Every year around this time, kids around the country begin preparing to return to school. While this often includes buying new clothes and school supplies, there is one aspect of back-to-school prep that shouldn’t be overlooked: your little one’s oral health. To help your child prevent dental emergencies during the new school year, read on to learn five helpful oral health and hygiene tips.
Tip #1: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The main reason why cavities form is due to improper oral hygiene. This is because the bacteria that cause cavities feed off the sugar in the foods your child eats. If they don’t brush their teeth twice per day and floss before bed, this might allow cavities to form. If left untreated, cavities can develop into severe decay and may require emergency treatment.
To avoid this, teach your little one about the importance of brushing once in the morning and once at night for a full two minutes. Additionally, make sure they floss after their last meal of the day.
Tip #2: Replace Your Child’s Toothbrush
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months since this is usually when the bristled become to worn to properly remove plaque. They should also be replaced every time your child recovers from an illness. Doing this will prevent them from accidentally reinfecting themself and getting sick again. Be sure to get a toothbrush with soft bristles so it doesn’t damage their enamel.
Tip #3: Pack a Healthy Lunch
Common lunch foods like soda, pizza, and sweet treats are full of sugar, carbs, and starches, which encourage cavity production. Make sure to pack your little one lunches when they go back to school that will provide their smile with the vitamins and minerals it needs to be healthy. Some foods you can include are:
- Crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables like pears, carrots, apples, and celery
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Lean meats like chicken and turkey
Tip #4: Ask Your Child to Wear a Mouthguard
Does your child play contact sports like football or soccer? Accidents are bound to happen, and being unprepared can end in dental damage. To keep your little one’s smile safe from harm, have them wear a mouthguard. This will protect their teeth and gums. Mouthguards can be bought over the counter at many drug and sporting goods stores or can be custom-made by many dentists.
Tip #5: Schedule a Back-to-School Checkup
Every six months, your child should visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning. If it’s been longer than that since they last had their teeth inspected, schedule an appointment with their dentist. This will allow them to find oral health issues in their early stages and administer treatment before they get any worse. Taking care of these appointments before they go back to school also means they won’t have to miss any of their classes.
The health of your child’s smile is an important part of maintaining their overall well-being. With the above tips, you can help them avoid dental issues so going back to school is a breeze!
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich is a talented dentist in the Houston area who treats patients of all ages. She offers exceptional oral health services to keep growing smiles looking and functioning their best. She can also give you some back-to-school tips for healthy smiles and to avoid dental emergencies. Call Dr. Rich’s dental office at (281) 469-6281 or visit her website to learn more about her dental health services or to make an appointment.