Back to School 5 Easy Dental Tips for Kids
As you rush around to get everything checked off your back-to-school to-do list, it’s important to remember that kids need more than school supplies and new clothes. Maintaining your child’s oral health is an integral part of getting him or her prepped and ready for the school year. Even if your child’s teeth look clean and bright on the outside, dental decay could be lurking beneath the surface.
The following back-to-school dental tips for parents are sure to help your child start the school year with a healthy smile, and keep it that way all year long.
The following back-to-school dental tips for parents are sure to help your child start the school year with a healthy smile, and keep it that way all year long.
1. Develop a routine
To maintain healthy teeth, it is important for children to brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. And we know that in the rush to get to school some children will skip brushing their teeth. Your child will benefit from your reminder to follow the healthy oral care routine under your supervision. You can also make it fun for them by allowing them to choose a toothbrush that’s their favourite colour or has their favourite cartoon characters on it.
2. Incentivise good oral hygiene
Develop an incentive-based system, where your child gets a reward each time they contribute to maintaining healthy dental habits. This will help them remember to become conscious with their teeth through the rest of their lives. You may use the following calendar to keep track of good brushing and flossing habits, and give rewards for good job done!
Source: American Dental Association Calendar
Source: American Dental Association Calendar
3. Pack Healthy Lunches and Snacks (and a Water Bottle)
As you pack your child’s lunch or snacks, remember that sugar lurks in practically everything. Before you buy pre-packaged foods, check food labels for added sugar. You will also want to skip crackers and chips since these foods contain simple starches that break down and get sticky. Sticky foods often lead to tooth decay. Good alternatives include fresh fruits and veggies like apples, carrots and cucumbers, which can help scrub away plaque and keep teeth clean between brushing. Hard cheese is an excellent choice as well because it is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which can protect and strength tooth enamel. Pack a water bottle. Drinking water helps wash away the food partials and reduce acid build up.
For more tips on packing healthier lunch and snacks for kids, the following site can give you more ideas and suggestions.
For more tips on packing healthier lunch and snacks for kids, the following site can give you more ideas and suggestions.
4. Purchase a mouthguard (sportsguard) for your child
If your children play sports or are active in things like skateboarding or snowboarding, it’s a good idea to ensure that they use their sportsguards. Your child may find it feel funny at first, but sportsguard is the best thing you can invest to protect your child’s teeth from getting broken or knocked out. It cushions blows that would otherwise cause injuries to the lips and face. Sportsguards have also been proven to mitigate some of the damage of a concussion. There are various kinds of mouthguards; ask your dentist which one is right for your child.
5. Book your back-to-school dental check up and visit the dentist regularly
Visit your dentist at least twice a year; that’s every 6 months. Even though baby teeth are not permanent, they act as placeholders for adult teeth as well as help with speech and chewing.
Your dentist has a significant role in monitoring your children’s oral health as they grow. They will be able to see where improvements are needed, and they have all the tools necessary to maintain the best health for the teeth.
The children’s dental visits include the examination of the whole mouth, teeth, gums and jaws. The dentists also monitor jaw growth and development and make orthodontic recommendations as needed.
Your dentist has a significant role in monitoring your children’s oral health as they grow. They will be able to see where improvements are needed, and they have all the tools necessary to maintain the best health for the teeth.
The children’s dental visits include the examination of the whole mouth, teeth, gums and jaws. The dentists also monitor jaw growth and development and make orthodontic recommendations as needed.
Let us help you keep your kids healthy this year
If you would like to know more about how Rockyview Dental can help you, or your child, contact us today by calling (403) 253-9225. Or book an appointment online.
