Safety Chart | Colgate®

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Did you know that 71-92% of all traumatic dental injuries occur before the age of 19? A report in Trauma in Dentistry estimates that this is the case. As a parent, taking care of your child's teeth can be quite stressful, but the good news is that there are ways to prevent accidents and incidents that cause tooth injuries. We know how much you worry about your kids. That’s why we’ve put together a handy dental safety chart that lists the most common ways in which your child’s teeth might be put in danger and how to prevent those circumstances from happening in the first place.

Dental Safety Chart

Sports-related injuries, accidental falls, and fights are the most common causes of tooth injuries in kids. However, these aren’t the only ways in which your child could get hurt.

Cause	Prevention
Accidental falling	Childproof areas like bathrooms or stairs Teach your child to hold onto the handrails when walking up or down the stairs Don’t leave small kids unattended in the bathroom Clean up any toys or objects that are lying on the floor that could cause your child to slip or trip
Playing sports	Ensure that your child wears a mouthguard when playing any sport Make sure your child wears a helmet to help protect the head and jaw from injury
Fights	Coach your child to walk away from or not engage in any fighting
Striking teeth against objects	Teach your child to not suck or chew on hard or sharp objects: use visual charts if needed and place them as reminders around the house at your child’s eye level Teach your child not to walk or run with an object placed in the mouth
Biking accidents	Make sure your child’s bike is age-appropriate, that it is properly functioning, and its breaks are working Review safety rules with your child regularly Ensure that your child is biking in safe areas
Shoving or pushing	Encourage and remind your child to not push other kids and be considerate and wait their turn
Car accidents	Sudden stops on the road can cause tooth injuries, so it’s important to remind your child to always wear a seatbelt

Safety and My Child’s Teeth

Did you know that your child’s upper front teeth are most affected by accidents, while teeth in the back of the mouth are usually injured by chewing on ice or other hard objects? In case of an accident, fall, or an object striking against your child’s teeth, you might find that your child’s tooth becomes cracked, chipped, or sometimes even detached from its socket.

You might worry about something happening to your child’s teeth, but don’t forget that in many cases, prevention is better than cure. Show your child how to take care of their teeth with the help of this dental safety chart, and you can save your child from any mishaps or tears!

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.