Back-to-School Dental Tips From Your Family Dentist
August 6, 2019 Leave your thoughts
Back-to-school time is just around the corner and that means it’s time to start preparing for the new school year. One great way to get your kids ready is by making sure they’re taking care of their teeth. Here, we’ll provide some helpful back-to-school dental tips from your family dentist.
Pack Healthy Snacks & Lunches
Eating healthy is a great way to ensure that your child’s teeth will be in tip top shape for the school year. While school cafeterias may not always have the healthiest options, you can give your child more teeth friendly options by packing their snacks and lunches. Make sure you fill their lunch box with healthy snacks like carrots and celery, cheese, yogurt, nuts, and fruit. Try to avoid foods that are high in sugar and carbs like gummy snacks and chips. If your child prefers to buy lunch at school, talk to them about healthy choices so they know how to navigate the cafeteria and make decisions that are good for their teeth and overall health.
Show Your Child How to Practice Good Dental Habits at Home
One of the best ways to prepare your children for the school year is by teaching them how to care for their teeth at home. Be sure to teach them at home that they need to brush their teeth for two minutes after they’ve eaten breakfast and are getting ready to go to school, and then again at night for two minutes after they’ve eaten dinner and are getting ready for bed. Also show them how to floss at least once a day and be sure they’re using fluoride toothpaste when they brush. To personalize their oral care routine, let them pick out a toothbrush with their favorite character and toothpaste in their favorite flavor.
Make Sure They’re Wearing a Mouthguard When They Play Sports
If your child plays contact sports, they need to be wearing a mouthguard. In order to avoid injury or damage to their teeth such as a chipped or knocked out tooth, mouthguards are of the utmost importance for your sporty child. Mouthguards could also potentially help you save money in the long run because if something happens to your child’s teeth while they’re playing a sport and not wearing a mouthguard then that dental bill is not likely to be cheap. You can get custom mouthguards made or buy the bite and boil ones from any sporting goods store.Schedule Regular Checkups & Cleanings for Your Child
While practicing good oral health habits every day is vital to their oral health, your children also need to have regular dental checkups and cleanings. These should be scheduled every six months so that we can examine your child’s teeth at regular intervals, give them a deep clean, and provide any fluoride treatments, as needed. Additionally, when you bring your child in for regular dentist appointments, they won’t miss school in the future due to oral health issues like needing a cavity filled.
Start the School Year Off Right
That’s right, start the school year off right with a trip to the dentist. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your child. We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact UsCategorised in: Family Dental Care, Healthy Diet, Oral Hygiene
