FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla .– (COMMERCIAL THREAD) – It’s no secret that exercise is a great way for kids to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially during off-peak hours. With about a quarter of dental injuries in children attributed to sports accidents, DentalPlans.com, a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans in the United States and part of the Henry Schein One portfolio of solutions, encourages parents to take action to protect their children from dental injury this summer. This is especially important for those whose children enjoy sports involving impact and speed, such as baseball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, cycling, and skateboarding, among others.

The company has developed a checklist for parents and guardians to ensure families understand ways to reduce the risk of sports-related dental injuries and how to involve children as well.

Prevention checklist:

Get the right oral equipment: Children should wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports. In some cases, a face shield may be another option, as it protects the delicate bones around the eyes, nose, and jaw. Speak to your dentist if you need advice on what equipment to purchase. Dentists can also make a personalized mouthguard for your child so that it fits properly and doesn’t interfere with breathing or cause distraction while playing. Keep in mind that equipment designed to protect other parts of your body may be required or encouraged depending on the sport practiced.

Protect the shoulder straps: If your child wears braces, the importance of protective equipment is heightened, as braces can cut the inside of your mouth in a crash. Not to mention the damage that can be done to the dental appliances themselves. Most orthodontists recommend that a child wear a mouthguard when playing sports to protect his teeth and braces.

Take the child on board: Getting your child on board with protective gear still worn can be a challenge, but making sure the equipment is properly fitted can reduce irritation and increase the likelihood of the child continuing to wear it. They also come in different colors to make it fun! Depending on the child’s age, talk to them about dental injuries and the importance of protecting their teeth.

Prepare in advance: Treatment for dental injuries shouldn’t be delayed, so get a dentist you and your child can trust. Getting preventative care, such as exams and cleanings, can help children feel comfortable with their dentist before any unexpected injury occurs. Regular dental care will also help their mouths to be as healthy as possible in the event of trauma.

“You can take any precaution, but accidents and injuries can still happen. While the injury can be mitigated with protective gear, seeing a dentist as soon as possible will still be vital, ”said Jenn Stoll, Commercial Director of DentalPlans.com. “Make sure you have an affordable way to pay for your family’s dental care so there are no delays. Consider that you may need emergency or restorative treatment following a dental injury, as well as follow-up care – your dentist will likely want to see how your child recovers afterward.

If you have dental insurance, check to see if it covers sports-related injuries. If not, or if the disbursements are high, consider a dental savings plan. These plans offer discounts of 10 to 60% on most dental procedures, including emergency and restorative care. A family plan offers savings to everyone in your household.

Learn more about dental savings plans and how they can help your family prepare here.

About DentalPlans.com

DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans in the United States, helping over one million people access quality health services at a cost affordable. Our mission is to give consumers the tools, information and services they need to live happier, healthier lives.

About Henry Schein One

Henry Schein One, a subsidiary of Henry Schein, Inc. established in partnership with Internet Brands in 2018, is a software company providing integrated software and services to the dental industry. Based in American Fork, Utah, the company provides market-leading solutions for dental practices including Dentrix, Dentrix Ascend, Dentrix Enterprise, Easy Dental, TechCentral, Demandforce, Sesame Communications, Lighthouse360, Officite and DentalPlans.com as well as international companies. , including Software of Excellence, Julie Software, InfoMed, Axium, Power Practice and LabNet, among others. For more information, visit www.henryscheinone.com.