Back to School, Good Oral Hygiene.

It’s back to school time already! Your child may be heading out the door dressed to the nines in a new outfit, shoes and matching backpack, but does he or she know how to keep their engaging smile bright? A crucial component of any wardrobe, your smile is the first thing others often notice about you. You’ve likely been on top of your child’s’ oral health routine all summer since they’ve been home, but now that they’ll be at school most of the day, how can you be sure he or she is practicing good oral hygiene? Here are some tips.

Visit Your Pediatric Dentist

Before starting school, many families ensure their children have the proper vaccinations, booster shots and physicals before beginning another year. However, a dental visit is also a must. The American Dental Association says it’s just as important for kids to have dental exams as physical health exams as part of their back-to-school preparations. This is because children with untreated health and development problems could experience trouble concentrating and learning in school.

Stay on Top of Brushing and Flossing

If your children are old enough, equip them with a small pouch containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss to throw in their backpack. Encourage your child to brush right after lunch, especially if he or she plans on eating sugary desserts. When they’re at home, keep up with the oral hygiene routine in the mornings and at night to ensure full coverage.

Pack Healthy School Snacks

Healthy lunches and snacks are a vital component to your child’s good oral care. Instead of the cookies and sodas, pack low-fat milk, cheese sticks, whole grain crackers, raw veggies, yogurt tubes and fruit. If your child gets hot lunch from the cafe, encourage her to make healthy choices by reviewing the next day’s menu with her every school night.

It’s not hard to keep up with good oral hygiene practices during school time. In fact, once it’s a part of the routine, it becomes easier than ever! We proudly see happy smiles throughout the Central Massachusetts towns of Acton, Ayer, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, Westford and Southern New Hampshire towns of Brookline and Hollis. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!