Back to School Dental Tips: Encouraging Good Habits for Lifelong Oral Wellness

As another school year begins, it’s the ideal time for parents and caregivers to refresh their children on proper oral hygiene and introduce healthy dental habits that will carry them through adulthood. Educating kids about caring for their pearly whites helps set them up for strong, resilient teeth as well as confidence for socializing and learning. Here are some back-to-school dental tips recommended by your trusted dentists at Discovery Dental & Implants.

Brushing twice daily is non-negotiable, especially before bedtime when saliva flow decreases overnight. Have children brush for at least two minutes with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Please encourage them to be thorough, properly angling their toothbrush to clean all tooth surfaces. You can even play their favorite upbeat songs to motivate them during brushing time.

Flossing is also essential for removing plaque and food particles from between teeth that brushing alone can miss. Make it fun by having kids floss one tooth at a time while you gently pull the floss through with them until they can do it independently. Opt for flavored or coated flosses if the standard is too overwhelming. Consistency is key as flossing should be incorporated daily like brushing.

School snacks are okay in moderation but steer clear of excessive sugars that contribute to cavities, especially sticky or hard candies. Fresh fruits and veggies with dips are always smarter choices for both body and teeth. If treats are consumed, be sure kids brush thoroughly right after to remove acids before permanent tooth damage can occur.

Check with your dentist about when to introduce toothpaste and if fluoride rinses or varnishes can provide extra strengthening protection until kids can reliably manipulate toothbrushes well by around age 2. Community water fluoridation is strongly encouraged where available.

Schedule regular dental checkups minimum twice per year for professional cleanings and exams to catch problems early. Your dentist can also apply sealants on premolars and molars as a simple procedure to further shield from cavities. Catch issues promptly so they don’t worsen over time or affect school attendance.

Model good habits yourself. Kids learn behavior through imitation, so maintain your own twice-daily brushing and flossing routines, limit snacking, and involve them in your dental appointments to normalize checkups. An open discourse about oral wellness will encourage lifelong positive attitudes.

By developing these foundational habits early, you empower kids to take ownership of their pearly smiles and set the stage for future oral health success no matter where life’s adventures may lead. Your cooperation creates bright futures!

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