- Get them a new toothbrush
- Pack wholesome school snacks for teeth and gum health
- Provide a refillable thermos full of water
- Pack a hand-held flosser
- Purchase a mouthguard for oral safety
- Establish an oral hygiene routine
- Make brushing and flossing fun
Whether your children are starting primary school for the first time, going to high school, or heading off to college or university, returning to class is a bittersweet moment for families. As we pack out cherished summer memories away, it is time to get students off to the best start possible.
Buying school supplies, getting new clothes, and scheduling back-to-school haircuts are all part of the end-of-summer ritual. However, ensuring their dental health is in good order is another essential task before sending them off to start another school year.
Here are seven back-to-school oral health tips to keep their smiles shiny and bright as they crack the books.
1. Get them a new toothbrush
Replacing toothbrushes is a cornerstone of kids’ oral care. Generally, toothbrushes should be replaced every three months or when the bristles begin to fray. However, if you didn’t replace their toothbrush over the summer, add it to your back-to-school shopping list so you buy it at the same time as other school supplies.
A good-quality, soft-bristled toothbrush used twice daily is your child’s best defence against harmful bacteria and plaque. Younger children might be more inclined to brush if you let them pick out the toothbrush’s colour and design, as long as it’s the right size for their mouth.
2. Pack wholesome school snacks for teeth and gum health
Planning a healthy and nutritious lunch and snacks will go a long way to protecting your children’s oral health. Although they’re often convenient to pack in your child’s knapsack, sugary, crunchy, and sticky food can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Instead, consider sending them off with healthy options that will protect their teeth, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and lunch meats. The protein and fibre they offer will protect their oral health, give them energy for the school day, and help set the foundation for good eating habits that will last a lifetime.
3. Provide a refillable thermos full of water
What your children drink is just as important as what they eat. Fruit drinks, “sports” beverages, and sodas contain sugar that can weaken tooth enamel and lead to poor oral health. Water is the best bet for washing away food particles that can get stuck in their teeth, protecting their oral health in the process.
Providing a refillable bottle or thermos with clean, cold water will also make it easier for them to stay hydrated, which is beneficial to their overall well-being.
4. Pack a hand-held flosser
One of the most effective ways to keep your children’s teeth plaque-free is to floss at least once per day. Sending them to school with a hand-held flosser will help them remove any leftover food particles between their teeth after lunch, minimizing the buildup of plaque and helping them avoid gum disease.
It’s best to start good flossing habits early to help develop a routine that will keep their teeth and gums healthy as they grow older. Your family dental health team can also instruct them on the best flossing techniques if you need assistance.
5. Purchase a mouthguard for oral safety
If your child plans on playing sports during the school year, add a mouthguard to your back-to-school shopping list. Mouthguards help protect teeth against damage or loss on the field, court, rink, or gym, which could result in emergency dental treatment or even oral surgery.
At Yonge Eglinton Dental we are able to fabricate custom mouthguards for you and your family to protect your teeth while playing sports. Be sure to get the mouthguard before school begins so your child has it in case team sports start in September. Talk to your family dental health team about mouthguard options that will provide the maximum amount of protection for your child.
6. Establish an oral hygiene routine
Routines can often fall by the wayside during the summer. As you prepare your children for a more regimented school schedule that includes regular wake-up and bedtimes, include brushing and flossing as part of that routine.
For example, make sure brushing their teeth becomes a habit before going to school and that they brush and floss before going to bed. Setting up these routines will help ensure they get used to taking care of their teeth at the same time each day, creating good habits that will protect their oral health throughout their lives.
7. Make brushing and flossing fun
Many children consider brushing their teeth a chore. Once school starts and homework begins to pile up, they may feel as if they “already have enough to do”, an outlook that may lead them to skip brushing altogether. This attitude can be especially common in children who are still too young to appreciate the long-term benefits of proper oral hygiene.
You can encourage positive oral health habits by making brushing and flossing as fun as possible, helping your child look forward to caring for their teeth. For example, they can use toothbrushes that play music that will help them brush longer. Another way to get your children to brush longer is to let them pick a flavoured toothpaste they enjoy.
You can also start brushing and flossing your own teeth at the same time as your children, making it a shared family activity that demonstrates good oral hygiene habits.
Yonge Eglinton Dental: Your neighbourhood family oral health care team
Our team at Yonge Eglinton Dental looks forward to helping take care of your family’s oral health any time of year. We specialize in assisting young people to feel at ease when visiting the dentist by using many practical and empathetic approaches that help them feel confident and look forward to their next appointment.
Book an appointment today to start the school year with big, beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime!
Protect your child’s back-to-school oral health with the experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Talk to the dental professionals at Yonge Eglinton Dental about good oral health habits that will give your children strong, healthy teeth. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
