hard impacts with the ground, posing a risk to teeth and jaws.

Collisions: Whether it’s contact sports like hockey or accidental collisions during sledding or ice skating, having a collision with another person or object can result in chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.

Equipment Injuries: Mishandling sports equipment like hockey sticks or ski poles can lead to accidental injuries to the mouth or teeth.

Why Dental Safety Matters
Your child’s teeth are vital parts of their body and they aren’t there just for chewing and speaking but also for their overall confidence. Dental injuries can be painful, expensive to repair, and can cause trauma to your child. By prioritizing dental safety during winter sports can help:

• Prevent painful and traumatizing dental emergencies.
• Avoid costly dental procedures.
• Maintain your child’s beautiful, healthy smile.

Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Smile
Here are some practical steps you can take to ensure your child’s dental safety while they enjoy their favourite winter activities:

Invest in a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard
A mouthguard is one of the most effective pieces of protective equipment for preventing dental injuries. It acts as a cushion, absorbing the impact to the mouth and reducing the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth.

Custom-fitted mouthguards, created by a dentist like from SmileTown: Just Kid’s Dentistry can offer better comfort and protection compared to over-the-counter options like the ones you have to boil to mold to your childs’ teeth. They’re particularly important for high-impact sports like hockey and snowboarding.

Wear a Helmet with a Face Guard
Many winter sports require helmets to protect against head injuries, but adding a face guard provides extra protection for the mouth and teeth. This is especially important in sports like hockey or when skiing. 

Quick Tip: If you’re using an old helmet check the outer and inner shell to ensure it’s still intact and free from damage. Also, check the expiry date to make sure the foam is still good and not dried out.

Teach Proper Use of Sports Equipment
Ensure your child knows how to handle sports equipment safely. For example, carrying hockey sticks with the blade pointed down and away from others can minimize accidental injuries.

Emphasize the Importance of Warming Up
Cold weather can make muscles and tissues more stiff which can increase the likelihood of accidents when many movements are happening with the limbs. Make sure your child can warm up before engaging in sports to improve flexibility and reduce the torn muscles.

Encourage Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial, even in winter. Dry mouths are more prone to cavities, and hydration can help keep the oral environment healthy. Offer your child water during their breaks instead of sugary sports drinks.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine dental visits allow your child’s dentist to identify potential vulnerabilities, such as weak enamel or cavities, before they become problematic. It’s also an excellent time to discuss whether your child needs a mouthguard for their activities.

Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
Accidents happen, and being prepared can make a big difference. Keep a dental emergency kit handy with items like a small container (to hold a knocked-out tooth), gauze, and SmileTown: Just Kid’s Dentistry’s contact information. Remember, a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if it’s placed back in the socket within 30 minutes.

Wrapping Up
Winter sports are a fantastic way for kids to stay active and have fun, but they come with unique risks to dental health. By taking proactive steps—like investing in protective gear, teaching safe practices, and scheduling regular dental check-ups—you can ensure your child enjoys their favorite activities while keeping their smile safe and healthy.

If you have questions about dental safety or need to get a custom mouthguard for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let’s keep those winter smiles bright and injury-free. 

Reach Out to Our Kids-Only Dentist Today Are you searching for a friendly and experienced children’s dentist to help your child maintain a healthy smile early on? Luckily, our kid’s only office and team are always welcoming new patients with no referral necessary. To book an appointment, call SmileTown – Just Kid’s Dentistry at (226) 773-1663, or contact us here.