Back To School Dental Care Guide

It’s that time of year when parents and kids get ready to go back to school. Through all of the anxiety and excitement it can be easy to lose track of some things, like dental check-ups and packing healthy snacks. Back to school is stressful enough, so let us take a little off your plate. So here is a back-to-school dental care guide to make sure your child’s smile is picture-perfect.

Back to School Dental Check-Up

Getting dental check-ups and teeth cleanings every six months is an important part of your child’s oral health routine. Think about how much your kiddo has grown and changed since school let out in the spring! Their mouths changed as well.

Maybe they would benefit from orthodontic treatment, or perhaps they developed early signs of a cavity. When your dentist sees your child regularly they can identify issues early to prevent bigger problems down the line. Plus, won’t it be nice to have a sparkling smile for school pictures?

Braces

Many kids head back to school with new gear, but what if for your child that includes braces? When it comes to braces oral care is different, especially in the beginning.

• Make a plan for how your child can find time to brush after lunch.
• Build a braces kit for school that includes a travel toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and dental wax.
• Plan for emergencies so that your child knows where to go and who to call.
• If possible, have your child carry a water bottle to ensure they keep hydrated and rinse away debris and bacteria throughout the day.

You will want to discuss healthy eating habits with your child ahead of time. Take the time to remind them of what foods and treats to avoid with their braces and try to pack them braces-friendly snacks for good teeth!

Back to School Dental Care Tips and Teeth-Friendly Snacks

Top Dental Tips for a Successful Back-to-School Experience

Children of different ages face unique challenges with back to school, and it often disrupts those morning and night routines when you usually handle oral care. Try out some of these tricks to make those transitions a little easier without compromising your child’s oral health!

1. Make time for that dental routine. Build a morning brush into your daily prep and do the same for bedtime. Don’t forget to floss! Consistency is helpful for kids of all ages, and it can be comforting for those struggling with new school schedules.
2. Let your child choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. It doesn’t matter how old your kiddo gets, having some autonomy over even the smallest aspects of life can mean everything to them.
3. Encourage drinking lots of water and avoid those sugary drinks.
4. Have older siblings help. Big brothers and sisters can set examples for good oral hygiene, and take a load off you.
5. Reward good oral habits, especially for younger children who need positive reinforcement.
6. If your child plays sports, invest in a mouth guard for extra protection.

Remember, talking about oral health is important. When you openly discuss the reasons for brushing, flossing, and eating snacks that are good for teeth, you help your child understand why it’s important.

Snacks for Healthy Teeth

Lunchtime at school is one of the most social times of the day, and also a critical point for providing your child with healthy foods to keep them going. Even if you don’t pack your child’s lunch anymore, it’s important to have healthy snacks on hand to encourage them to eat well.

Healthy Snack Suggestions for Elementary Kids

It’s tempting to toss in some gummy treats and flavored juice packs, but your child’s teeth could suffer. Elementary-aged kids are growing fast and need nutrients to support strong teeth and healthy gums.

Try swapping out the sugary foods and drinks for some snacks that are good for your teeth, like milk, cheese, and tropical fruits. Mangos and kiwi taste sweet but pack a lot of valuable vitamins.

Middle School and Teenage Treats

It’s about middle school that lunch becomes more about socialization than food, so it’s in your best interest to provide a collection of healthy snacks for your kid’s teeth. If they can munch on things that don’t embarrass them or detract from their social hour, they’re more apt to eat.

The best snacks for teeth are cucumbers, carrots, and celery. You can pair them with a dip or marinate them in an herb mixture overnight. Even better, those snacks are shareable which could help your kid’s teeth and their social life!

If you haven’t scheduled your back-to-school dental check-up, that’s okay! There’s still time to book an appointment to get your kids’ teeth sparkling for a boost of confidence as they head back to class.