Your toddler is not always the most coordinated child; everyday bumps and falls can cause a plethora of face and mouth injuries. Dental injuries, accidents that affect the teeth, can be particularly dangerous to your child's future dental health. Prevent dental injuries in toddlers through a variety of safety measures in and around your home. Call your pediatrician or dentist immediately if your child has injured a tooth.
Step 1
Childproof your house to prevent your toddler from sustaining dental injuries. Use nonskid rug pads to keep carpeting secure and prevent your child from tripping. Apply foam padding to sharp table corners to prevent your toddler from hurting his mouth and teeth on head-level edges. Install childproof cabinet locks, especially on low compartments that can hit your child's mouth upon opening.
Step 2
Maintain good stair safety to prevent your child from taking a tumble. Hold hands when walking with your child up or downstairs. Use baby gates at the top and bottom, but never leave your toddler unattended on the staircase.
Step 3
Monitor your child's play patterns and level of aggression with other children. Teach your toddler to be gentle and play without pushing or hitting; these behaviors can lead to roughhousing and mouth injuries.
Step 4
Buy your toddler a bike helmet and make sure she wears it while riding a tricycle or as a passenger on your bicycle. Dental injuries that occur as a result of a biking accident may be prevented or limited with the extra layer of protection.
Step 5
Place your child in a properly installed and fastened car seat every time he rides with you in a vehicle. Contact your local police or fire department to ensure your car seat is installed correctly. A five-point harness system that crosses your toddler's chest can be an effective deterrent against dental and head injuries should you be in a crash.
Things You'll Need
- Nonskid rug pads
- Duct tape
- Foam padding
- Childproof locks
- Baby gates
- Bike helmet
- Car seat
