Back To School – 5 Top Tips For Your Smile!

25 / 05 / 2023

Back To School – 5 Top Tips For Your Smile!

It is September and the busy back- to -school transition is upon us. This is a great time to review your family’s dental health routine!

Dental disease can lead to difficulty for children in eating, playing and even learning, not to mention hours out of the classroom. To prevent dental worries regular dental visits and a thorough cleaning routine are essential.

1.SCHEDULE DENTAL APPOINTMENTS
Dental examination should be an integral part of back-to-school preparations. Prevention is better than cure, and regular check-ups are the best way to avoid unnecessary pain and minimise impact on important study time during the school year. It may be time to have your child assessed for Orthodontic treatment.

Update your family’s medical history with your dentist and inform them of any changes such as allergies or recent hospital admissions.

REGULAR TOOTH BRUSHING
In the rush to update school shoes, uniforms and stationery for the new school year, be sure to consider replacing the family’s toothbrushes too. It is important to replace your child’s toothbrush at least every three months, or after an illness.

To keep their mouths healthy, regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is key.For younger children just starting school, parents will still need to provide assistance with brushing, whilst at the same time encouraging them to manage their own brushing routine

3.TOOTH FRIENDLY LUNCH BOXES
Some schools have a healthy lunch box policy recommending a balance of grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yoghurt or fruit . Avoid fruit drinks and smoothies . These are high in sugar. A small bottle of water or a small carton of milk is preferable

Replace sugary snacks such as chocolate and granola bars with alternatives like celery sticks, baby carrots and cubes of cheese

4.SPORTS MOUTHGUARD
A properly fitted mouth guard is essential protection for children ahead of the winter sports season. Your dentist can custom fit your child’s mouthguard to ensure that it is comfortable and stays in place securely. As your child’s teeth develop and change, it is important to check each year that their mouthguard still fits.

5.EMERGENCIES
The new school year is an opportunity to update your emergency contact list, which should include details for your dentist.

It is also worth checking if your school has access to a dentist on call, in case of playground or sports mishaps.

Follow these TOP FIVE Back to School tips to keep you smiling all year.

Ruthie