As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, now is the perfect time to give your smile the care and attention it deserves. At Houston Dentists…
It’s that time of year when parents and children experience a whirlwind of emotions. Back to school is a time of worry and excitement for everyone, and it’s easy to lose track of important details like dental appointments and healthy snack packing.
We understand. Back to school is stressful enough as it is, so let us help you out a bit. Take a step back, inhale deeply, and utilize this back-to-school dental care checklist to ensure your child’s smile is picture-perfect.
Dental Exam for Students Returning to School
Dental check-ups and teeth cleanings are a vital component of your child’s oral health regimen every six months. Consider how much your child has grown and changed since the spring semester ended. Their facial expressions shifted as well.
Perhaps they needed orthodontic treatment, or perhaps they were showing signs of a cavity. When your child’s dentist sees him or her on a regular basis, he or she can spot concerns early on, preventing worse problems down the road. Isn’t it also wonderful to have a bright smile for school photos?
With braces on, it’s time to go back to school.
Many children return to school with new uniforms, but what if your child is wearing braces? Oral hygiene is different with braces, as anyone who has had them knows, especially when you first start.
- Make a schedule for your child to brush his or her teeth after lunch.
- Make a school braces kit including a travel toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and dental wax.
- Make an emergency plan so that your child understands where to go and who to call in the event of an emergency.
- If at all feasible, have your child take a water bottle with them throughout the day to ensure they stay hydrated and rinse away debris and bacteria.
- It’s also crucial to talk to your youngster about good eating habits. Remind them of the things they shouldn’t do with their braces and make sure they’re wearing them correctly.
Dental Care for Back to School and Teeth-Friendly Snacks
Do you think you’re ready to go back to school? Perhaps these pointers, tactics, and tooth-friendly snacks will make you and your child feel more at ease about returning.
Top Dental Recommendations for a Successful Back-to-School Season
Back to school presents distinct problems for children of all ages, and it frequently breaks the morning and night routines when you usually address oral care. Try some of these tips to make those adjustments a bit easier for your child without jeopardizing his or her dental health!
- Make time for your dental checkup. Include a morning brush in your regular routine, as well as a bedtime brush. Don’t forget to floss your teeth! Consistency is beneficial to children of all ages, and it can provide comfort to those who are adjusting to new school schedules.
- Allow your child to select his or her own toothbrush and toothpaste. It doesn’t matter how old your child is, giving them some control over even the tiniest areas of their lives can mean the world to them.
- Encourage people to drink plenty of water and stay away from sugary drinks.
- Enlist the assistance of older siblings. Big brothers and sisters can set a positive example for good oral hygiene while also relieving you of some of the burden.
- Reward healthy oral habits, particularly with younger children who require positive reinforcement.
Remember that discussing oral health is critical. When you freely discuss the benefits of brushing, flossing, and eating tooth-friendly snacks, you assist your child understand why it is necessary.
Snacks for Healthy Teeth
Lunchtime is one of the most social times of the day at school, and it is also a key time to provide your child with nutritious snacks to keep them going. Even if you no longer pack your child’s lunch, having healthy snacks on available will encourage them to eat well.
Suggestions for Healthy Elementary School Snacks
While it may be tempting to include gummy candies and flavored drink packs, your child’s teeth may suffer. Elementary school-aged children are rapidly growing and require nutrients to maintain strong teeth and healthy gums.
Substitute sugary foods and beverages for tooth-friendly snacks such as milk, cheese, and tropical fruits. Mangoes and kiwis have a pleasant flavor yet are high in vitamins.
Treats for Middle School and Adolescents
Lunch becomes more about socializing than eating around middle school, so it’s in your child’s best advantage to supply a collection of healthy snacks for his or her teeth. They’re more likely to eat if they can gnaw on something that doesn’t shame them or interfere with their social hour.
Cucumbers, carrots, and celery are the best teeth-cleaning snacks. You can serve them with a dip or marinade them overnight in a herb combination. Even better, those snacks are sharing, which is beneficial for your child’s dental health and social life!
Final Thoughts on Dental Care for Back to School
Phew! We can’t assist with supply lists or finding the perfect picture clothing, but maybe our guidance alleviates some stress associated with back-to-school. Equipping your child with all the necessary information on oral health is one way to prepare them for the future. In short, maintain an effective dental hygiene routine and keep a supply of tooth-friendly snacks on hand.
