With summer quickly coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about a healthy back to school routine. Did you know that tooth decay is still the most common chronic disease in children, 5 times more common than asthma? Cavities can cause problems with your child’s daily activities, such as sleeping, eating and learning, which can lead to a not fun school year and missed school hours. Start your child’s school year off right with these helpful tips.
1. Routine dental visits every 6 months
Set up your child’s next dental check-up at Tooth & Co Pediatric Dentistry. A check-up will ensure a healthy start to the school year.
2. Establish Healthy Habits
Have your child brush teeth before leaving the house in the morning. Most school mornings have little time to spare. Keep morning brushing as one of your “can’t miss” steps before heading out. They’ll start the day with fresh breath and a bright smile.
3. Don’t eat after brushing teeth
This is especially important before bedtime, as salivary flow decreases while they sleep, and teeth become more vulnerable to cavities.
4. Eat Nutritious Foods
Encourage healthy eating. Tooth friendly snacks include fruit, cheese, vegetables, and nuts. Avoid sticky foods, such as candy, fruit roll ups, and granola bars. These foods stick to teeth surfaces and cause decay.
5. Don’t nibble food or sip continuously
Allowing time between snacking and sipping allows saliva to neutralize acids and repair teeth.
6. Choose Water
Juice and soda often contain more sugar than children should have in an entire day. This sugar can coat the teeth, promoting tooth decay. Too much sugar may also lead to an afternoon crash, which in turn interferes with schoolwork. Instead, give your kids fruit and frequently remind them to drink water.
7. Be safe
With back to school comes school sports. Make sure kids participating in organized sporting events wear mouth protection. Kids should also remember to wear a helmet when riding bicycles, scooters, and rollerblading.
8. Ask About Sealants
Dental sealants can also protect your children’s teeth from cavities. Sealants, which are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, act as a shield between the tooth and harmful bacteria.
Finally, it’s recommended to bring your kids in every six months for an exam, cleaning and fluoride treatment. If you haven’t made an appointment, give us a call, email or send an appointment request and we will happily get you on the schedule.
We hope your school year starts out all smiles.
Tooth & Co Pediatric Dentistry
Nurturing Young Smiles