Summer is practically over, and the new school year is a great time to re-establish oral care routines and ensure your child has a healthy mouth. Listed below are a few easy tips to help keep your kid’s teeth healthy.
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Book a Back-To-School Checkup and Dental Cleaning
One of the easiest ways to make sure your child enjoys good oral health year-round is to book regular dental checkups and cleanings. During this appointment, our Newcastle dentist can gently check your child’s mouth, and if there are any small issues, we can treat them promptly. A professional dental cleaning is an excellent way to maintain healthy teeth and strong gums, and if needed, our hygienist can work with your child, showing them the best way to brush and floss thoroughly. In addition, we love educating kids and can teach them how to care for their teeth and explain why good dental care is so important using terms that are easy for them to understand.
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Purchase a New Toothbrush
Generally, toothbrushes need replacing every three months or sooner if the bristles begin to look frayed. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that is child-appropriate. It can be nice to let your child choose their brush, so they feel more motivated and excited to use it regularly. There are lots of different child-oriented toothbrushes available, and some will play a tune or have built-in timers to make sure your child brushes their teeth for the full two minutes. Another thing that can be helpful is ensuring your child has toothpaste in a flavour they enjoy.
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Make Sure Your Child Is Brushing and Flossing Regularly
Everyday routines can go out of the window during the summer, so now is a good time to re-establish a good oral hygiene routine. Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily, and if needed, supervise them while they brush. Younger children may need help with brushing and flossing, and even older children will be tempted to skip this routine occasionally.
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Encourage Your Child to Drink More Water
Water is the best fluid for hydration and is essential for good oral and general health. Encourage your child to drink more water in preference to sugary drinks like soda and juice. Drinking tap water is just fine, and it’s far cheaper than juice boxes or canned drinks, especially if you purchase a reusable water bottle for school.
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Choose Healthy Snacks
If you have a busy household, you probably have very little time to pack your child’s lunch, but it’s worth spending a few minutes planning healthier snacks that are sugar-free and tooth-friendly. Aim to pack a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, and cheese is excellent for building strong teeth in Clarington. Getting your child into the habit of eating healthier meals now can build healthier eating habits that will last into adulthood.
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Purchase a Sports Mouthguard
Lots of children love playing sports, but many sporting activities carry the risk of a dental injury. If your child plays contact sports or any activity where there is a risk of a knock or a fall, it’s a great idea to get a properly fitted custom sports mouthguard in Courtice to protect their teeth. A sporting injury can chip or fracture teeth or knock them out entirely and require ongoing and costly restorative treatment. It’s much cheaper and far less upsetting to get a well-fitting mouthguard. West Bowmanville Family Dental can make and fit a comfortable mouthguard providing maximum protection for your child’s teeth and jaws.
