How to Help Your Child Start School With the Best Oral Health This Year

Starting school can be an exciting and transformative experience for both children and their parents alike. A new teacher, new friends, and new routines all bring with them an opportunity to learn and grow. There are various ways you can support your child's wellbeing during this first school year with good oral health practices as a parent. After all, good oral health is an essential component of overall wellness and well-being.

Before school begins, schedule a back-to-school dental visit for your child with their pediatric dentist. A dentist can check for cavities, perform cleaning services, and ensure their teeth and gums are healthy. The American Dental Association suggests regular checkups every six months, so back-to-school dental checks ensure optimal oral health prior to the start of the new academic year.

What You Pack for Lunch

Packing a healthy lunchbox for your child can have a significant effect on their oral health. Sugary snacks and drinks can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, while fruits, vegetables, and cheese provide important sources of nourishment that keep teeth clean and healthy. Instead of juice or soda, as these contain high sugar levels that cause enamel erosion, pack water for optimal oral hygiene! Make sure they brush their teeth after lunchtime, or send them with sugar-free gum as additional support in cleaning their mouth!

Educate Your Children on Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene habits start at home, so it is crucial that your children understand the significance of brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria buildup which could otherwise lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Incorporate oral hygiene into their bedtime routine so they develop healthy habits early on.

Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks

Reducing or restricting consumption of sugary snacks and drinks can help your child prevent tooth decay and cavities, so encourage them to make healthy snack choices and limit sugary treats to special occasions only. Also, avoid consuming these types of drinks, as they contain high levels of both sugar and acidity that can damage enamel, resulting in cavities or tooth decay.

Make Sure They Have the Proper Tools for Oral Hygiene

The proper tools can make all the difference in maintaining good oral hygiene for children. Make sure they have a toothbrush with soft bristles that fits comfortably in their mouth; electric brushes may help if your child struggles to brush effectively. Floss picks make flossing easier for kids while encouraging healthy oral hygiene. And don't forget fluoride toothpaste, which can protect against tooth decay!

Encourage Your Child to Drink Water

Make sure your child knows the importance of drinking enough water throughout the day for overall good health as well as teeth-cleaning purposes, particularly after indulging in sugary or acidic food and beverages. Drinking plenty of water also aids in detoxing their system after eating or drinking sugary or acidic products!

Supervise Toothbrushing

Young children often require parental supervision to brush their teeth correctly. Make sure younger ones receive assistance while brushing for two minutes per session. As they become more independent brushers over time, continue encouraging and monitoring their technique.

As stated above, starting school off right with good oral health is key for keeping your child healthy and happy. Schedule a back-to-school dental visit, pack a nutritious lunch, educate your children about oral hygiene practices such as toothbrushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste, and limit sugary snacks and drinks. Provide tools such as toothbrushes, flosses, and fluoride toothpaste. Encourage drinking water, and supervise brushing sessions to ensure your child develops good hygiene practices. By following these tips, you can help your child kickstart the new school year off right!

To schedule an appointment for your child's back-to-school dental visit, contact Westwood Dental in Malton, Ontario, today. Don't wait until the school year begins. Call (905) 677-7133 to book your child's appointment and start them on the path to healthier teeth.