Back-To-School And Healthy Teeth
According to Cindy Flanagan, DDS, FAGD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry, back-to-school time is a great time to get your children on a daily oral health routine. Kids love getting ready for the first day of school. They get new haircuts, new clothes, new shoes, new school supplies, a new backpack, and are ready to meet new teachers, and new friends. However, research indicates that the first thing people notice about someone is not what they are wearing, but their smile! That's why back-to-school and healthy teeth go hand-in-hand.
Good Oral Health Habits
One of the best ways to teach your children good oral health habits is to practice them yourself. Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for a complete checkup and professional cleaning bi-annually should already be part of your oral health routine. Of course, sometimes during summer vacation certain things fall by the wayside, and brushing and flossing regularly may be one of them. If so, now is a great time to get the family back on a schedule. Brush your teeth before leaving for school or work and then again before bed. If you have time to brush in-between, that's even better!
Visit Your Dentist
Make a dental appointment before, or at the very beginning of, the school year so your children can start the year off right with a bright, shiny smile. Your dentist will give them a complete checkup, including x-rays, a professional cleaning, and fluoride treatment.
Good Nutrition
The school year can get busy and stressful. Kids have all sorts of after school commitments, and older children have jobs. When in a hurry it is easy to turn to sugary snacks and drinks. Try to keep a fresh supply of healthy snacks available such as bite-sized carrots, fruit, nuts, and bottled water. These types of snacks are not only healthy for their teeth, they provide the nutrition your children need to stay healthy and strong throughout the school year.