Safety and Your Teeth
Dental injuries can often be prevented — especially if you know what to watch out for. This chart can help you do just that. Fill in the specific areas that you know may prove dangerous.
|
Cause
|
Prevention
|
Possible Danger Areas in My Setting
|
Shoving/pushing |
- Encourage children to be considerate of each other, and gently remind them to wait their turn when appropriate
|
|
|
Falling on stairs |
- Make sure children don't
feel hurried
- Remind children to use handrails
|
|
|
Falling from bikes and playground equipment |
- Review safety rules
- Teach safe use
- Make sure equipment is age appropriate and in good repair
|
|
|
Running with objects in mouth |
- Make a list together of the only things that should go in your mouth, and illustrate together
- Post at children's eye level
|
|
|
Falling/tripping |
- Remind children to walk, don't run
- Clean up toys, materials, and spills
|
|
|
Car accidents (sudden stops) |
- Always wear seatbelts
- Offer children props to role play
|
|
|
Biting hard objects |
- Make a list together of everything you shouldn't bite
- Encourage children to add to the list as they think of items
|
|
|
|
Did You Know?
- Upper front teeth are the teeth most affected by accidents
- Teeth and gums in the back of the mouth are usually injured by chewing on pencils, ice, or cracking nuts
Copyright ©2004 Colgate-Palmolive Company. All rights reserved.