As summer comes to a close, kids across the country are getting ready to switch gears and prepare to go back to school. This means that their parents will be helping them collect the school supplies they need, find new outfits, and take care of last-minute appointments. This means taking a trip to the dentist’s office. If you’re the parent of a little one who’s preparing to go back to school, read on for four tips that will help them ace their next dental appointment.
Tip #1: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
If your child doesn’t practice good oral hygiene, this will raise their risk of developing cavities. Make sure to reinforce the importance of brushing once in the morning and once at night for two minutes each time. You should also have them use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen their pearly whites and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid enamel damage. Flossing each night before bed is also key, as it removes 40% of the plaque stuck on their smiles.
Tip #2: Replace Your Child’s Toothbrush
Once the bristles on your little one’s toothbrush start to look frayed, that’s a sign that it’s time to get them a new one. As a general rule of thumb, they should be replaced every three to four months. You should also give your child a new toothbrush after getting over an illness so that they don’t accidentally reinfect themself.
Tip #3: Give Them Healthy Foods
If you pack your child’s lunch, make sure to fill it with foods that promote a healthy, happy smile. A few good ones to include are:
- Lean meats like chicken and turkey
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products like yogurt and cheese
- Crisp, fresh fruits and veggies like pear or apple slices, carrots, and celery sticks
Tip #4: Ask Your Child to Wear a Mouthguard
Contact sports like soccer, football, and hockey are sure to result in the occasional blow to the face. Fortunately, getting your child a mouthguard can protect their teeth, gums, lips, and tongue from harm. They can be purchased at many sports, drug, and grocery stores, but you can also ask your child’s dentist about having one custom-made.
Dental checkups and cleanings should be performed every six months. If it’s been longer than that since your little one last saw their dentist, now is the time to set up an appointment to lessen their risk of oral health issues so they can go back to school with a fresh, healthy, and beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati is a dentist in Peabody who treats patients with a range of exceptional services that will help them avoid oral health issues and maintain healthy smiles. He offers treatments for patients of all ages, including those with growing smiles who need a little extra help before the go back to school. Call Dr. Saati’s dental office at (978) 531-2185 or visit his website for more information on dental care for children or to schedule an appointment.