The start of a new school year is right around the corner. While kids are trying to spend every last minute soaking up what is left of summer, parents are making sure they have everything they need to enter the classroom fully prepared. From backpacks and lunchboxes to new clothes and haircuts, parents may be forgetting one thing that will help to ensure their child’s success – their smile. To help children prevent dental emergencies when starting back to school, here are four tips to keep in mind.
Schedule a Back-to-School Checkup
Once the school year is in full swing, you will find it difficult trying to make time for much outside the realm of school, work, and extracurricular activities. This is why many dentists recommend scheduling your child for a back-to-school checkup. Before everything begins moving quickly, bring your child in to see their pediatric dentist.
During this visit, they will check your child’s teeth, gums, and bite to make sure there are no cavities, developing decay, gum disease, or misalignment. If so, a treatment plan can be quickly developed and executed to help your child enter school with a healthier, happier smile.
Get Them a Custom-Made Mouthguard
If your little one plays sports, don’t let them onto the court, field, or track without a customized mouthguard. This will protect their smiles from serious injury as well as keep them out of the dentist’s office for a dental emergency appointment. Instead, these custom-made oral appliances will safeguard their pearly whites, absorbing any sudden impact or pressure that might otherwise damage teeth and soft oral tissues.
Pack Healthy Lunches and Snacks
Once your child is at school, there’s not much you can do when it comes to lunchtime. But you can do your best to make sure they leave home with healthy lunches and snacks. Fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, lean meats, and dairy are all good nutrient-rich foods that will keep your child focused and enjoying better oral and overall health.
Establish Morning and Nighttime Oral Hygiene Routines
When your child first wakes and before they go to bed, make sure they are practicing good oral hygiene habits. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing (if old enough) are essential components of maintaining a healthy smile, so make sure you’re overseeing the process. If necessary, help your little one to reach all areas inside their mouth so that bacteria do not take refuge between teeth or on their tongue.
Although not all dental emergencies are avoidable, toothaches and infections can often be mitigated when using the right techniques and routines. By adhering to these tips, you can better prepare your child for a positive start to a new school year.
About the Author
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Mira Albert leads a team of pediatric dentists who make it possible for little ones to achieve healthier smiles. As the school year quickly approaches, she and her team can ensure the health and safety of young teeth and gums through preventive care. From dental checkups and cleanings to fluoride treatments and customized mouthguards, we have the services you need to better equip and protect your child’s smile. Contact us at (630) 504-2223 to find out how we can help.