Here are six ways for kids and teens to take care of their teeth when they go back to school.
Tip 1: Eat a well-balanced diet.
Your kids should eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables instead of junk food like candy and potato chips. Fruits and vegetables, like broccoli, are important parts of maintaining oral health. A child also needs calcium from dairy foods like yogurt or cheese and protein from meat or plants. Instead of buying white rice or bread, choose brown rice, whole-grain breads, and pasta. Instead of giving a child sugary drinks like soft drinks at meals, give them water.
Tip 2: Learn the right way to brush.
Buy your child or teen a new toothbrush and toothpaste before they go back to school. Luck Dental Care has seen that when younger kids have a toothbrush with a cartoon character on the handle, they tend to want to brush their teeth more. Teach your child how to brush properly by wetting the bristles, putting a small amount of toothpaste on the brush, and brushing each tooth to get rid of food and bacteria. You and your child or teen should both brush their teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, then rinse their mouths with water.
Tip 3: Use floss every day.
Also, it’s important to floss at least once a day because bacteria and food get stuck along the gums and in between the teeth. Some older children can use dental floss to get rid of plaque, but a younger child might find it easier to use a dental pick with a small piece of floss on it. If your child can’t floss properly, you may need to do it for him or her to make sure he or she doesn’t have dental health problems.
Tip 4: Avoiding Bad Habits
Children can hurt their teeth by doing things like sucking their fingers, chewing on pencils, or biting their fingernails. Children who do these things should find other ways to deal with stress. Bad habits can be stopped by putting a nasty-tasting solution on the child’s fingernails or making sure the child or teen isn’t stressed.
Tip 5: Add Fluoride Rinses
Some cities add fluoride to the public water supply, but Houston, Texas no longer does this. We suggest that you go to a nearby drugstore and buy a fluoride rinse. These fluoride rinses are similar to mouthwash. Fluoride is a substance that makes a child’s tooth enamel stronger so that it can resist the decay that bacteria cause.
Tip #6: Go to the dentist every 6 months.
One of the best things you can do for your child before school starts is to take them to the dentist for a checkup to see if there are any problems with their oral health. When a child has a cavity or needs special treatment for gingivitis, these problems are easier to deal with when school is out for the summer. A dentist can also make a mouth guard for your child so that they can play sports.
Why Is Oral Health Important?
If your child’s teeth and gums are healthy, it will be easier for them to learn in school because they won’t have to deal with mouth pain. When your child has strong teeth and healthy gums, they will sleep better at night. Also, if your child or teen has good oral health habits, they are less likely to miss a day of school for an emergency dental appointment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ensuring your child’s oral health remains a top priority as they head back to school is essential for their overall well-being and confidence. By implementing these six practical tips, you’re setting them up for success in maintaining a bright and healthy smile throughout the school year. Remember, regular dental check-ups play a vital role in this journey.
As you prepare for the academic year ahead, consider partnering with a trusted dentist in Cypress, TX, like Luck Dental Care. Our team is here to provide the professional care and guidance your child deserves. You can reach us at (281) 304-1777, and our office is conveniently located at 17990 Huffmeister Rd, Cypress, TX 77429.
