Back To School – Dental Tips!
As the summer comes to an end and school is beginning, it’s time to start thinking about a healthy back to school routine. Taking care of your child’s teeth is an important part of the routine. Research shows “poor oral health can mean missed school and lower grades.”
Tooth decay is preventable, but continues to be the most chronic disease in children.
A dental infection and pain can cause problems with your child’s daily activities, such as sleeping, eating and learning, which can lead to a not fun school year. Start your child’s school year off right with these 8 helpful tips.
1. See the Dentist
Set up your child’s next dental check-up at Soistman Family Dentistry. A check-up will ensure a healthy start to the school year.
2. Establish Healthy Habits
Make sure your child is brushing 2 times a day
3. Don’t eat after brushing teeth
This is especially important before bedtime, as salivary flow decreases while they sleep and teeth become more vulnerable to cavities.
4. Use Fluoride toothpaste
Kids over the age of 3 can use fluoride toothpaste. If your child wont spit, or eats the toothpaste, only use a rice grain amount. Once your child can spit, only a pea size amount of toothpaste is needed.
5. Eat Nutritious Foods
Encourage healthy eating. Tooth friendly snacks include fruit, string cheese, vegetables, unsweetened applesauce and nuts. Avoid sticky foods, such as candy, fruit roll ups, and granola bars. These foods stick to teeth surfaces and cause decay.
6. Don’t nibble food or sip continuously
Allowing time between snacking and sipping allows saliva to neutralize acids and repair teeth.
7. Drink Water
Choose water for your child instead of drinks sweetened with sugar. If your child wants a sweeter drink, try adding fresh sliced fruit such as lemons or strawberries.
8. Ask About Sealants
Dental sealants can also protect your children’s teeth from cavities. Sealants, which are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, act as a shield between the tooth and harmful bacteria.
Finally, make sure your child visits Prashanth Dental approximately every six months for a checkup and routine cleaning! Call or WhatsApp today to schedule their next dental check-up!