Back-to-school season can be a hectic time as parents prepare their children to return to class. While making sure they have all the supplies they need is certainly important, oral hygiene should still be a priority. Dentists highly recommend that parents schedule a dental exam for their children before school begins. This way, cavities, and other oral health problems can be detected before they become major issues. Other than taking them to the dentist, below are 4 back-to-school ideas for helping children protect their teeth.
1. Establish a Regular Routine
Brushing at least twice a day is essential for removing harmful oral bacteria and food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Children should develop good brushing habits at an early age; it makes it more likely that they will continue to clean their teeth on their own once they reach adulthood. Parents can set up a schedule to help their children brush and floss at the same time every day. Rewarding them for following said schedule helps promote the right habits.
2. Pack Healthy Foods
Parents need to put careful thought into the kinds of food that they pack in their children’s lunches. An occasional sweet treat or starchy snack will not cause any major problems, but the majority of each meal should consist of foods that are beneficial for oral and overall health. Good options include fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fat-free dairy products, and leafy greens.
3. Improve Brushing and Flossing Techniques
It is not enough for children to simply learn how to brush and floss. They need to be able to do these tasks properly so that they can keep their entire mouth as clean and healthy as possible. A dentist in Lake Zurich can show parents and children proper techniques for brushing and flossing. They can also make suggestions for improving their routine, such as buying a new toothbrush every three to four months or switching to an easier flossing method. Additionally, many online resources can offer helpful advice.
4. Don’t Wait If There is a Problem
Small dental problems such as minor dental pain can quickly turn into major oral health issues if they are not dealt with promptly. More severe dental issues usually require more extensive treatment, which forces children to spend more time out of class. As such, it is better to schedule an appointment to have minor issues taken care of right away; doing so can save a lot of time and help children avoid unnecessary dental pain.
The above tips can help children maintain bright smiles when it is time to head back to the classroom. Good oral hygiene will allow them to spend more time focusing on their studies and less time at the dentist’s office.
About Grand Dental – Lake Zurich
At Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, our dental team promotes preventive dentistry for patients of all ages. We offer a wide variety of services to keep the risk of tooth decay and gum disease to a minimum – two common oral health issues that can be highly disruptive for a child’s oral development. If you would like to schedule a back-to-school appointment for your child, visit our website or call (847) 438-8136.