The start of the school year is approaching, and children of all ages will be returning to classrooms eager to learn. But before they leave home, dentists and parents alike want to make sure their smiles are ready, which is why a dental exam is essential before they go back. These visits not only allow for early detection of cavities but also equip students with helpful tips to keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout the year. Here are four back-to-school oral hygiene ideas to help children get started.
Establish a Regular Routine
Making sure children brush their teeth, floss, and rinse each morning and night is necessary to ensure better oral health. This daily routine eliminates bad oral bacteria and harmful particles that are known to cause cavities and gum disease. Also, by encouraging young smiles to develop good oral habits at an early age, they are more likely to carry them on into adulthood and enjoy natural, healthy smiles as they grow older.
Pack Healthy Foods
Kids are known to swap foods with others at school, but parents should not stop packing healthy lunches and snacks. Allowing a child to eat something sweet or starchy is fine in moderation; however, the majority of their meals should consist of healthy alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, dairy, and leafy greens. This will help to keep their teeth and gums free of decay as well as minimize their risk for diabetes and other health-related conditions.
Refine Brushing and Flossing Techniques
There is a right way and a wrong way to brush and floss teeth. As children grow, their oral hygiene skills will improve, but they must learn how to perform these actions correctly. When meeting with a dentist in Franklin Park, it is necessary for parents to inquire about proper techniques so that their children will understand how to safely clean their teeth and gums. This might include purchasing a new toothbrush or trying different flossing methods to make the process easier.
Keep Regularly Scheduled Dental Appointments
Apart from at-home oral hygiene habits, children should continue to see their dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings. Consistency in visiting the dentist’s office not only reduces the chances of the child developing dental anxiety but also serves to improve oral and overall health throughout the year. When problems are detected and treated early on, the likeliness of restorative care, which can be costly and time-intensive, decreases.
Adopting these back-to-school oral hygiene tips can help keep young smiles looking and feeling good. As a result, children can expect to spend less time visiting the dentist for pain and discomfort and instead, spend more time learning in the classroom.
About Grand Dental – Franklin Park
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, our dental team believes in the importance of healthy smiles for all patients. This is why we promote preventive dentistry to both children and adults. As the cornerstone of any good dental practice, these services help to minimize the potential for decay and disease – two problems that can negatively impact a child’s oral development. Contact us today by visiting our website or calling (847) 860-7093 to learn how we can help better prepare them as they get ready to go back to school.