Summer is ending, and a new school year is about to begin. It’s time to update your to-do list and get your kids ready for school. However, have you included a checkup at Bristol Dental Clinic on your growing list?
Maintaining your child’s oral health is an important part of preparing them for the new school year. You want them to build good oral hygiene habits while also preventing tooth decay and cavities. These back-to-school tips will help you do just that.
Here are our top six dental tips for maintaining healthy and happy teeth.
1. Book back-to-school dental checkups in advance
Life can get busy, especially around back-to-school time! We understand that you have a lot on your plate between shopping for school supplies, trying to update your child’s wardrobe with the latest trends, and recovering from your vacation. Of course, you also want to actually enjoy summer while it lasts.
So, it’s no surprise that many parents forget to schedule dental cleanings and checkups before the school year starts.
These appointments are incredibly important for the whole family, but they’re especially valuable for kids and teens. Your family dentist must monitor the development of your child’s teeth for abnormalities, cavities, and other issues
We suggest booking these dental checkups in advance and then adding them to your calendar right away. Every member of your family should be visiting Bristol Dental Clinic at least twice a year.
2. Develop an oral hygiene routine
It’s crucial to teach your kids good oral health habits while they’re young. This sets them up for a lifetime of glistening oral health, free from cavities and diseases.
Routines tend to fly out the window once summer hits. However, it’s essential that your children stick to their dental routine. A summer of sweet treats and poor oral habits can lead to cavities in the autumn.
Plus, it’s much harder to break a bad habit than build a positive one. By reinforcing a daily oral hygiene regime, you’re helping build positive oral health habits that will last a lifetime.
So, what does a rigorous oral hygiene routine look like? Consider, for example:
- Brushing twice a day, morning and evening.
- Using fluoride toothpaste.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Flossing once a day.
- Waiting 30 minutes to 1 hour in order to brush after eating.
3. Pack healthy lunches and skip the sugary drinks
What we eat has a significant impact on our oral health. Therefore, what you pack for your child’s lunch plays a role in the health of their teeth and gums.
Food and drinks that are high in sugar are not healthy, period. They’re equally bad for your child’s mouth. Consuming large amounts of sugar can foster the development of cavities and tooth decay. Unfortunately, sugar is everywhere. Pre-packaged and processed foods almost always contain lots of sugar.
The best lunches are full of healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are rich in vitamins and nutrients that support strong teeth and happy gums.
Additionally, encourage your kids to drink water instead of sugary drinks. Send them to school with a refillable water bottle instead of juice or soda. Water helps wash away food particles after eating, combatting potential cavities.
4. Invest in a custom mouthguard for sports
Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy life and giving your child a constructive outlet for all their energy. However, playing sports can have a downside: tooth loss.
It is not at all uncommon for children to have a tooth knocked out while playing sports. Fortunately, mouthguards are an easy solution that can preserve your child’s smile and prevent emergency dental surgery.
Custom mouthguards are crucial for anyone involved in sports. Although store-bought mouthguards are still better than nothing, there are nowhere near as effective or comfortable as custom mouthguards made by your dentist. Professional, custom mouthguards fit perfectly and provide unparalleled protection.
5. Repair any chips or cracks in your child’s smile
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for adults. Children and teenagers can also benefit from cosmetic procedures.
Kids invariably get into mischief, which can lead to chips and cracks appearing in their previously perfect smile. These flaws can harm your child’s confidence and, in some cases, lead to more serious oral health conditions.
Thus, it’s important to address chips and cracks when they appear. If your child chipped a tooth during the summer, it should be fixed before school begins.
Dental bonding is a common dental procedure that restores tooth structure and conceals minor flaws, like chips and cracks. A tooth-coloured resin is applied to the damaged area, blending in with the rest of your child’s natural smile. It reinforces the tooth while also improving its appearance.
6. Teach your child how to care for their braces
Braces are commonly used to treat orthodontic issues in children. If your child has braces, it is very important that they understand how to care for them. Young children may require adult supervision as they master a new cleaning routine.
Children with braces need to brush their teeth after every meal. This removes any food particles stuck in or around the braces. Remember to remove the rubber bands before brushing. If your child is unable to brush their teeth at school, they must rinse their mouth out with water after eating lunch.
In addition, kids need to floss at least once a day if they have braces. Rinsing with mouthwash also helps wash away lingering food debris.
Children cannot eat sticky and hard foods while they have braces. Sticky candies can cause cavities to develop between the teeth and brackets. Hard foods can damage the actual braces.
Looking for a Family Dentist in Mississauga? Contact Bristol Dental Clinic
Changes to our routines can easily disrupt our oral hygiene, especially when children are involved. The back-to-school season is no exception! By following the six tips listed in this article, you can prepare your children for another school year of healthy, happy smiles.
Don’t forget to book your child’s regular dental checkup at Bristol Dental Clinic. These appointments are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums
To find a dentist in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.
