It’s that time of the year again, back to school. As parents, teachers, and students prepare for another successful school year, there are a few dental tips that should not be forgotten. Below, Dr. Frankel and his staff share their Top 10 Dental Tips for back to school!
1.) A trip to the dentist should become part of your child’s back to school routine. When scheduling end of summer doctor appointments, include a trip to visit Dr. Frankel for a dental cleaning too!
2.) Let your child pick out his or her own toothbrush and toothpaste. By doing so your child will start their dental routine excited about brushing. However, be sure to check to see if their new toothbrush is ADA approved.
3.) Replace your child’s toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. The start of the school year is a good time to replace a toothbrush, and every three months, students begin a new quarter, which is a good time to change their toothbrush. However, back to school time is also the time when most kids bring home pesky germs and other illnesses. If you child gets sick, replace their toothbrush immediately to quit spreading the virus.
4.) Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the best and can clean teeth without causing unnecessary irritation to the gums. However, with smaller children, make sure the size and shape of the brush is comfortable to a child’s mouth. At Jon Frankel Dentistry, all children get a free toothbrush after their dental cleanings and children love them.
5.) Don’t forget to have your children brush their tongue too! This often forgotten process helps remove extra bacteria.
6.) Make brushing fun for your kids! Sometimes playing a game like “Simon Says” while brushing makes it more fun for children of all ages and help them to learn proper brushing and flossing technique.
7.) Reward your children for good dental habits. But, be careful, don’t reward them with food that will damage their teeth, like too much juice or sugar.
8.) Give your children tooth healthy snacks. Good examples include apples, celery, carrots, and calcium rich foods like milk and cheese.
9.) Know what to do in case of a dental emergency. Dr. Frankel provides each of his patients with his personal cell phone number. Do not be scared to call him in case something goes wrong. Also, be sure to get your children fitted for a mouth guard to wear when playing sports. This will help protect their teeth and reduce the chances of an emergency.
10.) Consider dental sealants to protect the grooves of the teeth from storing bacteria that will cause cavities. A simple dental sealant will keep teeth strong and decay free.
