Back to School Dental Tips!
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An important, but sometimes neglected, part of back to
school preparations is a small refresher of the
importance of oral hygiene and its effect on overall
well-being. When left untreated, dental issues can have a
serious impact on your child's ability to focus and
perform to the best of their ability.
Whether your child is elementary or university aged,
we've got a few tips for how they can cultivate an A+
smile!
Below are four key components to maintaining oral health
throughout the hectic school year:
- Regular dental examinations: Dental
examinations at regular intervals are crucial to
diagnosing and treating dental issues. Dentists are able
to see the oral health issues that we can't, and they can
take precautions to prevent minor problems from
developing into major ones. A deep cleaning at the
beginning of the year will also help your child start the
school year off on the right foot!
- Regular brushing and flossing: We
all know the importance of brushing after each meal and
flossing at least twice a day. With the hustle and bustle
during the academic year, these things are sometimes
neglected. When purchasing back to school supplies,
picking up a small travel dental kit will both facilitate
and encourage regular brushing. But remember, brushes
should be changed every three months or immediately after
an illness.
- Healthy lunches free from excess
sugar: Healthy meals and snacks are a key part
of promoting the health of teeth and gums. Foods rich in
calcium are important to the development of teeth and
bones, especially if your children are young and their
smiles are just developing. Sugary snacks, although a big
hit with kids, can encourage the production of harmful
bacteria and cause tooth decay. Try to limit the
consumption of sweet snacks by replacing them with tasty
and healthy alternatives (like the ones in our
newsletter!).
- Mouth guard, if participating in organized
sports: Whenever there is a possibility of
contact either with other competitors or any immovable
objects, we highly recommend the use of a mouth guard to
ensure that your child’s smile is protected. Although
there are many over the counter options available, for
the highest level of protection we recommend a custom-
fitted mouth guard that is made specifically for your
child’s smile.
If you have any questions about proper oral hygiene or
dental care, please don’t hesitate to contact
our office.
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