Summer is coming to an end, and classes will be in session before you know it. As you prepare for back-to-school season, make sure scheduling your next dental checkup is high on your to-do list!

Kids with dental pain are 3x more likely to miss class time than kids with healthy teeth and gums.[1] Preventive dental care helps keep your kids smiling and focused on learning – because it helps address any oral health issues before they become more distracting or lead to school absences.

So, what does preventive dental care entail?

A strong daily oral health routine

Establishing good oral hygiene practices is the foundation of maintaining a healthy smile while reducing mouth bacteria that lead to plaque, cavities, and gum disease. This includes:

• Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is the right size for their mouth.
• Flossing once daily.

With kids, establishing a routine is easier said than done – especially after a summer full of sleeping in late and enjoying delicious frozen treats. Here are a few tips that can help:

• Set an alarm or reminder on your phone so everyone remembers to brush in the morning and at night.
• Play their favorite songs or videos to help pass the two minutes of brushing time.
• Let your kids pick out a fun-themed toothbrush in their favorite color or cartoon character and pair it with their choice of flavored floss and toothpaste (just make sure it’s cavity-fighting fluoride toothpaste).
• Keep a daily calendar to let your kids track their oral health routines and encourage successful healthy habits with a small reward, such as stickers or extra TV time.

Routine checkups with your dentist

Regularly scheduled dental appointments help check for any oral health risk factors. Your hygienist and dentist will examine your child’s mouth and be on the lookout for potential issues. When caught early, they can begin treatment before it becomes more complicated or costly. Early detection can also help improve kids’ concentration and performance in the classroom which may help reduce school absences.

During a checkup, your dentist or hygienist will:

• Perform a professional cleaning to polish teeth and remove any built-up tartar around the gum line.
• Take dental X-rays (if needed) to check for oral health issues you can’t spot at home, including cavities between your child’s teeth.
• Sealants can also be applied during routine checkups. Sealants are a thin, clear protective coating on your child’s molars – and they prevent 80% of cavities on those back teeth![2] If your child doesn’t have dental sealants, discuss them with your dentist or research free school sealant programs in your community.

A checkup is also the perfect opportunity to speak with the dentist and hygienist about your child’s oral health and how to properly care for it – if you have questions, make sure to ask!

More tips for a healthy smile

A few other ways to strengthen your child’s oral health throughout the day and during the school year:

• Pack a reusable water bottle to encourage hydration. Water helps wash away food particles, can combat bad breath, and has zero sugar (unlike regular soda or juice).
• Check your kids’ school lunch schedule. If necessary, offer to pack them a more smile-friendly sack lunch.
  • Calcium-rich foods like cheese, yogurt, and milk support strong teeth and bones.
  • Foods loaded with vitamin C, like strawberries or leafy green vegetables, promote gum health.
• Practice mouth safety by ensuring your child wears a protective mouth guard. If your child plays contact sports or other physical games and activities, a proper fitting mouth guard can save them from chipped, broken and damaged teeth, painful lip or tongue bites, and much more!

With a healthy smile, your child can confidently begin the academic year and smile even brighter for those highly anticipated school photos. Schedule your next dental appointment today and enjoy the last few weeks of summer before class starts!

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3222359/

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/fast-facts-dental-sealants.html