With August here, you’re likely making plans for back to school errands ahead of the academic year! While your checklist likely includes purchasing new backpacks, lunchboxes, pens, pencils, binders, folders, and other essentials, you should also take a moment to confirm their oral health is in good shape. Not only should you explain to them the best way to prevent dental emergencies while in school, but get them scheduled for a dental appointment while it’s still summer! Read on to learn how to prepare before the school year ramps up.
Schedule Their Routine Dental Checkup and Cleaning
It’s much easier to get them scheduled for a dental checkup during the summer when they don’t have to worry about classes and extracurricular activities. Plus, you don’t want to have to interrupt the valuable time they could be spending socializing with friends. Checkups give dentists a chance to confirm no underlying issues are present, while cleanings let them remove any plaque that was missed during at-home care. Preventive treatments like these are the backbone to avoiding dental emergencies later in life.
Make Sure They Know Their Oral Hygiene Habits
Brushing and flossing at home is their best defense against dental disease (and dental emergencies like toothaches) in between their regular checkups. Feel free to stand by and help them as needed while they perform their hygiene habits. Brush and floss alongside them to show them how important oral care is to you as well!
Pack Them Mouth-Friendly Lunches
Skip the cookies and the crackers in their lunchtime pack. Include healthy options like apples, vegetables, cheese, nuts, yogurt and cooked eggs. These options can promote a healthy smile and make it more difficult for oral bacteria to produce plaque acids that can harm enamel and irritate the gums.
Do Not Let Them Use Their Teeth as Tools
Under no circumstances should they be using their teeth as a tool to perform tasks like trimming their fingernails or opening food packages. This is a sure way for them to chip or crack a tooth. Teach them how to trim their nails if they are struggling and make sure the right tool is always nearby should they need to perform a specific task.
Get them a Protective Mouthguard for Sports
Is your child planning to be physically active during the school year? If they are going to be playing or participating in football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, karate, or another sport where the risk for sudden impact is high, purchase them a custom-made mouthguard from a dentist. These oral appliances are far more effective at reducing dental emergencies, last longer, and fit more comfortably, so your child will actually want to use them.
Make sure “dental checkup” is on your back to school to-do list this August. Call a dentist today to schedule your next appointment!
About The Center for Advanced Dentistry
Dr. Schlessel and Dr. Hornstein are dedicated to making your child’s back-to-school dental appointments as productive and comfortable as possible. Their exceptional chairside manner and strong attention to detail are sure to make their routine dental checkups and cleanings enjoyable, no matter their age. To schedule an appointment for your family members, you can contact them through their website.