It’s that time of year when kids are heading back for another year of learning. With backpacks and lunchboxes in hand, you may wonder what you can do to make sure that they’re not only paying attention to their teacher and studies but also their oral health. Accidents can happen, and toothaches can occur, so if you want to avoid a sudden trip to the emergency dental office, here are 3 back-to-school safety tips to help them keep in mind.
Pack Healthy Lunches for Your Kid
Once your child is at school, you may not be able to control who they swap food with, but you can make sure they leave the house with healthy food options in their lunchbox.
Foods that contain sugars and starches (i.e., potato chips, cookies, gummy chews, etc.) may taste yummy, but they can lead to tooth decay and cavities. This often requires visits to the dentist’s office during school hours, causing them to miss out on vital information.
Instead, pack healthy options such as raw fruits and vegetables, dairy, lean proteins, and healthier carbohydrates. This will fill them up, keep their taste buds satisfied, and protect their teeth and gums.
Have Them Wear a Custom Mouthguard
If your child enjoys playing sports, make sure they have a customized athletic mouthguard before walking onto the field or court.
Sports-related injuries account for many dental emergency visits. Knocked-out or broken teeth are common occurrences, especially when hard hits are expected. Creating a comfortable barrier they can wear during the game will deliver maximum protection, absorbing excessive pressure placed against their teeth and/or gums.
As a result, you can feel less anxious on the sidelines, and they can avoid serious injury that will take them out of the game.
Make Sure Your Child Keeps Their Six-Month Appointments
No matter your child’s age, they should be seeing their dentist every six months for dental checkups and teeth cleanings. These visits allow team members to check for early signs of cavities and gum disease while also evaluating the status of your child’s bite.
If any issues are found, appropriate treatment can be administered right away so that it reduces their need for more complex care in the future. It also helps to ensure that they avoid multiple trips to the dentist’s office for help with toothaches or other common problems that might otherwise cause them to miss school.
For your child to succeed academically, they need to be in class as much as possible. Keep these 3 tips in mind to ensure that they keep learning, avoid injury, and see the dentist only when it’s time for a normal checkup and cleaning.
About the Author
Dr. José Garcia is a pediatric dentist in Aspen Hill who completed his dental doctorate at Howard University College of Dentistry. As one of the lead professionals at Healthy Kids Dentistry, he works with parents to set smiles on the right track from an early age. As kids head back to school, he and his team can offer tips and recommendations to keep smiles healthy and damage-free, so if you want to make sure your little one is equipped for success, visit our website or call (301) 871-8880.