The back-to-school season is often quite busy. In August and September, many families are in a rush to make sure their children are equipped with writing supplies, textbooks, calculators, and all the other tools necessary for a successful school year. Adjusting from summer vacation to full-time schoolwork can sometimes be stressful, and many kids let their dental hygiene fall to the wayside while getting up to speed with their new schedules. Here are a few tips to help your child ace their first dental exam of the school year.
Make Sure Your Child Brushes Appropriately
Your child’s toothbrush is their first line of defense against accumulations of bacteria-breeding plaque and food debris that can lead to destructive oral infections such as cavities and gum disease. Make sure your child is brushing for at least two minutes per session, once in the morning and once before bed. It’s a great idea to brush between meals as long as your kid remembers to wait at least thirty minutes after eating to do so.
Make Sure Your Child Flosses Enough
Flossing is every bit as important as brushing in the fight to protect your child’s oral health, but many kids neglect this crucial part of proper dental hygiene. When your child flosses, they should gently move the thread up and down and side to side against each of the edges of their teeth while taking care not to press too deep into the gum tissue. It’s ideal to floss after each meal, but completing this task once a day is considered adequate for most people.
Limit Your Child’s Consumption of Sugar and Acid
Children are renowned around the world for their love of sugar, and many sweet beverages like juice and soda pop are heavy with acids that can erode enamel on contact. Harmful oral bacteria love sugar because it is rich in simple chemical energy that can be easily absorbed, and it allows them to multiply rapidly and cause destructive oral infections. To make matters worse, these germs secrete acid as a waste product, and this can accelerate tooth decay and irritate the soft tissues. It’s best to limit your child’s sugar intake.
Teaching your child excellent oral health habits will allow them to keep their teeth in excellent condition and avoid painful dental emergencies. The practices described here will set your child up for a healthy and comfortable smile and smooth and stress-free dental exams.
About the Author
Dr. Lily earned her dental degree at the Western University of Health Sciences and completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn. She is proud to be a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Texas Dental Association. Her office in Garland offers dental care for infants, toddlers, children, and teens as well as kids with special needs. To schedule your child’s next dental appointment, contact her office online or dial (469) 925-0861.