There’s an extra-long “to-do” list for getting the kids back to school. In between gathering enough fresh clothes, backpacks and pencils, however, parents also need to be sure that their children are ready to be good students of their own dental health.
The start of a new school year is a perfect time to instill healthy habits. As parents and students alike adjust to new routines, it can be easy to overlook the importance of taking care of teeth. Here are some tips to help keep teeth and gums in top shape, throughout the school year and beyond.
- Pack a dental health kit in your child’s lunchbox or backpack. Let your child select the toothbrush, whether it’s a battery-operated spin brush, a travel toothbrush or a favorite manual toothbrush. Don’t forget to include a tasty toothpaste, brush case and floss, says Dr. Louis Amendola, D.D.S., Chief Dental Director at Western Dental Services, Inc.
- If your children haven’t had a dental exam in the past six months, schedule one soon. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, children with dental pain may be irritable, withdrawn, or unable to concentrate. As a result, school performance and attendance may suffer.
- Send them to school with a reusable water bottle. Clean, fill and refrigerate it nightly so that it’s chilled in the morning. Having a ready supply of water helps rinse the mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and quenches thirst so that tempting sugary sodas and juices are easier to avoid.
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