With the new school year ahead, you’re probably busy organizing carpooling and buying supplies for your child. While you’ll want to ensure they have everything they need for classes, you should also consider checking in with their oral health. The last thing you’d want is to get a call about your little one experiencing an urgent dental situation. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize their chances of these complications. Keep reading to learn how to help your child prevent dental emergencies this back-to-school season!
#1: Schedule a Dental Checkup at the Beginning of the School Year
One of the best ways to protect your little one’s oral health is by scheduling their dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Not only will their dentist thoroughly remove plaque from their teeth, but they’ll also screen for any developing issues they can address before they can worsen. By visiting them at the beginning of the school year, your child won’t be distracted by oral health problems while in the classroom.
#2: Encourage a Solid Oral Hygiene Routine
In between their dental visits, your little one will need to practice good oral hygiene every day. This should include brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash often. By encouraging this cleaning routine, you can ensure that their pearly whites remain free of debris and bacteria, significantly reducing their risks of issues like cavities, gum disease, and infections.
#3: Pack Their Lunch with Nutritious Meals
You’ll want to make sure your child doesn’t overindulge in sugary, starchy, or hard foods that can be detrimental to their smile. Instead of filling their lunch with convenient chips, candies, or sodas, try packing their meals with nutrient-dense and vitamin-rich treats. These may include fresh fruits, cooked veggies, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
#4: Protect Their Teeth with Custom Mouthguards
Does your child like to play sports? If there’s a risk of them getting hit in the face, you might consider getting them a custom-made mouthguard. These will be specifically designed to fit their exact smile to both feel comfortable and protect their teeth from damage. This can help them avoid a dental emergency as well as the need for costly restorative treatments.
#5: Make Sure They Don’t Practice Bad Oral Habits
Does your little one tend to bite their nails when nervous? Do they like chewing on ice? If so, you’ll want to make sure they stop these poor oral habits. One wrong bite can end up chipping, cracking, or breaking a tooth. Have them keep tools handy to avoid the temptation of using their teeth for anything other than eating and smiling.
By implementing these few tips, you can reduce your child’s chances of experiencing dental emergencies during the school year. Feel free to schedule a checkup and cleaning before the semester begins, and they’ll be more than happy to help maintain your little one’s healthy teeth!
About the Author
Dr. Cyrus Allafi earned his dental doctorate from the University of Maryland Dental School. He also regularly seeks continuing education to advance his skills and expertise so that he can provide the best care his patients deserve. He offers a wide variety of high-quality services, including dental checkups/cleanings, athletic mouthguards, and emergency dentistry. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, visit his website or call 301-871-8880.