Summer has already come and gone, meaning back-to-school season is in full swing. With a never-ending to-do list, it can be hard to prioritize your tasks. To ensure that your little one doesn’t lose sleep over a toothache or oral health problem, move their checkup and cleaning with their pediatric dentist in Irving to the top of that list. There are also ways you can encourage your child to take care of their mouth at home. Here are 6 tips to keep their mouths healthy and beautiful throughout the school year.
Schedule Their Checkup and Cleaning Before the First Day of School
One of the best ways to keep your child interested in keeping up with their oral hygiene routine is a pep talk from their children’s dentist in Irving. During their checkup and cleaning, their dentist can treat any small issues to prevent them from progressing and causing discomfort or pain.
Let Them Choose Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste
One way to engage your little one in their oral hygiene routine and get them excited about brushing after they get home from class is to let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. Picking out oral hygiene products that dawn their favorite cartoon characters and colors can make the routine feel less like a chore and more fun.
Pack Lunches That Are Great For Their Oral Health
Packing snacks and lunches that promote your little one’s oral health can prevent common problems like cavities and infection from occurring. Instead of snacks that are high in sugars and carbs, try substituting more healthy ones that are better for their mouth, like easy-to-eat vegetables, string cheese, milk, and almonds.
Encourage Drinking Water and Milk Over Juice
Sugary drinks like soda and juice can cause your child’s mouth to accumulate harmful oral bacteria that cause decay and cavities. Instead, substitute water and milk. Water can clear their teeth of carbs and sugar and rinse away lingering food debris that forms plaque. Plus, milk can help keep their tooth enamel strong.
Reward Good Oral Hygiene Habits
To encourage your child to get excited about brushing and flossing every day, try rewarding good habits. Instead of using sugary treats, allow them to pick out a movie for family fun night or choose what to eat for dinner.
Monitor Their Dental Routine
After a long day at school, your child would rather crash into their bed instead of taking the time to brush and floss. As a parent, sometimes you need to pull out the big guns and ensure that they’re doing everything they need to take care of their pearly whites. You can also enlist their big brother or sister to keep an eye on them and teach them how to brush and floss properly.
Following these six back-to-school oral health tips can keep problems from developing during the busiest time of the year, causing them to miss class and have to play catchup. Plus, taking these preventive measures could save you time, hassle, and money from expensive emergency dental treatments. Along with your dentist for kids in Irving, you can set your child up for academic success this school year!
About the Practice
At Rio Dental & Orthodontics in Irving, we want to get children excited about their oral health and provide them with an environment that they’re excited to be in. Our team of specialists and general dentists is dedicated to providing small smiles with the knowledge and treatment they need to maintain healthy and happy smiles into adulthood. To ensure that your child is set for success this year, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 972-793-0735 to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning for your little one.
