10 Tips for Back-To-School Oral Health

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Two elementary school children smiling through a bus window.

Keep your smile healthy all year long!

Summer vacation is the most difficult time for parents to keep their children in a good oral health routine, so the start of a new school year is the perfect time to get back on track with your child’s oral hygiene.

According to a recent study done by the Children’s Dental Health Project, children with poor oral health are nearly 3 times more likely to miss school due to dental pain. Adopting healthy oral health practices now can help keep your child healthy and not missing unnecessary school.

To help keep you and your family’s smile shining bright this year, follow this helpful tips:

Travel Set: Grab a travel size toothbrush, toothpaste and floss to keep handy in backpacks.

Replace Your Toothbrush: Start the school year with a fresh brush! Remember, toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, so it will be perfect timing to get a new one at the start of the school year.

Start a Motivational Chart: Reward kids for keeping up on their brushing. Remember—brushing for 2 minutes, twice a day is what’s recommended.

Stock a Healthy Kitchen: Satisfy after school sweet cravings with healthy options like pre-cut strawberries, watermelon, pineapple and cherries. Pre-made yogurt parfaits, layered with blueberries and strawberries, are also a great snack to stock in the fridge.

Avoid the Ice: It’s easy to chew on ice, but it can be hard on your teeth. Use ice to chill drinks . . . not as something to eat.

Wear a Mouth Guard: Whether on the soccer field, or rollerblading in the park, a properly fitting mouth guard can reduce the chance of even the most common dental injuries by up to 60 times.

Water is Best: Soft drinks, lemonade and sports drinks can quench your thirst, but their contents can damage teeth. Enjoy them in moderation and rinse with water after drinking to wash away the soft drinks sugar and acid.

Protect Your Lips: Don’t forget your lips when applying sunscreen, protecting them from the sun’s harmful rays and reducing the risk of cancer.

Schedule Your Regular Check-ups . . . Now: Look at your school calendars and plan your child’s next hygiene visit now to avoid missing those opportunities when kids aren’t in school. Dental office appointments fill up fast!

Back-To-School is an exciting time. Be sure to encourage your kids to take care of their teeth, by brushing and flossing daily!

Call or text us today to schedule your next orthodontic appointment today!