Easy Dental Tips for Kids Heading Back to School!
This year back to school may look a little different for families during the current pandemic. Check out these easy to implement back to school dental tips to help your family have a healthy smile. Building good habits will help keep teeth happy for a lifetime.
Drink Water
Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to drink plain fluoridated water. This will help you stay hydrated and to rinse away bacteria in your mouth. If you feel your mouth is still dry chew a sugar free gum such as Trident or rinse with a non-alcohol ADA approved mouthwash solution.
Eat a Well Balanced Breakfast
This will help prevent the temptation to snack early before mealtime. Try to still maintain a routine even if the back to school day is virtual. Stay away from sugary cereals and try to eat eggs, fruit, oatmeal, or low-fat yogurt instead.
Limit Snacks
Moderation of snacks is key and make sure to limit how many snacks and desserts you and your children have. Try to save dessert for after dinner. Plain chocolate for dessert is a better option than chips or sticky candies since chocolate melts fast and can be easily rinsed away with water. In addition, try apples, carrots, or cheese for healthier snack options since they help remove plaque away from your teeth
Daily Dental Routine
Make sure to keep a daily dental home routine of brushing 2x day (full 2 minutes) with an electric toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste along with flossing 1x day in order to prevent decay and dental disease. Parents please remember to help children with brushing until around age 8 in order to remove plaque in hard to reach regions.
Encourage Physical Activity
Make sure to get up and move during the day to help break up the screen time especially with virtual learning. Involve your children in the planning and set an example by being physically active. Go on family walks or set up workout stations in your home. Remember to maintain good posture while using the computer.
Focus on Each Other at the Table
Take the time to talk about fun and happy things at mealtime. Gratitude goes along way towards good mental health. Turn off the TV and put your phone away. Enjoy the family time and enjoy eating meals stress free. Try to meal prep meals to prevent out to eat habits.
Importance of Dental Exams
Make sure to keep up with your regular dental cleanings and exams. Dr. Govani recommends check ups to keep your teeth and gums healthy and help prevent dental problems. Your dental health is connected to your overall health. Bacteria from your mouth can be linked to chronic inflammation and other healthcare problems such as cardiovascular and systemic diseases.
Your dental exam will include dental radiographs (when indicated) to monitor a child’s growth and detect dental concerns such as decay and periodontal disease along with an oral cancer screening.
Whether you are working from home, the kids are back to school full-time, or a hybrid school model, we can make an appointment work for you! Stay positive, we are here for you. Call 920-231-1955 to schedule your dental visit today!
We are following current Wisconsin Department of Health, American Dental Association and CDC recommendations. In addition, we continue with hospital grade sterilization and disinfection procedures to keep all patients safe during their dental visits.
