The start of a new school year is an exciting time for students and their parents. Shopping for school supplies, packing away summer clothes, and adjusting to a new school routine can be quite challenging! Mixed emotions of excitement, fear, joy, and anticipation can often push the regular dental check-ups after the summer break to the background.
That’s why we’ve prepared a short checklist to help you focus on essential oral health practices at the beginning of the new school year, ensuring your children spend their next school days learning and growing without unexpected dental visits!
Check your child’s tooth-brushing habits
Summer holidays often bring relaxation and fun activities, which can disrupt regular routines and habits for children. The habit of regular and proper tooth brushing is often disrupted as well. Your child’s daily routine should include brushing their teeth at least twice a day, ideally after every meal. While children of school age often like to do things independently, make sure to supervise their brushing technique to prevent plaque buildup and the emergence of cavities on their teeth. Brushing doesn’t have to be boring – turn on their favorite song and brush along to the music!
Replace old toothbrushes with new ones
Use the start of the new school year as a reminder to buy a new toothbrush along with the new school supplies! Toothbrushes should be replaced every 2–3 months of regular use or as soon as you notice that the bristles have become frayed. Worn-out toothbrushes don’t clean the surface of your teeth as effectively as the new ones, so make sure to replace them. Let your child pick out their new toothbrush, this will motivate them to use it regularly!
Schedule a dental check-up
The beginning of the school year is an excellent time for a regular dental check-up after the summer break. This makes it easier to remember the last time your child visited the dentist. During the check-up, the dentist will assess the condition of the teeth, gums, and mouth, and check for signs of demineralization or cavities that may need treatment.
Prepare healthy school snacks
We know how difficult it can be to resist packing sweet candies and chocolates for your child’s school snacks, but keep in mind that they can cause significant damage to their teeth. This is a period of intense growth and development of the child, that’s why the nutrient intake is crucial for proper growth. Replace sugary snacks and pastries with whole-grain bread, cereals, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. A child’s body during a period of intense growth and development needs nutrient-rich foods. Avoid energy bars and store-bought sweets that stick to the teeth and linger long after eating.
Fill the bottle with water instead of sweetened drinks
According to the American Dental Association research, as many as 20% of children aged 9 to 11 drink carbonated drinks at least once a day. The percentage is increasing in adolescence. Carbonated drinks, in addition to containing acid that directly damages tooth enamel and irreversibly dissolves it, also contain large amounts of sugar. Each sip of these drinks creates an environment in the mouth that promotes the growth of bacteria and the development of cavities!
Therefore, instead of sugary and carbonated drinks, pack a water bottle in the lunch bag!
Consider an orthodontic check-up
Whether or not your dentist has mentioned the need for an orthodontic consultation, the American Dental Association recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. Orthodontic check-up determines whether your child already has an orthodontic issue or is likely to develop one later. Although orthodontic therapy usually doesn’t start this early, it is important to be aware of your child’s developmental progress.
At the check-up, you’ll receive recommendations and guidance on when to schedule your future visits.
What is a mouthguard?
If your child practices a sport that involves close physical contact with other teammates, and therefore carries a risk of dental injury, consult their coach as well as their dentist about the need for a mouthguard to protect their front teeth during physical activities.
We have reached the end! While we can’t help your child choose an outfit for the first school photo, we can help ensure their teeth look healthy and radiant. By instilling healthy oral hygiene habits, we gift our children a healthy future.
Regular oral hygiene and a healthy diet will prepare them for the challenges of the new school year. If you haven’t done this already, book a routine dental check-up. Our playful staff at Nova Dental Clinic will make your child’s visit unforgettable!
