Did you know that maintaining good oral health can benefit your child’s academic performance? A recent study discovered that dental problems were significantly associated with reduced school performances and psychosocial well-being. Plus, a report from the Office of the Surgeon General notes that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related conditions. So, by encouraging your child to take good care of their teeth, you can set them up for academic success! Here are a few back-to-school tips to help keep their smile as healthy as can be.
Establish a Routine
It’s important to establish an oral hygiene routine, especially for younger children. Encourage your little one to brush and floss at the same time every day, such as every morning after getting dressed and each night before going to bed. After sticking to a schedule for some time, they’ll eventually adopt these practices as a regular part of their day!
Make Brushing Fun for Your Child
Does your child hate brushing their teeth because they find it boring? Take them to the store and let them pick out their own dental care essentials! They can choose a toothbrush that lights up, plays music, or has their favorite cartoon character on it. It will motivate and make them excited to care for their teeth!
Pack Tooth-Friendly School Lunches
If you’re running on a busy schedule, it may seem easier to pack your child’s lunch with a prepackaged PB&J and a juice box. Unfortunately, these lunchbox favorites contain excessive amounts of sugar that can leave a lasting mark on their smile. Bacteria like to feed on these sugars, producing harmful acids that wear down enamel. To protect their smile, pack their lunch with nutritious foods like deli meat, whole-grain bread, cheese, pretzels, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Monitor Your Child’s Sugar Intake
It’s no secret that sugar can have detrimental effects on your teeth. However, children are more susceptible to cavities because baby teeth have a much thinner layer of enamel than permanent teeth. Keep their smiles safe by monitoring their sugar intake throughout the day. If your child must indulge in candy or other sweet treats, make sure they eat it following a meal when the flow of saliva is high and can help wash sugars away.
Schedule Dentist Appointments
The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to schedule a dentist appointment! It allows your dentist an opportunity to detect, treat, or prevent any issues that can become complications later in the year. By ensuring your child has a healthy smile to kick off the school year, you can have peace of mind knowing their oral health won’t interfere with their studies!
Now that you know a few tips to help your child maintain good oral health, you can ensure they spend more time in class this school year – not in a dental office!
About the Practice
Our team at Torbram Dental combines the latest dental care with personalized, one-on-one service to help patients of all ages achieve and maintain healthy smiles. Does your child need a back-to-school dental checkup? We offer children’s dental care for all kids ages three and up. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (905) 792-7163.