Waterslide Safety Tips [1]

pedo [2]

CHICAGO, Illinois – As with all vigorous physical activities, waterslides hold potential dangers. Injuries usually occur when sliders collide while trying to pass one another within the walls of the slide, or slip and fall on wet surfaces. Two-thirds of all waterslide injuries result in oral trauma. Tooth fractures are the most common.

Waterslide injuries may be minimized by simply allowing adequate space between sliders to avoid a collision. Additionally, children should be instructed not to run on pool walkways. A mouthguard will reduce the frequency and severity of dental injuries related to waterslide accidents.

Several types of tooth fractures can result from waterslide mishaps. A general crown fracture — more commonly known as a cracked tooth — is the least serious and does not necessarily mean a loss of tooth structure. However, children with this injury should be seen by their pediatric dentist for evaluation. An enamel crown fracture is a bit more serious and consists of the breakage of a tooth. This is typically treated by smoothing out rough or sharp areas or rebuilding the tooth with color-matched bonding material.

In some cases, a tooth is knocked out completely. When a permanent tooth is lost, it should be located and replaced in its socket as quickly as possible. If the tooth cannot be replanted, float it in milk, water, or the child's mouth to preserve the tooth during transportation to the dentist. In either instance, the child needs to be examined by a pediatric dentist immediately.

SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry [3]