Safeguarding Children's Smiles: Preventing Mouth and Teeth Injuries at Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are synonymous with summer fun, providing a refreshing escape for children during the hot summer months. However, it can be a slippery environment where accidents can happen, and children's mouths and teeth are particularly vulnerable to injuries including dental fractures and teeth being knocked out of their sockets.

According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, pool-related injuries accounted for approximately 11.4 percent of all dental emergencies in children aged 7-17 in 2021. Another study reported diving-related injuries accounted for about 43 percent of all swimming pool injuries in children aged 10-14.

“Every summer we treat dozens of children with dental injuries from accidents that happen at swimming pools,” Dr. Kyle Bogan, DDS, North Orange Family Dentistry said. “The most common of these injuries is the chipping or breaking of front teeth as a result of a traumatic impact.  The outcome of these pool related injuries can range from cosmetic bonding to root canals and crowns.”

Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures can go a long way in safeguarding children's smiles and ensuring a safe and enjoyable pool experience. The most common mouth injuries for children at swimming pools include:

• Diving into a swimming pool, especially in shallow water, can pose a significant risk. Unsupervised diving, diving in restricted areas, or performing unsafe maneuvers like flips and twists can lead to severe injuries, such as chipped, fractured, or even knocked-out teeth. 
• Slip and fall accidents are common occurrences around swimming pools due to wet surfaces and running on deck areas. Such accidents can result in children hitting their mouths on hard surfaces, causing lip lacerations, broken teeth, or even jaw fractures. 
• Poolside Accidents - Besides the pool itself, other equipment and amenities near the pool area can also contribute to mouth and teeth injuries. Swings, slides, and even diving boards require careful handling to avoid accidents. Children may accidentally bump their mouths against these objects or collide with other swimmers, leading to dental traumas. 
• Waterborne Hazards - Swimming pools often contain chemicals, such as chlorine, to maintain water hygiene. While these chemicals are necessary, exposure to excessive amounts can cause irritation and dryness in the mouth, leading to discomfort and potential mouth ulcers. Encouraging children to rinse their mouths with fresh water after swimming can help minimize the impact of these chemicals.

Prevention is key when it comes to protecting children from mouth and teeth injuries at swimming pools. Local dentists encourage parents, guardians, and pool staff to educate children about the potential risks and teach them about safe behavior around the pool and encourage children to use appropriate protective gear such as mouthguards during activities that involve a higher risk of injury, such as diving or water sports.

North Orange Family Dentistry works with youth athletes to make custom fitted sports mouthguards that fit securely to the teeth with better ability to speak and breath during activities. For more information on best dental practices, visit https://www.northorangefamilydentistry.com.