Getting your child ready to go back to school is always a rush of activity, and between buying new clothes, fresh supplies, and arranging their extracurriculars, the last thing on your mind is probably their dental health. While this is understandable, it’s important to know that students around the U.S. miss thousands of days of school every year due to preventable dental problems like cavities. How can you make sure your child doesn’t contribute to this statistic? Simply follow these three actionable and straightforward tips that you can take advantage of right away.
1. Establish a Routine Before Classes Start
One of the best parts about summer is that the routine of the school year relaxes, allowing your child to just go with the flow. Unfortunately, the habit of brushing and flossing each day might just flow away as well. Ahead of school, make sure your child is brushing at least twice a day (once in the morning and evening) for two minutes each and flossing before going to bed. By having them do this regularly ahead of classes, it will be much easier for them to keep up these practices on those busy mornings before school.
2. Pack a Dental To-Go Kit
While the American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day, some children (especially those who are cavity-prone or have orthodontics) may benefit from doing so after lunch as well. Some kids may also enjoy the confidence boost that flossing and rinsing with mouthwash give them because they know their breath is fresh and nothing is stuck in their teeth! A travel-sized toothbrush along with floss and a small container of mouthwash easily fit into any bag to make sure your child’s smile is always at its best.
3. Don’t Pack Juice
Most parents know that soda isn’t exactly the best choice for a child’s teeth because it’s loaded with added sugar and slightly acidic, but do you know what this also describes? The majority of fruit juices you’ll find on store shelves. Despite seeming like the healthier option, many juices are just as bad as soda! The best option to put in your child’s lunches is always unflavored water. It keeps your child hydrated, rinses away food particles, and encourages saliva production that enables their mouth to naturally clean itself.
Bonus Tip: Schedule a Back-to-School Checkup!
No child’s oral hygiene regimen is complete without routine checkups and cleanings with their dentist. By scheduling a quick appointment a few weeks ahead of school, they can make sure your child doesn’t have any dental issues that could become worse and end up causing them to miss classes down the line.
All in all, these tips help keep your child healthy and confident, plus they give parents the one thing they crave most—peace of mind. They require little time, deliver outsized benefits compared to the effort, and will ensure that everyone has one less thing to worry about during this busy time of the year!
About the Author
Dr. Annie Yu earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and she then pursued an intensive postgraduate residency program at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She has practiced dentistry since 2006 while always keeping abreast of the latest dental methods and technology. To get your child’s smile ready for the upcoming school year, contact her online or dial (240) 332-1599 to schedule an appointment.