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Protecting kids’ teeth all year long
Back to school protection for teeth
Establishing a back to school oral health routine
Caring for kids teeth during the school year
It’s what some parents (and a popular commercial) jokingly call “the most wonderful time of the year.” It’s back to school time! Time for kids to return to the classroom, and for everyone to return to their normal schoolyear routines.
Busy as life may get, part of those routines includes self-care, like bathing, taking time to relax, and especially oral health care. Oral health care is especially important for children because children miss more school days due to oral health issues each year than for any other reason.
This school year, make sure you are caring for your child’s oral health. Here are just a few ways to ensure their teeth are healthy and protected, this school year and beyond!
Establish a Routine
New routines are par for the course with the return of school, which is why it’s so important to establish an oral health routine at home. While your child may not be able to reach for a brush following snack or lunch at school, have them get in the habit of brushing upon returning home from school, and be sure they brush and floss before bed and in the morning before heading out the door. For little ones, supervise brushing or help out as needed.
Provide Healthy Snacks
One of the easiest ways to protect kids’ teeth is to give them healthy snack options. Choose foods that are full of vitamins, minerals, calcium, and fiber. Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, and nuts (check with your school to be sure nuts are okay first!) are all healthy, tooth-friendly options for snacks.
Game On!
Do your kids participate in sports? It may be time to invest in a custom-fit mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury during athletic activities. Dr. Abelar can help create a mouth guard that is both effective and comfortable. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Don’t Forget Your Checkup
School and extracurriculars can weigh your schedule down, but don’t forget to make room for regular dental exams. Scheduling months in advance gives you a better chance of getting a date and time that’s convenient for you. School break appointments tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead! To schedule your appointment, give our office a call today at 858-866-9692.
