SUNDAY, June 30, 2013 (HealthDay News) -- Children play a lot of sports and other outdoor activities during the summer and are at risk for accidents that can damage their teeth, an expert says.
"Collision injuries with a friend, the ground or the side of a swimming pool definitely increase during the summer," Dr. Stephen Mitchell, a pediatric dentist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said in a university news release.
"If something like this occurs, remember first and foremost to make sure your child does not have a head injury," he said. "If they have lost consciousness or are dizzy, or if they can't remember how the injury happened, get medical attention and worry about the teeth later."
Once you're certain there are no medical issues, here are some tips on what to do about damaged teeth:
Mitchell also said summer is a good time to schedule dental check-ups for children.
"Don't wait until the last two weeks of summer because appointments can get very scarce," he said. "Plan ahead for the best flexibility in appointments."
More information
The Nemours Foundation offers tips to keep children's teeth healthy.