When the school year starts, there’s so much hustle and bustle that it’s hard to notice the early signs of common oral health problems, like canker sores, cavities, and teeth grinding. With the proper preventive practices in place, like routine brushing and flossing, your little one can excel in school in addition to reducing their risk of these common issues. Read on for four back-to-school dental hygiene tips that will help keep your favorite smile healthy, happy, and bright.
Avoid Sugary Drinks & Snacks Throughout the Day
The bacteria that are known to cause dental decay and gum disease love to feed off lingering sugars and carbohydrates within the mouth. If your child loves to snack, food debris can lodge itself in the nooks and crevices of teeth throughout the day, causing their saliva to work overtime to wash it away. Ultimately, snacking on foods and drinks that are processed or high in sugar can lead to a greater risk of oral health problems. Instead, try substituting flavored water, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other goodies during snack time.
Schedule Their Checkup & Cleaning at Beginning of the School Year
If your child is one or older, they should be visiting the dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings, according to the American Dental Association. These visits can have the biggest impact on your child when they’re scheduled at the beginning of the school year. They’ll serve as both a reminder of why it’s important to take care of their pearly whites as well as help spot and treat any lingering dental issues before they have a chance to progress and cause them to miss school!
Establish a Good Dental Hygiene Routine
The school year is here, which means their loose summer schedules have now transitioned into a routine that’s more structured. Within their school schedule, it’s crucial to make time for brushing each morning and night, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash. When they complete their morning and nightly routine alongside you, their parent or guardian, it’ll feel like a natural and integral part of their day.
Introduce Tooth-Healthy Foods into Their Lunchbox
Did you know there are certain foods that can actually help prevent cavities? Try introducing some of them into their lunch throughout the school year:
- Fiber-rich fresh fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, pears, avocados, apples, raspberries, blackberries, and more.
- Dairy products like cheese sticks, yogurt, and milk.
- Sugarless chewing gum (at an appropriate age where they understand not to swallow it).
These will all help your child naturally produce more saliva to wash away bacteria as well as act as natural toothbrushes by minimizing plaque and tartar accumulation on their teeth!
About the Practice
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, our team is led by five skilled, compassionate, and caring pediatric dentists who have specialized training and education in treating growing smiles. With over a decade of collective experience between them, they’re able to offer a wide range of kid-friendly dental services, spanning from routine checkups and cleanings to timely, same-day emergency dental appointments in urgent situations. Schedule an appointment for your little one today by visiting our website or calling 630-504-2223.