Protect them when it matters most – Neil Photay
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 3rd September 2018
Children are always injuring themselves. Whether it’s a new bruise on the knee, a scratch on the face or a broken arm, their active demeanour and energetic games mean there is nearly always potential for a fall or a collision that could end in tears.
Latest trends
Anyone who has ever experienced “the school run” will be well acquainted with just how popular scooters and hoverboards are amongst children. It’s estimated that as many as 14% of all UK children scoot their way to school[i]and a simple Google search will quickly reveal multiple lists of the “best” scooters or hoverboards to buy for parents looking to liven up this part of the daily routine for their children.
What are the risks?
Surprisingly, it is well documented that both scooters and hoverboards are responsible for a high instance of accidents among children. Hoverboards are particularly dangerous as they have a very low centre of gravity and are therefore easy to overbalance on, causing children to fall with little warning.
A recent study concluded that hoverboards were responsible for over 26,000 injuries in children between 2015 and 2016 alone![ii]These injuries ranged from cuts, bruises and minor scrapes to more significant injuries such as fractured bones. Most worryingly, damage to the head and face accounted for 14% of all hoverboard injuries recorded, revealing how common it is for children to be hurt during this activity.
Although scooters are arguably safer than their self-balancing counterparts, injuries are still commonplace. Children using scooters are prone to falling off when they hit uneven ground or can experience collisions when not applying the brake properly. All of this would be little cause for concern if it weren’t for the fact that children using scooters often don’t wear any protective clothing.[iii]Common injuries from scooting include cuts, bruises, fractures and head trauma, all of which could arguably be prevented with protective gear.
Trouble for teeth
There have been a multitude of “horror stories” reaching national headlines that detail the dental injuries children have suffered when using hoverboards and scooters. Ranging from nasty cut lips to fully avulsed teeth, these stories may have hyperbolic titles, but they do highlight the very real dangers that these toys present.[iv]
Alongside the vast array of other injuries these toys can cause, dental injuries are among some of the most serious. Dental trauma can often have disastrous effects, and though lesser cases may only involve a cut lip, more severe incidences may result in tooth fractures or even full avulsion. These can be problematic to treat in children, especially as they may not have their permanent teeth through yet which could lead to problems such as discolouration and hypoplasia when the adult teeth do emerge.[v]
Safeguard their teeth
While protective devices such as mouth guards would help to significantly reduce the potential for dental trauma, it is impractical to suggest that children should wear them while scooting their way to school. However, protecting young teeth and gums while playing sport is a must.
Dental injuries are the most common type of oral and facial injuries received during sport.[vi]From the risk of heavy contact in rugby to a stray stick swing in hockey or an accident on a bicycle, there are many different ways for young people to receive trauma to the face both in and out of school.
Mouth guards are a proven way to disperse the shock of impacts and can protect teeth from injuries sustained by collisions, impacts or falls. Customised devices offer a superior level of protection while also enabling the wearer to stay hydrated and communicate with team members easily.
Saber Protect mouth guards from CosTech Dental Laboratory are especially beneficial. Custom fabricated to every individual, these mouth guards offer advanced shock absorption that disperses the force of heavy sudden impacts, helping to protect teeth and significantly reduce the chance of lasting injury.
Better safe than sorry
There are many potential risks to children’s dental health. While it is unreasonable for them to wear mouth guards all the time, it’s crucial that they and their parents understand the benefits of sufficient protection when it matters most. By making it clear that dental trauma is a real concern and prescribing an effective mouth guard, you can help to ensure that children’s teeth stay safe when playing sports.
For more information about Saber Protect Custom Mouth Guards,
please visit www.saberprotect.com or call 01474 320076
[i]The Telegraph. 7 of the Best Scooters for Children. Link: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/best-scooters-children/ [Last accessed July 18].
[ii]Bandzar, S., Funsch, D., Hermansen, R., Gupta, S., Bandzar, A. Paediatric Hoverboard and Skateboard Injuries. Pediatrics. 2018 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-1253.
[iii]Levine, D., Platt, S., Foltin, G. Scooter Injuries in Children. Paediatrics. 2000; 107(5): E64.
[iv]The Daily Mail. How Mini-Scooters Have Become the Scourge of our Streets. Link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2683876/How-mini-scooters-scourge-streets-Theyre-middle-class-children-little-terrors-reaching-speeds-25mph-ending-tears-petrified-pedestrians.html[Last accessed July 18].
[v]Christopherson, P., Freund, M, Harild, L. Avulsion of Primary Teeth and Sequelae on the Permanent Successors. Dent Traumatol. 2005; 21(6): 320-3.
[vi]Kao RT, Dault S, Pichay T. Understanding the mercury reduction issue: the impact of mercury on the environment and human health. Journal of the California Dental Association 2004; 32: 574-9
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