Ready to Go Back to School? Keep Your Kids’ Dental Health with This Checklist

As school comes back in session, it’s crucial to prioritize your child’s dental health just as much as their school supplies.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), 51 million school hours are lost annually due to dental-related illness in children. This includes both routine and emergency dental care. Children with poor oral health are also significantly more likely to miss school due to dental pain.

Here’s a checklist to help you and your little ones get set up for success!

1. Dental Health Check-Ups

Finding a dental home is key to your child’s ongoing oral health. A dental home means having a trusted pediatric dentist who understands your child’s needs and provides personalized care in a safe, supportive environment. Schedule a dental visit every 6 months to avoid any potential issues such as cavities, alignment problems or oral hygiene concerns. Routine check-ups help maintain good oral health but also allow your dentist to address problems early. Teach your children to properly brush and floss.

2. Difference in Pediatric Dentist and Dentist Who Will See Kids

Just because a dentist will see kids doesn’t make them a pediatric dental specialist. A Pediatric Dentist who can become board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry will have:

• Graduated from an accredited dental school in the U.S.
• Completed 2-3 years of specialized study at a university after graduating from dental school.

Training will include child psychology, growth, development, trauma training, how to treat special health care needs and so much more.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in your area at www.mhchildrensteeth.org.

3. Pack A Lunch that Will Guarantee a Brighter and Healthier Smile

What your child eats plays a big role in their oral health. A healthy diet helps keep their energy levels up and their teeth strong! Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can contribute to cavities. Water is always best. Examples of sugary beverages are sports and energy drinks, sweetened waters, fruit drinks and sodas. Instead, pack nutritious lunches that include high protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy products like cheese or yogurt, which promote healthy teeth. Skip the sticky snacks (fruit snacks). Consider including water and healthy snacks like apples or carrots for a midday energy boost.

4. Crush the Brush Each Morning and Night

Good oral hygiene habits are key to keeping your child’s smile healthy. Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, with fluoride toothpaste. This simple habit helps prevent cavities and gum disease. It’s also important to floss once a day (preferably before bed) to remove plaque between teeth and ensure a complete clean. Encourage your child to brush for two minutes and make it fun with a timer or favorite song! One tip from the dentist in our office is to keep toothbrushes at every sink so there is no excuse to not brush on your way out to school.

5. Dental Trauma

Each new school year brings the chance for accidents on the playground, on the field or court, and in the gym. A pediatric dentist has special training in dental trauma and can help manage the traumatic injury, keeping you out of the emergency room. Reach out to your pediatric dentist if your child suffers an oral trauma.

As your child gets older and has all their permanent teeth, a custom sports mouthguard is suggested. Keep in mind that these custom-made sports guards will be more expensive than the store-bought brand. Custom-fitted mouth guards do provide the best level of protection not just for your child’s teeth, but can help reduce the impacts of a concussion.

6. Schedule an appointment

We know you would do anything to keep your children happy and healthy.

We want to make sure your child’s dental health is strong and they have fun during their visit.

Schedule a dental appointment with us today online at onthecuspdds.com/book-an-appointment or call 918.921.8822