The start of a new school year offers the perfect opportunity to get your kids back on track with healthy habits! Let’s talk about dental tips for kids and what parents can do to help.
As children head back to school, parents have a little less control over their kids’ brushing and flossing habits—and what they eat and drink at school.
However, you can be proactive and make dental health a part of the back-to-school process for your kids.
Get Your Check-Ups Now!
Both kids and adults should see the dentist at least twice a year. If your kids are due, take them for a check-up now before they get too busy with schoolwork and extracurriculars.
Dr. Mullins and the staff at My Family Dentistry will offer excellent dental tips for kids, and we’ll provide them any fluoride treatments, sealants, or other dental work that should be taken care of right away.
Your kids will have a healthier smile for school pictures, and they’ll be prepared to take better care of their teeth and gums—something growing kids often need guidance on.
Healthy School Lunches
What snacks and lunches will you be packing this year?
There’s more to think about than just nutrition. You probably know that sugary foods can harm teeth, but acidic foods can be just as bad. Try to pack lunches with a wide variety of foods, including foods high in fiber, and replace sugary beverages with water as much as possible.
Check Out the Vending Machines
Many schools have vending machines with drinks and snacks, and they usually have at least a few healthier options. However, talk to your kids about how to make healthy choices for themselves. A frequent habit of candy and soda at school can undo the good habits you practice at home.
Protect Your Little Athlete’s Teeth
Most sports and athletic activities present a danger for kids’ teeth. For sports without full helmets, get an appropriate mouth guard.
Cheerleading, soccer, basketball—if they’re running and jumping around, their teeth could get seriously damaged. Explain to them that they would rather wear a mouth guard than have broken or missing teeth!
Teeth Cleaning Habits for School
In addition to brushing at morning and night, kids should do their best to take care of their mouths all day long.
If they’re comfortable taking a toothbrush to school, that’s great. Otherwise, send them to school with with floss or floss picks and tell them to drink plenty of water after lunch.
Prepare for Accidents
Are you prepared to respond quickly if your child breaks a tooth or has some other emergency? Make sure to have My Family Dentistry’s phone number on you at all times and be ready to respond in case your child suffers a playground accident or injures their mouth playing sports.
Please share these dental tips for kids with all the young people in your life!
Need to schedule a dental checkup for your child? Get in touch with us today!
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