Back to school season is here, and it’s time to start preparing your child for a successful academic year. One important aspect of preparation that may get overlooked while you shop for school supplies, sign up for sports teams and meet with your kid’s teachers is dental care! Our oral health checklist can help you prepare the right way. With busy schedules and packed backpacks, it’s important to make sure your child has the necessary tools to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the day.
Back To School Oral Health Checklist
- Travel Toothbrush: Having a travel toothbrush in your child’s backpack is a great way to ensure that they can maintain good oral hygiene even when they’re on-the-go. Choose a compact toothbrush that can easily fit in their backpack or lunchbox. Encourage your child to brush their teeth after meals, especially when they’ve consumed sugary or sticky foods.
- Toothpaste and Floss: Along with a travel toothbrush, make sure to pack a small tube of toothpaste and a container of dental floss. Help your child understand the importance of flossing to remove food particles and bacteria from between teeth and gums.
- Retainer Case: If your child wears a retainer, make sure they have a retainer case in their backpack to store it safely when they’re not wearing it. This can help prevent the retainer from being lost, damaged or accidentally thrown away in the cafeteria!
- Mouthguard: If your child participates in sports, it’s important to protect their teeth with a mouthguard. A custom-fit mouthguard can provide maximum protection and comfort, and help prevent dental injuries.
- Healthy Snacks: Encourage your child to choose healthy snacks that are low in sugar and high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, and nuts. These foods can help promote good oral health by stimulating saliva flow and neutralizing acid in the mouth.
- Six-Month Dental Checkup: Schedule your child’s routine dental checkup at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Chattanooga before the school year begins to ensure they start the year off with a clean bill of oral health. Regular checkups every six months can help detect any dental problems early on, preventing them from becoming more serious.
By following this back to school oral health checklist, you can make sure your child has the necessary tools and resources for good oral hygiene, and help promote good dental health and prevent dental problems down the road.
