It may seem like summer just started, but kids will be heading back to school before you know it. Amongst school shopping lists and figuring out what to wear the first day back, it’s also important that you’re staying on top of your kids’ dental health routine. Be sure the whole family is earning top marks with these back-to-school hygiene tips!
As you’re stocking up on other items, like pencils and folders, the new school year is also a good time to pick up new oral hygiene supplies. This includes floss, toothbrushes, mouthwash, and any other dental tools recommended by your family dentist. Be sure that your young ones are keeping their teeth healthy by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once. As a parent, help your kids stick to their oral hygiene schedule by brushing with them and making it a family activity.
While it’s important to encourage daily brushing and flossing, another good way to protect your children’s teeth is with sealants. Sealants are a thin, protective layer that’s applied to the food surfaces of their molars. They help protect their teeth from harmful bacteria and food particles that would otherwise get trapped in the ridges and valleys of their teeth. Since ordinary brushing can’t reach these areas, sealants help reduce the risk of molar cavities by as much as 80%! Talk to your dentist about sealants at your child’s back-to-school appointment to see if it’s right for them.
Finally, the beginning of the school year is a great time to get your young ones in for an orthodontic consult. Typically free, orthodontic consults are a great way to address any concerns you may have about how your children’s teeth are growing in. Orthodontists can address problems like an overcrowded smile and poor bite. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it’s best to visit an orthodontist around your child’s 7th birthday. At this point, your kid may be too young to be fitted with braces, but it allows the orthodontist to create a personalized care plan for the future.
They will take into consideration the rate of growth and any issues that are unique to your child’s smile. By following these oral health tips, you and your child will have an A+ school year!
Schedule your family’s dental appointments with our experienced and friendly Long Beach dental team. Call us today to book your cleaning and exam at 562-434-6414, or use this form to request an appointment.
