It’s that time of year again - back-to-school. This transition can be busy and stressful, but we don’t want your child’s dental health to be lost in the mix. So if your child has been slacking off with their dental routine this summer, now is the perfect time to brush up on good cleaning habits. We’ve created a list of things your family should do before the school year starts to get your children’s teeth on the right track. Dental problems are the number one reason that kids are pulled out of school, and most of these cases are preventable. Your child’s back-to-school dental checklist should include these dental tips:
Make your dental appointments early
We suggest that you come for a routine dental visit at least twice a year, and most likely one of those visits will be during the school year. The American Dental Association says that a dental examination is as important as booster shots and immunizations. School systems release their calendars a year in advance so it’s easy for you to schedule your appointments around teacher workdays and early release days. This way, your child will miss less school days. We are busiest on teacher workdays and early release days, so make sure you’re booking those early.
Alter your morning and night time routine
As your “lazy” summers come to an end, so should your “lazy summer” routines. It might take some time to get used to the new schedule. Most kids skip brushing, flossing or both in the morning because they are too busy getting ready for school. Don’t let this happen to your family. Use a chart to track your child’s progress, so every time they brush in the morning and at night they will earn a sticker. There are so many different videos and songs you can play to make sure they are brushing for two minutes.
Choose healthy snacks
When your child is at school, you might not have the option to keep track of nutritional intake. It’s important to go over healthy eating habits. The first thing kids want when they get home from school is a snack. Instead of grabbing chips or crackers for them, try nuts. Juice and soda can be harmful to tooth enamel, so try water or milk instead. Veggies and fruit are always the best option. Make a list of all the healthy foods your child likes and give them a choice every day. Low-fat, low-sugar foods will help protect your children from tooth decay and other diseases.. so snack smart!
Pick up a new toothbrush
Nothing will get your child more excited to brush than a new toothbrush. It might be hard to remember when to change out a toothbrush, so try changing them every time their report card comes out. There are so many different types of toothbrushes out there; it can be hard to decide which one is best. We recommend a soft-bristled, small-headed brush for most kids. Parent tip: we will send your child home with a toothbrush after their visit, so you can use that as a guide for your next purchase or ask any of our staff what to look for when buying a brush.
These are just a few tips to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong as they begin a new school year. We want your child to be their best from the dental chair to the classroom. It is our mission to help your child achieve a cavity-free, healthy smile, along with healthy dental habits they will use for the rest of their life.
Send us your child’s first day of school picture! Share on our Facebook page or share on your favorite platform with #CPDSchoolSmiles.
