Back-to-School with a Stylin’ Smile
by Above Dental
Parents! Sharpen those pencils! It’s time to see if you’ve tackled that back-to-school list to completion. You got the notebooks, pens, backpack, and new shoes…but did you remember to book an appointment with your family dentist in Coos Bay?
We Share the Care
Not only can hearing and eyesight degrade within a school-year, but oral health too. Our dental practice wants to team up with you to ensure your child’s teeth are:
- Coming in as they should.
- Benefiting from the brushing style they’ve adopted at home.
- Not exposed unnecessarily to the risk of cavities. We offer preventive measures like sealants on molars or fluoride varnish protection to help.
- Not showing signs of health issues beyond cavities such as diabetes and vitamin deficiencies.
Every child should engage others with their best smile as they head back to school, and an A+ oral health report keep them there. Since dental disease is almost 100% preventable, what part will you play?
Tips for the Brilliant Parent
According to the American Dental Association, children miss about 51 million school hours and parents lose 25 million work hours annually because of oral diseases.
Here’s how you can avoid being a statistic:
Toothbrush Enthusiasm: Have a peek at your child’s toothbrush—are the bristles frayed? Every three months, it should be replaced…but let THEM choose ones THEY like. As long as it’s the proper size and has soft bristles, does it matter that Spiderman shapes the handle?
Toothpaste Flavor—Yum! You may like minty fresh, but most kids don’t. Choose a few ADA approved child-friendly flavors and see what goes over best. The more they like it, the better chance you have of getting them to use it.
Flossing Failure? Let’s admit it; flossing is annoying to adults, let alone children. Make it more appealing by considering floss picks. They’re easier to use and come in fun colors and flavors.
It’s Not a Race: Two minutes is about how long it takes for a proper cleaning, so purchasing a fun-looking brushing timer may well be a good investment.
What’s to Eat? Acidic beverages such as fruit juice and soda erode tooth enamel. Gummy, soft sweets stick to teeth and allow bacteria in plaque to produce more detrimental acid. Bite-sized carrots, fruits, nuts, cheese, and bottled water pass the grade, and provide great fuel for physical exertion! Also, encourage a quick rinse and spit at the water fountain—it can do wonders when a toothbrush isn’t handy.
Impact Sports—Ouch! Fall is the time for many contact sports. Be sure to have your child properly fitted for a mouthguard and avoid having their teeth join the 3 million knocked out each year!
Did You Pass?
If you saw a few areas you need to brush up on, don’t feel bad. Our dental practice loves families like you and is here to help! Start a positive tradition by scheduling a back-to-school dental appointment with Dr. Brice— your family dentist in Coos Bay. We’ll help send your child back to school with a reason to smile proudly.
Care to share? What tips can you give other parents that have made brushing more fun for your kids?