3 Tips For an A+ Back-to-School Dental Checkup

It’s that time of the year again! While there’s always a lot going on at this time of the year, it’s important to remember that new routines can mean new habits, both good and bad. Staying on top of your child’s oral health can set them up for a school year full of bright smiles, instead of painful cavities. Whether you’ve already booked a dental checkup for your little one or you’re still trying to make time, these three tips can help keep their smiles healthy in the meantime:

Healthy Lunches
Make sure to include healthy and portable snacks in your child’s lunchbox when possible. Try your best to incorporate foods that help strengthen and clean teeth like raw vegetables, yogurt or fruit. If your child eats in the school cafeteria, take some time to review healthy, balanced food choices with him/her before the first day of school. Cutting back on sugary foods and soft drinks also makes a big difference in oral health!

Brush & Floss
It’s no surprise that working brushing and flossing into your new school routines is important. Give yourself enough time in the morning to eat breakfast and also brush/floss before you head out the door. Having trouble getting your kids to remember? Create a rewards system with stickers to keep them on track no matter how busy life gets.

Sports Protection
Back to school also means back to sports for many kids. Whether it’s football, gym class games or playground activities at recess, make sure your little ones are wearing protective mouth guards when necessary. It may seem like an annoyance in the moment, but in the event of an accident or injury, it can be the difference between a regular dental checkup and serious dental surgery.