As a new school year approaches, parents are busy stocking up on school supplies, signing up for activities and setting up routines to ensure their kids are ready to hit the ground running. But amidst the flurry of activity, there’s one aspect that often gets overlooked: oral health.
A healthy smile isn’t just about aesthetics – it plays a big role in your child’s overall well-being, confidence and, yes, school performance.
In fact, according to CATCH Healthy Smiles, a program developed by researchers at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, kids with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school and two times more likely to perform poorly.
The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can help your little learner start the school year off right and maintain A+ oral health all year long. Our Naperville pediatric dentists are sharing 6 tips to kick things off.
1. Schedule your child’s back-to-school dental exam.
If you live in Illinois, remember, state law requires that your child has a dental exam if they’re starting kindergarten or second, sixth or ninth grade. You can find the Illinois dental exam form here.
When should kids visit the dentist if they’re not required to have a dental exam for school? The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both recommend little ones start seeing the dentist twice a year at age 1.
Booking a checkup now ensures the dentist can catch little problems before they become big ones later in the school year. Plus, a professional cleaning and fluoride treatment will reduce the risk of cavities and leave your child feeling fresh and ready to head back to the classroom.
2. Establish a morning and evening brushing and flossing routine.
We know school mornings can be pretty hectic, but sticking to a consistent oral hygiene routine is one of the keys to maintaining excellent oral health. Kids should brush their teeth for two minutes in the morning and before bed using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Kids should floss their teeth once daily as well. We recommend flossing at night so your child’s mouth is extra clean when they go to sleep and you have one less thing to do in the morning.
Making oral hygiene a fun ritual can go a long way in helping kids embrace it. Try playing a favorite song while brushing or turning it into a game. Need more ideas? Check out our free downloadable with tons of activities for making brushing kids’ teeth exciting and engaging.
3. Keep an eye on sugar intake and watch for sneaky sources.
The bacteria in kids’ mouths release acids as they feed on sugars and starches. These acids can erode tooth enamel, eventually causing cavities. Having sugary treats like cookies, candy and soda in moderation will help to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Unfortunately, even foods that are billed as healthy can be packed with sugar. This includes breakfast cereals and snack bars. Try swapping out some sugar-laden foods for tooth-friendly alternatives like nuts, low-fat cheese, yogurt and firm, fresh fruits.
4. Practice smart snacking.
Sugar isn’t the only culprit behind cavities in kids. The amount of time the teeth are exposed to acids is also a factor. After eating or drinking, oral bacteria produce acids for about 30 minutes. Every time your child takes another sip or bite, the clock starts over again.
Sticky foods complicate this even further because they can get stuck in the teeth and stay there for hours.
This isn’t to say kids should avoid snacks altogether but cutting down on how often they snack and minimizing sticky food will protect their smile. Additionally, having kids eat snacks and drink beverages (aside from water) in one sitting instead of leisurely nibbling or sipping reduces the length of acid attacks.
For some snackspiration, take a look at our blog post, “Smart Snacking for Strong Teeth: After-School Snack Ideas for Kids and Teens.”
5. Make oral health a topic of conversation.
Regularly chatting with your child about the importance of oral health and what they can do to prevent cavities keeps it top of mind. When kids understand the “why” behind oral hygiene and a smile-friendly diet, they’re more likely to stick to good habits.
6. Don’t forget a sports mouthguard.
If your child plays sports or does any type of physical activity that could result in a blow to the mouth, they should wear a mouthguard. It’s an easy, affordable way to prevent orofacial injuries, including knocked-out teeth and lacerations.
For the perfect fit, especially if your child wears braces, ask us about creating a custom sports mouthguard. We use digital impressions for a quick, gag-free experience.
Book Your Child’s Back-to-School Dental Exam Today!
We hope everyone has a fantastic school year!
Is your kiddo due for a check-up? At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, we offer fun, engaging kids dental exams in Naperville. Schedule an appointment with an expert dentist today!
