Going Back To School Can Be Hazardous To Teeth

CIGNA Dental Health Offers Tips to Help Protect Your Child's Precious Smile

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Plantation, Fla., Aug. 26, 1996 -- Every year, around this time, parents send their children back to school -- totally unaware of the dental dangers lurking in classrooms and on the playground.

"Dental injuries are one of the most common dental problems seen in patients under the age of 18 and many of these injuries occur while the child is at school," explains Keith Libou, DMD, eastern region dental director for CIGNA Dental Health, based in Plantation, Florida. CIGNA is one of the largest managed dental care providers in the country, representing more than 13,000 dentists in 39 states.

Dr. Libou offers the following suggestions to help protect your child's precious smile at school:

• Wear mouth protection. Most dental injuries could be prevented if children wore mouthguards during all recreational or sporting activities. It's important to keep in mind that non-contact sports, such as rollerblading, skateboarding or bike-riding, are as potentially dangerous to teeth as football or hockey. Mouthguards are available at sporting goods stores or your dentist can make a custom-made guard.
  
  
• Be prepared if braces break. Millions of children wear braces. It's not uncommon for active kids to have problems with their braces. Teach your child that if a wire is causing irritation in the mouth, to cover the end of it with a small cotton hall or piece of gauze from the school nurse, until you can get the child to the dentist or orthodontist. According to Dr. Libou, if a wire gets stuck in the cheek, tongue or gum tissue, do not attempt to remove it. He says to immediately take your child to the dentist or orthodontist.
  
  
• Don't chew pencils. Many students express nervous energy at homework time by chewing on pencils and pens. According to Dr. Libou this bad habit could chip or crack a tooth. "If your child is a chewer, encourage them to chew sugarless gum," suggests Dr. Libou.
  
  
• An apple a day. Years ago school children used to bring their teachers apples. Today they should bring apples for themselves. Encourage children to eat healthy and snack on fruits and vegetables instead of the candy and chips in vending machines.
  
  
• Visit the dentist regularly. Twice-a-year visits for professional cleanings will reduce damaging tartar buildup on teeth and help spot any dental problems. Early identification can help prevent cavities and gum disease.