It’s that time of year again. Your child is either back in school or about to return to the classroom. Your dentist near Oak Lawn wants your child to enjoy a healthy and happy school year, and part of that is dental care.
Let’s unpack a few tips to make this a successful school year for your child’s smile.
#1 Schedule Your Child’s Next Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning
If it’s almost time for their next checkup and/or teeth cleaning, now might be the best time to schedule it. Ensuring your child starts the school year without painful cavities is always a plus. Additionally, we can get treatment underway early before the demands of homework and school activities take hold.
And remember, if your child is old enough for teeth cleaning, it really is the best defense against tooth decay.
#2 Pack Healthy Snacks and Lunches
Kids may eat all sorts of things at school—candy, cupcakes, sugary gum. This year, try packing healthy snacks to keep your child’s oral health in check.
We recommend:
- Low-fat yogurt
- Nuts
- Strawberries
- Cheese
Additionally, substitute water for sugary/acidic fruit juices in the lunch box.
#3 Consider a Sports or Mouthguard for Team Sports
Protecting teeth with a mouthguard is essential if your child plays a team sport. A mouthguard absorbs impact, keeping the teeth and gums safer from injury.
#4 Consider a Travel Toothbrush for School
A small toothbrush and toothpaste set is ideal for the backpack. Your child can brush after lunch and keep debris from hardening on the teeth, which is the leading cause of tooth decay!
Contact Your Child’s Dentist Near Orland Park, IL
If you would like to schedule a checkup with the dentist or have questions about best practices for oral care, a dental team member is standing by to speak with you today.
