Back-to-school season can be a hectic time for you and your children. While making sure your little one has all the supplies they need and helping them get back into their school routine, it can be all too easy to let a few things slip through the cracks – such as good dental care.
If you don’t want to pull your child out of class due to a dental emergency, you need to make protecting their smile one of your top priorities. Here are 4 tips from your dentist in Kansas City that can help your child keep their grin safe at school and at home.
1. Re-Establish Their Dental Routine
It’s all too easy for children to miss a brushing or two during the summer thanks to their unstructured schedules. As such, back-to-school season is a good opportunity to re-establish a healthy dental routine. That means making sure they’re brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. You should also make sure they’re flossing at least once a day to clean the spots that a toothbrush can’t reach.
2. Pack Smile-Friendly Lunches
If you pack a lunch for your child, make sure that it doesn’t include too many sugary or starchy foods. An occasional treat or snack is fine, but a diet that’s high in sugar and starch can be devastating for your little one’s oral health. Instead, focus on nutritious foods that are good for the teeth, such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, fat-free dairy products, and whole grains.
3. Remind Them to Drink Plenty of Water
It’s important to make sure that your child knows to stay hydrated throughout the school day, but did you know drinking plenty of water could also be good for their grin? Water can rinse bacteria and food particles off the teeth and gums, allowing your child to maintain a clean mouth throughout the day. It’s just one more reason to remind them to stop by the water fountain between classes.
4. Schedule a Back-to-School Visit Now
Dental problems don’t go away on their own; they just worsen over time until they become emergencies such as severe toothaches. Scheduling a dental exam now will give your child’s dentist a chance to check – and treat – any minor issues that could turn into a serious oral health threat later. This makes it less likely that you’ll have to pull your child out of class for urgent dental care.
Your child’s dentist may also have some additional tips for maintaining oral health during back-to-school season. Reach out to them today if you have any questions or concerns. By taking the right steps, you can keep your little one’s teeth safe without interrupting their studies.
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars is proud to offer comprehensive dental care that takes advantage of the latest advancements in modern technology. In the past, he has worked in the Miles of Smiles program, which provides portable dentistry for underserved children in the Clay and Platte Counties. He can offer thorough cleanings, dental sealants, and other treatments to keep your little one smiling. To schedule a back-to-school appointment with Dr. Byars, visit his website or call (816) 781-8222.