Back-to-School Dental Shopping

We are approaching back-to-school season! It’s time to get those new outfits, backpacks, and school supplies! It’s also the perfect time to do some important things to keep your child’s oral health in good shape. We’ve assembled a checklist to help you stay on track.

Schedule Back to School Dental Appointments

It’s important that you schedule your child’s dental appointment as soon as possible. Other parents in your area may have the same idea! Just as you get check-up appointments, immunizations, and physicals you should make sure your child has a dental checkup.

This is the time for your child’s dentist to update paperwork and diagnose tooth decay or other oral health issues. Kids will also enjoy returning to school with freshly cleaned, beautiful smiles! Getting this vital appointment in before school starts means that they won’t have to miss school later to do this.

Replace Dental Supplies

Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, so now is a good time to replace them. Then set a time for your future toothbrush replacement schedule. We’ve included a list of dental supplies you’ll need below.

List of Oral Health Supplies Needed

Toothbrush – They eventually wear out and don’t clean teeth as well when they do. If your child uses an electric toothbrush, the brush head can also lose its effectiveness leaving behind plaque. These heads should also be replaced.  Both traditional toothbrushes and the brush heads of electric toothbrushes should be switched out each quarter.

Dental Floss – Kids may run out and neglect to tell you and flossing every day is important. If they don’t like the traditional floss, opt for disposable flossers.

Fluoride Toothpaste – Toothpaste containing fluoride helps you prevent cavities.

Mouthwash – For some kids over six and teens, mouthwash can fight bacteria and protect the surface of their teeth.

Mouth guard – If you have an athlete in the family, especially one who wears braces, you can avoid dental injuries with a mouth guard. Ask your dentist about one that is custom-made. We also have a helpful video on which mouth guard is best for you!

Choose Healthy Foods

Stock up on those healthy lunch and snack items to help kids make better choices. Refer to the list below for some healthy options.

Healthy Lunch and Snack Foods for Better Oral Health

The foods your child eats affects their health, including their oral health. Diet can contribute to tooth decay. You should avoid processed foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar. While we don’t consider potato chips and bread to be sugary, they are broken down in the body as sugar.

Let your child be involved in this process. You don’t want to purchase a refrigerator full of food that they won’t eat. Look up tasty and creative lunch recipes for kids. Make sure that your back-to-school grocery list includes:

• Raw vegetables
• Fruits
• Yogurt
• Milk
• Cheese

See you soon!

We look forward to seeing your child for their back-to-school dental checkup! We would love to answer your questions about their oral health.  Call us today to schedule your child’s appointment!