Teach your children good dental habits when they're young, and the benefits will truly last a lifetime!
There are plenty of important life lessons to teach children, but few have more long-lasting benefits. Children with good teeth who know how to take care of their teeth will carry that into adulthood. They'll have far fewer dental problems, and enjoy all the benefits that come with having good teeth.
With school about to start up again, it's a perfect time to think about how you can protect your children's teeth!
Back-To-School Oral Health Tips
1 - Don't let them cheat on basic cleaning
If they're running late in the morning, don't let them skip their brushing/flossing/mouthwash routine. It's vitally important to drive home that these are things that must be done at least twice a day, no matter what. If they haven't cleaned their teeth in the morning, they shouldn't leave the house until it's done.
2 - Pack teeth-friendly snacks and lunches
Don't send your kids off to school with junk food that's full of sugars that will rot their teeth. Cut-up vegetables like carrots, celery, or cauliflower are far better for them than candy! For more flavor, include hummus or other savory dips rather than sugary dips.
And try to avoid sending them off with sweet drinks - get them drinking water if possible. If they refuse that, fruit juice is less bad for their teeth than sodas, which are full of harmful acids as well as sugar.
3 - Buy a mouthguard if they play sports
One of the most common causes of tooth damage in children is from playing sports, especially any sport that involves flying objects like baseballs or hockey pucks. A single impact can easily knock out a tooth, or even shatter it.
Fortunately, mouth guards are cheap and readily available at any sports shop. Follow the directions so they can imprint it with their teeth, and make sure they wear it whenever hits to the face are a danger.
4 - Schedule a back-to-school checkup
When is the last time you've taken your kids to the dentist for a checkup and cleaning? If it's been more than a few months, back-to-school time is the perfect time for an appointment! You'll be aware of any problems early on, and they'll show up on the first day with a bright and shiny smile.
Schedule an appointment today with Plainsboro Dental Care, 609-799-4422