Sled smarter, not harder
It's sledding season
Fresh snow, cold air, and a good hill can make for a perfect winter day. But while sledding is a seasonal classic, it comes with risks you may or may not expect — including some that can harm your teeth, mouth, and eyes. By following these tips, you can enjoy the ride and avoid an unplanned trip to the dentist or doctor.
Nearly 82% of children treated for sledding injuries hurt their heads.
No matter when and where you sled, you’ll want to follow a few simple guidelines:
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Ride feet‑first: This position lowers your risk of head, face, eye, and dental injuries.
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Wait for a clear path: Take turns and give the rider ahead plenty of space before starting your run.
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Use a safe sled: A steerable sled with brakes will help you avoid hazards. Don't use sleds like snow tubes or disks, which raise the risk of head injury.
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Supervise the fun: This is an obvious one, but worth repeating — make sure there is an adult there to keep young kids safe.
Watch out for collision hazards
Many injuries happen when sleds crash into fixed objects like trees, rocks, fences, or light poles. These accidents can chip or break teeth, injure jaws, or cause facial fractures. To help avoid these injuries:
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Walk the hill first: Check for hidden dangers under the snow.
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Pick a good slope: Make sure it doesn't end near a street, parking lot, pond, or fence.
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Look for a slope with a wide, clear run out at the bottom: This helps you come to a stop gently.
Dress for safety and comfort
Make sure you’re equipped for the weather and the speed:
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Wear comfortable, insulated layers: Avoid loose clothing or dangling accessories that could snag or get caught under the sled.
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Wear a well-fitted winter sports or bike helmet: This helps protect your head and face.
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Shield your eyes: Bring goggles or sunglasses to protect from wind, glare, and snow spray.
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Use lip balm: It should have at least SPF 30 to protect your lips.
Choose snow, not ice
Slick, frozen hills may seem faster, but they make your sled harder to control and are more likely to cause accidents. Snowy surfaces offer better traction for steering and stopping to reduce the risk of injury.
Ready … set … sled!
With safe gear, a good sled, and the right hill, you can enjoy winter fun that’s friendly to your smile, your sight, and your overall well-being.
