The summertime offers the perfect weather for playing out in the park, but all that activity could lead to trouble. The same theory applies to recess time at school, when children are at risk of playground injuries, If you want your child to have a great time without hurting his teeth, the ideas below will help you make the most of your adventures.
Here are some creative ways to prevent dental injuries at the park.
Avoid Baggy Clothing
Loose shirts, flowy skirts, and baggy pants can get caught on playground equipment while your child is playing. Try to put your child in more form-fitting attire at the park to avoid accidentally getting snagged in play. If there is a tree or piece of equipment that has a lot of branches/poles sticking out, make sure your child knows how to play safely around those items.
Wear Proper Shoes
Flip flips are fine for the beach, but they aren’t designed for running around in the park or playground. Make sure your child is wearing shoes with laces if you are going to the park. As a matter of comfort, try to find shoes with breathable material so your child does not get too hot. As long as the shoes offer support and stability, they should greatly reduce your chance of playground injuries.
Investigate Your Surroundings
Keep an eye on the equipment and people surrounding you while your child is at play. If it has rained recently, make sure your child knows how to behave around wet equipment. It is best to avoid going out right after the rain, even if it sounds like fun to play in the puddles. Your child’s risk of falling is much greater when the ground is wet.
Supervise At All Times
The best way to prevent dental emergencies in the summer is to supervise your children at the park. Set up a play date with other parents and children so you can have even more people watching over your little one. If an injury does occur take the right steps to get your child help right away. Keep a dental emergency kit in your car, including gauze, bottled water, gloves, cotton balls, sanitizer, and an over-the-counter numbing agent. The sooner you respond, the better off your child will be.
Eat well, stay hydrated, and enjoy an amazing summer with your children!
