The new school year is quickly approaching. While this time of year is usually dedicated to updating wardrobes and school supplies, it also presents a great opportunity to renew the health and radiance of your kids’ smiles!
Safeguarding your child’s smile during the summer months is an excellent way to ensure their dental well-being once the hectic schedule of a new school year kicks in. As important, however, is the awesome boost a rejuvenated smile can give kids as they return to the classroom.
Here are a few tips for helping your kids maintain healthy and radiant smiles throughout the coming school year and beyond!
Schedule a Back-to-School Dental Checkup
Scheduling a dental check-up before the school year starts is essential. A thorough examination will allow your dentist to identify potential issues like cavities or misaligned teeth and address them before they cause more serious problems later. Also, professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar build-up will ensure healthy teeth and gums on the first day back!
Establish a Consistent At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine
A consistent oral hygiene routine is crucial for maintaining dental health. The quiet days of summer are a great time to encourage your kids’ commitment to brushing their teeth at least twice a day (for at least two minutes), flossing daily, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash.
To make this more of an activity than a chore, consider using a fun toothbrush and sparkly toothpaste and “gamifying” your kids’ oral hygiene routine. Also, consistently reinforce the importance of brushing after meals and not indulging in too many sugary snacks that can lead to cavities.
Creating a routine now based on good habits can last a lifetime!
Pack Smile-Friendly Lunches
What your children eat significantly impacts their dental health. With this in mind, pack them lunches filled with smile-friendly foods like fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, and whole grains, which are nutritious and help clean and strengthen tooth enamel. As much as possible, avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can increase the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. Also, include a water bottle in each lunchbox to encourage drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated and wash away food particles.
By taking these simple, proactive steps, you can ensure your child's smile is healthy and radiant on the first day of school and all year!
Comprehensive Oral Exams and Dental Cleanings in Winston-Salem
If you're looking for a dentist in Winston-Salem, NC, to help your entire family go into the new school year with your smiles at their healthy and beautiful best, contact Dr. Jeffrey Tibbs and the outstanding Tibbs Dental team to schedule an appointment!