Updated in Nov 2025
Summer is here, the sun is shining, and kids all over town are ready to play ball! Whether your child is swinging a bat, kicking a soccer ball, or showing off their champion-level cartwheels, summer sports bring big smiles, and sometimes a few accidental “oops!” moments. At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help keep those smiles bright, safe, and ready for the next big game.
Uh-Oh! A Tooth Took a Time-Out? Here’s What to Do
Even with all the fun, sports can sometimes lead to bumps, slips, and surprise mouth mishaps. Don’t worry! If a dental injury happens, you can help keep things calm with these quick steps:
- Cracked Tooth — Have your child gently rinse with water. Try to find any pieces that broke off and bring them with you. A cracked tooth doesn’t mean the game is over, but it does mean it’s time to see us right away!
- Tooth Knocked Out — Pick it up by the top, not the root. If you can, place it back in the socket. If not, put it in milk and head straight to our office. We’ll jump into action, faster than a kid racing for the last popsicle.
- Lip or Cheek Injury — Apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling. A clean cloth works great. These soft-tissue injuries may look dramatic, but with a little care, healing usually happens quickly.
- Bleeding Gums — Gently press gauze or a clean cloth on the area. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, give us a call.
Protecting That All-Star Smile
The real MVP of summer? A well-fitted mouthguard! Mouthguards help your child’s teeth stay safe while they run, jump, kick, dive, and tumble. We always recommend them for kids who participate in contact sports, or any sport where a stray elbow might make an unexpected cameo.
When to Call Jerger Pediatric Dentistry
If your child ever has a dental injury give us a ring. We’re experts in caring for little smiles and helping them feel calm, comfortable, and ready to get back in the game. Think of us as your smile-saving sideline team!
Call Our Pediatric Dentist in Decatur, IL
Summer sports are a hit, and with the right steps, you can keep your child’s smile in trophy-winning shape.
If an injury happens, don’t stress. Please just remember: stay calm, take action, and let Jerger Pediatric Dentistry handle the rest.
We’re always here to help your kiddo smile all summer long!