Tips for Healthy Back-to-School Dental Care

Neglecting children’s dental health can result in plenty of missed school days. Many more will be missed due to toothaches and dental problems. 

Good oral health can help children receive better grades, as less mouth pain means improved concentration. Regular dental care helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Here are tips for healthy back-to-school dental care. 

Scheduling Dental Checkup

As you prepare to send your child back to school, make sure to schedule a dental care appointment. Scheduling a pediatric dental visit now will ensure that you do not forget when the school year begins. 

Your child’s dental care is important. During the visit, the dentist will look for decay, cavities, and discolored teeth while also performing a thorough cleaning. The dentist will also check the mouth for tooth and jaw growth. 

Teaching Oral Hygiene Habits

Teach your child good oral hygiene habits. The child needs to know why it is important to brush and floss every day. Monitor and teach them how to brush and floss properly. 

Flossing is not easy for younger kids, so you need to teach it until the child understands. You can floss your teeth along with the child to help them understand the process. Setting a timer will teach them when and for how long to brush and floss. You should also teach them how to rinse with mouthwash.

Checking Your Child’s Teeth

You do not have to wait until the next dental appointment to have your child’s teeth checked. You should regularly check the teeth yourself and look for any stains, plaque buildup, and discoloration. 

These are usually the early signs of dental problems like toothaches and cavities. If you notice signs of abnormalities, you must schedule a visit to the dentist. Do not ignore signs of swollen or red gums.

Limiting Intake of Sugar and Candy

You cannot leave it up to your child to determine how much candy they can have. It is your responsibility as the parent to limit your child’s intake of anything that will increase harmful acids in the mouth. It can take up to 20 minutes before saliva neutralizes the harmful acids. 

Eating sweets and candy several times a day will increase your child’s risk of getting cavities. Train your child to consume healthy snacks and desserts such as nuts and fresh fruit. Instruct them to rinse their mouth and brush their teeth after eating sugary treats. 

Dealing With Dental Emergencies

It is very important to know how to handle dental emergencies. Children get into accidents that can mean knocked out, broken, or cracked teeth. It is important to ensure that the child gets emergency dental care when accidents happen. Knowing what to do immediately after the incident is helpful. It can help save your child’s tooth. 

Developing a dental routine is one of the best ways to ensure that your child has healthy teeth and gums. It is never too early to start training your child about good oral hygiene. It can also help you find out if your child is getting adequate fluoride from your water system. Fluoride treatments can strengthen teeth, preventing decay and cavities.

For more on back-to-school dental care, visit Fort Worth Children's Dentistry at our office in Fort Worth, Texas. You can call 817-569-6633 today to schedule an appointment.