The first day of school is just around the corner, and our SLO Smiles dentist office is here to remind you that it’s time to schedule check ups for your little ones! Keeping your kiddo’s mouth healthy is key for them to have a productive school year—cavities create unnecessary stress, and can be avoided if you follow a few easy dental tips. Here are five steps from our family dental office to help your child take on the new school year.
The second school picks up, life begins to move much faster than it did in the summer. Although it is easy to send your child with lunch money and trust they’ll make good choices, try to keep them fueled with healthy lunches and snacks. When you make their lunch boxes, be sure to avoid sugary processed foods and instead opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. If your child relies on the school cafeteria, take time to explain to them balanced food choices before the first day of school. Teach them to nix the soft drinks and instead choose juice, and health bars instead of candy bars. The truth is, a healthy diet is just as important for your child’s teeth as brushing and flossing.
If your child plays sports in school, investing in a mouth guard is one of the most important things you can do for their oral health this year. Broken and chipped teeth can be painful and devastating for a child. You can’t predict accidents but you can help prevent damage. Mouthguards are inexpensive and will keep their pearly whites in place during sports, recess, and PE classes. Many schools are starting to require them for sport participation because of their effectiveness!
To restate the point above, you can’t predict when a dental accident will happen. Just as you should have a first aid kit with you in your car and at home, always be prepared for a dental emergency, especially if your child is in a sports program. Stock your car and their sports bag with gauze, a handkerchief, and a small container to store broken or lost teeth, ibuprofen, and your family dentists information.
When life gets busy, it’s easy to let brushing and flossing habits fall by the way side. Make sure that you and your kiddos floss and brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Buy several brushes so it’s easy to swap them out every three months, or after an illness. If you help your child develop these habits early, they will carry on well into their adulthood.
According to the American Dental Association, dental exams are just as important as immunizations and booster shots. Tooth decay affects U.S. children more than any other infectious disease. Dental pain and disease can can be distracting in learning, and cause difficulty in eating and speaking. Regular dental exams with your family dentist can help catch tooth decay early, before it becomes painful and problematic and leads to lost school time.
Still in need of a family dentist? Know that our San Luis Obispo dentist office is gladly accepting new patients. We would be honored to help you and your little ones on your way to good oral health. We offer flexible scheduling, including weekend appointments. Schedule a visit today online, or at (805) 541-0550.
New patients are always welcome at SLO Smiles. Our friendly San Luis Obispo dental team looks forward to meeting you!
