3 Back-to-School Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Smile Bright

Summer’s almost over, and it’s time to get ready for the new school year. This can mean new clothes and supplies, obviously, but it also means making sure your child is still practicing excellent oral hygiene even while class is in session. Here are 3 back to school tips from your dentist that will help make sure that your young scholars take to their lessons with bright, healthy smiles on their faces.

1. If They Haven’t Had a Dental Appointment Yet, Schedule One Now

When your child is dealing with homework, tests and extracurricular activities, the last thing you want to do is pull them out of class because they have a cavity or other oral health problem that needs to be dealt with. Having dental appointments done during summer vacation isn’t just convenient, it’s also a good way to avoid potential dental crises down the line. The dentist will be able to find tooth decay in its earliest, most easily treatable stages; furthermore, they can use dental sealants and fluoride treatments to make the decay much less likely to happen in the first place.

According to a 2015 survey by Delta Dental, a third of children will miss school because of cavities and other dental health problems. By having an appointment done at the beginning of the school year, you can avoid the need for emergency appointments that could affect your child’s performance in class. After all, family dentistry is all about prevention!

2. Be Careful What You Pack in Their Lunches

Some foods are worse for your child’s teeth than you might think. Applesauce seems healthy on the surface, but it’s filled with natural and added sugars that can lead to tooth decay. In general, you should limit the amount of sugar your child consumes; you should also be careful of starchy snacks – pretzels, chips and crackers – as starches can be just as bad as sugar when it comes to cavities.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots are much better for the teeth; in addition to containing plenty of vitamins, they can actually scrub the teeth while they’re being chewed. Plain milk, cheese cubes, leafy green vegetables and banana slices are also good options.

3. Encourage Them to Brush

You need to make sure your kids are brushing at least twice a day for about two minutes per brushing session. Do everything you can to make it a fun activity, such as letting them pick a toothbrush they like or playing some of their favorite songs.

These are just some general suggestions; your dentist might have some more specific ideas for keeping your child’s teeth in shape. Do whatever you can to make your little one’s smile protected 24/7.

About the Author

Dr. Prachi D. Shah has been helping her patients maintain bright, healthy smiles since 2007. She has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and offers dental sealants and fluoride treatments to reduce the risk of cavities. To schedule an appointment at her practice in Pantego, visit her website or call (817) 860-2222.