Back to School Dental Tips | Lincoln Smiles Dental

5 min read

Making Oral Health Part of Your Back-to-School Plan

Back to school season is a time when many families re-establish routines and focus on healthy habits. It is an ideal time to also focus on dental health and make sure your family's oral care routines are strong. From scheduling dental appointments to packing healthy lunch options to ensuring proper brushing and flossing habits, there are many ways to support your family's dental health as you head back to school.

Schedule Dental Checkups Before School Starts

Back to school season is the perfect time to schedule dental checkups for your children. Most schools require a dental examination record as part of their health requirements, and getting this done before school starts will help you avoid delays and ensure your children are in good oral health as they begin the new school year.

During these appointments, your dentist can identify and address any cavities or other problems before they become more serious. Professional cleanings will remove plaque and tartar buildup and give your children a fresh start as they head into the school year. These appointments are also a good time to discuss any concerns about your children's oral health or habits with your dentist.

Do not forget about yourself, either. Make sure your own dental health is up to date, as parents are much more likely to prioritize their children's health if their own oral health is good.

Establish a Solid Brushing and Flossing Routine

With the structure and routine that comes with the school year, it is the perfect time to establish good brushing and flossing habits if they have not been consistent over the summer. Make brushing and flossing part of your family's morning and bedtime routine, just like getting dressed or eating breakfast.

For younger children, set a timer for two minutes to ensure they brush for the recommended amount of time. Make it fun by letting them choose their favorite toothbrush or toothpaste flavor. Consider brushing together as a family to model good habits and make the routine more enjoyable.

Teach older children and teenagers why oral health is important, and discuss the consequences of neglecting their teeth, such as cavities, gum disease, and the need for more expensive treatments. Teenagers are often more motivated to care for their teeth when they understand the impacts on their appearance and health.

Pack Tooth-Healthy Lunch and Snack Options

What your children eat at school affects their dental health. Sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks are major contributors to cavities and tooth decay. Pack water or milk instead. If your child prefers flavored drinks, look for options that are low in sugar and have no added sweeteners.

For snacks, pack tooth-healthy options like cheese, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, and yogurt. These foods are nutritious and do not contribute to cavities the way sugary snacks do. If you do pack sweet treats, try to include them as part of a meal rather than as standalone snacks, and remind your child to drink water after eating them.

Avoid packing sticky or hard candies, as these can stick to teeth and are hard on fillings. Also discourage your child from chewing ice or hard objects, as these can crack teeth. Many dental problems can be prevented simply by making better food and drink choices.

Encourage Hydration with Water

Drinking water is one of the best things your child can do for their teeth. Water helps rinse away food debris and bacteria, neutralizes acid, and is calorie-free and sugar-free. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking sugary items.

In addition to the dental benefits, proper hydration supports overall health, energy levels, and concentration, all of which are important during the school day. Make sure your child has access to a water bottle at school and during after-school activities.

Talk About Mouthguards for Sports

If your child participates in contact sports like football, soccer, basketball, or wrestling, make sure they wear a mouthguard during practice and games. A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries to the teeth, lips, and jaw that could require expensive dental treatment.

A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist provides better protection than over-the-counter options, though any mouthguard is better than none. Talk with your dentist about the best option for your child's sport and age.

Address Harmful Habits

As children head back to school, it is a good time to address any harmful oral habits that may have developed. Habits like nail-biting, pencil chewing, and tongue thrusting can damage teeth and orthodontic appliances. Discuss these habits with your child and suggest alternatives. You might also explore pediatric or general dentistry services to help address these concerns.

If your teenager has been exposed to tobacco, alcohol, or other harmful substances, have an honest conversation about the serious effects of these products on oral health and overall health. The teenage years are when many people develop habits that can have lifelong consequences, so preventive conversations now can make a big difference.

Make Dental Health a Priority in Your Household

Back to school season is a good reminder that healthy habits are best established at home. When parents model good oral hygiene practices and prioritize dental health in the household, children are more likely to do the same. Create a bathroom environment that supports good oral hygiene by making sure everyone has their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Some families even have a chart to track brushing and flossing habits for younger children.

Make dental health a family conversation topic. Discuss why your teeth are important, what you are doing to take care of your teeth, and celebrate good dental habits. When oral health is treated as a priority, children understand its importance and are more likely to maintain good habits as they grow.

Keep Records Organized

Many schools now require a dental health record as part of their enrollment requirements. Make sure you have your children's dental records from their most recent checkups organized and ready. If you are transferring to a new school or new dentist, request copies of your children's records and bring them to any new appointments. Having accurate and complete records helps your new dentist understand your child's dental history and provide the best care.

Start the School Year With a Smile

By focusing on dental health as part of your back-to-school routine, you are giving your children the gift of healthy teeth and a confident smile. Good oral health habits established now will benefit them for the rest of their lives. At Lincoln Smiles Dental, we are here to support your family's oral health every step of the way. Contact us to schedule your back-to-school dental appointments today.