The start of a new school year is upon us. While you are running around checking off the Back-to-School checklist, making sure your children have new clothes and new school supplies it’s easy to forget about their teeth.
Your child’s oral health is important to their scholastic success. Here are some helpful tips to get you ready for back to school.
Re-Establish a Dental Routine
It can be easy to miss a brushing or two during the summer. Making sure your child’s dental routine returns to good habits will help encourage them to keep up with their daily dental care.
Children need to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time to keep their mouths healthy. They should also floss every day, preferably after dinner.
Return to Getting to Bed Early
A good night sleep is great for your child’s overall health, including their dental health. Lack of sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, loss of concentration, and excess snacking as a stimulus. Make sure they brush before going to bed as well.
Avoid Sugary Drinks and Treats
When putting together school snacks and lunches be aware of how much sugar is in their food or drinks. Eating or drinking lots of sugar can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Swap out lunchbox no-no’s with healthy alternatives. Instead of chips or crackers, try nuts. Salty snacks like pretzels or corn chips may seem healthy because they don’t contain sugar, but simple starches can be just as bad as sugar. Avoid candies and granola bars. Offer crunchy snacks like celery sticks, baby carrots and cubes of cheddar cheese instead.
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water will keep your child hydrated, but it will also help remove any bacteria and plaque from building up on their teeth during the day.
Schedule Your Dental Visit
Start the school year right with a dental cleaning and exam. It’s an easy ways to stop cavities before they start. Studies have shown children with poor oral health were 90% more likely to miss more than six days of school compared to their good oral health counterparts.
Dr. Soto the Downey Dentist will make sure your child’s teeth are healthy and ready to start off the school year with a fresh, clean smile. Book their appointment today!
