School is in full swing, which means a lot of kids are back into their routines, but are you making sure they are caring for their teeth correctly? The rush to get ready for school in the morning can lead many children to forget to brush and floss their teeth. Proper oral health habits are essential to preventing cavities. Scheduling a visit with your dentists in New Albany, OH, is a great way to help your kids remember the importance of proper oral hygiene. Here are some other back to school dental tips to help keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy this school year.
Daily Timers
A great way to help kids to remember to brush and floss is to set a timer. Have one in the morning and another in the evening before bed. Reminders like this can go a long way to strengthening the teeth enamel and safeguarding teeth from cavities and other issues like gingivitis.
The Importance of Water
Remind your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps to flush excess bacteria from the mouth, reducing the likelihood of plaque leading to cavities. Unlike sodas and other sugary drinks, water doesn’t stick to the teeth.
Healthy Snacks and Lunches
If you pack home lunches for your child, plan on packing healthy lunches. Avoid the sugary supplies like fruit snacks as they can stick to a child’s teeth. Vegetables and fruits are great alternatives, and some of them even help to clean the teeth when they chew on them. Remember to pack a water over sugary drinks and milk as both of these items increase the bacteria in the mouth that leads to tooth decay.
Use Mouthguards
For children that play contact sports, consider using a custom mouthguard. A mouthguard will help to protect a child’s teeth if they do get hit while playing sports. The mouthguard protects teeth from enamel damage due to grinding.
Schedule Annual Cleanings
Make it a habit to schedule a cleaning and exam for your child in the spring and fall. Annual dental visits are one of the best ways to prevent cavities and ensure your child’s teeth and gums are. As teeth continue to develop and your child starts losing teeth, it is important to meet with a dentist to discuss their orthodontic needs. Planning ahead for braces is helpful for many families with multiple children that need expensive orthodontic care in the future.
For more information about back to school dental tips, visit your dentists in New Albany, OH, today!
