Back-To-School Dental Tips

With the start of the school year fast approaching, your student is probably stocked up on supplies and sports equipment but do they have a healthy mouth and the tools to maintain oral health?

According to the American Dental Association, a dental examination is as important as immunizations and booster shots and should be a regular part of back-to-school preparations. 

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that tooth decay affects U.S. children more than any other chronic infectious disease and 19 percent of children ages 2 to 19 years old have untreated tooth decay. Dental pain or disease can lead to difficulties eating, speaking, playing and learning, not to mention hours of missed school.

Your child's back-to-school dental checklist should include:

    • Regular dental examinations to diagnose/treat or prevent dental problems.       The dentist may suggest fluoride treatments or sealants to prevent decay           and can diagnose and treat dental problems to save your child from losing         valuable time at school.
    
    • Regular brushing and flossing is vital.  Your child should brush their teeth            twice a day and floss once daily.  Toothbrushes should be changed every            three to four month, or after an illness. 
    
    • Eating healthy lunches and snacks. Recommendations for your child's sack          lunches include grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yogurt or fruit. If              your child eats in the school cafeteria, review healthy, balanced food                  choices with them before the first day of school. The amount of sugary              foods and soft drinks should be very limited.

Give us a call today to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental examination!