Amid the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season, you may have only recently realized that your child’s dental exam with their pediatric dentist is coming up. If you’re worried because your little one wasn’t as diligent about brushing and flossing over the summer, that’s okay. The best thing to do now is start enforcing good dental habits again! For five back-to-school-specific oral hygiene tips for kids, keep reading.
Pack Tooth-Friendly Lunches
Does your child love soda, candy, and other sweet treats? Since they aren’t the most tooth-friendly, it’s best to avoid packing these in their school lunches. Instead, find foods that are nutritious and delicious, like fresh fruit, carrots and hummus, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Get Your Child a New Toothbrush
Has it been more than three months since your child got a new toothbrush? Then it’s time to get them a new one! Otherwise, they are “cleaning” their teeth with old, frayed, and ineffective bristles. To pique their interest in brushing their teeth, consider taking them to the store with you to pick one out.
Make Brushing Their Teeth Fun
Unfortunately, there is a popular misconception that oral hygiene is boring. While that may be the case now, it doesn’t have to be! To help make dental care something your child enjoys, do your best to make the experience exciting. You can get fun lights, play upbeat music, and track their progress with a visually interesting chart.
Redirect Unhealthy Dental Habits
Thumb-sucking and nail-biting are two unhealthy dental habits that many children engage in. Since it’s often in response to feeling stressed, you may see an uptick in this behavior during back-to-school season. When you notice it, do your best to redirect their behavior to something else, like coloring.
Talk to Their Dentist About Dental Sealants
One of the best preventive measures you can take is to talk to your child’s dentist about dental sealants. After all, there’s a good chance their teeth and gums aren’t being thoroughly cleaned as their fine motor skills develop. Dental sealants can help provide a protective layer against bacteria, reducing your chances of getting cavities.
Even if your child got off-track with their dental care habits over the summer, there’s still time to help them ace their next dental exam. The above tips are a great place to start!
About the Practice
Our team at Village Pediatric Dentistry takes pride in helping growing smiles thrive – it’s our greatest passion! We’re proud to welcome infants, children, and teens at our conveniently located office. Plus, with morning, lunchtime, weekend, and after-school hours, they’ll never have to miss valuable time in the classroom to care for their smile. If you want to learn more about how to keep your child’s smile decay-free or you’d like to schedule their next dental checkup, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (678) 456-5572.