Those long, fun days of summer are nearing their end, and that can only mean that it’s time for your children to head back to school. You’ve got plenty to do with buying their school clothes, stocking up on school supplies and getting everyone ready for a new schedule, but there’s another important task that you may not have thought about. The beginning of a new school year is also an excellent time to make a few changes to your child’s dental health routine.
Your Back-to-School Checklist from Seven Lakes Dental in Marysville, WA
• Consider Athletic Mouth Guards: Your children are sure to want to participate in activities such as football and basketball, which is a great way for them to stay active and learn good sportsmanship. Unfortunately, these activities also allow for the possibility of injuries that could cause tooth damage or loss. You can help to protect your child’s mouth by taking them to visit the dentist for a custom-fitted mouth guard, which will protect your child’s mouth during practice and at game time. Every mouth is different so avoid those over-the-counter mouth guards. Your child’s smile is much too important to trust to a one-size-fits-all mouth guard. At Seven Lakes Dental, we will set your child up with a mouth guard that is specifically designed to fit their mouth for optimal safety.
• Buy a New Toothbrush: Your toothbrush should be replaced at least every six months, and the beginning of a new school year is a great time to start with a fresh one. Let your children pick out a toothbrush that matches their unique personality, and they will be much more likely to brush on a regular basis.
• Establish a Healthy Oral-Hygiene Routine: The school year is a busy time, and it’s easy for your children to forget to brush their teeth in the morning just to avoid missing the bus. This is the time to put a new oral-hygiene routine in place for your children. Make sure that brushing their teeth is part of their morning routine as they get ready for school every day. And every night their bedtime routine should include brushing and flossing before they go to bed.
• Pack Healthy Lunches and Snacks: It can be difficult to resist the urge to make your children happy during their school day by packing them their favorite soda, chips, and sugary snacks, but that will only be harmful to their teeth, as well as their health and energy levels. Try to find healthy alternatives that your children will love such as milk, natural fruit juices, cheese, fruits, berries, and veggie sticks.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or concerns about this checklist, feel free to contact us here at Seven Lakes Dental for more information. Our dental professionals have been taking care of the dental needs of children and their families for many years, and we are more than happy to assist you in making the best dental decisions. We now have two locations to serve you: Come to our Marysville office if you live in the Smokey Point, Arlington, or Marysville areas, and visit our Camano Island office if you live in the Camano Island or Stanwood areas.
