As the back-to-school season approaches, the flurry of tasks can be overwhelming. From shopping for new clothes to gathering school supplies, there’s much to do before your child returns to classes. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s crucial not to overlook your child’s oral health. Equipping them with the means to prevent dental emergencies is essential, allowing them to maintain a healthy smile and concentrate on their studies. Here are five valuable tips for ensuring a healthy smile throughout the school year.
Tip #1: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Preventing cavities is essential, and it begins with maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Make sure your child brushes their teeth thoroughly twice a day, dedicating a full 2 minutes to this routine, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste.
Encourage them to floss diligently every night after their last meal to eliminate plaque and food particles from between their teeth. This will effectively reduce the risk of cavities.
Tip #2: Replace Your Child’s Toothbrush
Regularly replace your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months, particularly when the bristles start to fray, to maintain its cleaning efficiency. Additionally, provide them with a new toothbrush after recovering from an illness to prevent any potential reinfection.
Tip #3: Pack a Healthy Lunch
Replace cavity-causing foods like soda, pizza, and cookies in your child’s lunch with dentist-approved options, including:
- Fresh, crisp fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, celery, and pears in their lunch
- Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other fat-free or low-fat dairy products
- Lean meats, such as chicken and turkey
Tip #4: Have Your Child Wear a Mouthguard
It’s essential to protect your child’s teeth during contact sports like football or soccer by having them wear a mouthguard. While over-the-counter options are available, a custom-made mouthguard from your child’s dentist provides better fit and protection. This added precaution significantly lowers the risk of dental injuries during sports, ensuring their smile stays healthy and intact.
Tip #5: Schedule a Back-to-School Checkup
If it’s been more than six months since your child’s last dental visit, schedule an appointment to avoid missing school. During the visit, the dentist will perform a thorough examination to identify any potential oral health issues, and your child will receive a professional dental cleaning, keeping their smile in excellent condition.
The back-to-school season can be busy, but by following these tips, you can prevent dental emergencies and ensure your child starts the school year with a healthy smile. This will help reduce any additional stress during this hectic time!
About the Practice
Pleasant Valley Dentistry is dedicated to serving patients of all ages in the Bettendorf area. Whether you’re unhappy with your smile’s appearance or seeking preventive, restorative, or emergency dental care, they have you covered. In addition, they provide specialized oral health services tailored to ensure your child begins the school year with a healthy and confident smile. If you’d like to find out more about how to prevent dental emergencies for your child or wish to schedule an appointment, please visit Pleasant Valley Dentistry’s website or call (563) 332-7734.