Your child may have the best sports equipment and school supplies, and the latest wardrobe, but does he or she also have good oral hygiene and the appropriate tools for its maintenance?
The American Dental Association gives great importance to a dental examination and suggests it should be a regular part of your child’s back-to-school preparations. Statistics for Disease Control and Prevention from the Centres prove tooth decay is the most widespread chronic condition affecting the US population, 20% of whom are children ranging from 2 to 19 years of age. Dental disease or pain is not only agonizing but also causes difficulty in speaking, eating, learning and playing along with a number of hours or missed school.
Make sure your child’s back-to-school checklist consists of the following pointers:
- Regular oral examinations to detect and treat dental problems, and prevent potential issues from emerging in the future. Parents and teachers may not always be successful in identifying a child’s deteriorating dental health, hence it is important to seek professional help from a dentist. Your dentist may recommend sealants or fluoride treatment to avoid decay and will identify and treat any dental issue to save your child from pain and lost school hours.
- Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. Head down to the dental care department and stock up on several toothbrushes. Changing toothbrushes every three months or after an illness is extremely important to maintain optimum oral hygiene. If you forget to change your child’s toothbrush, you could change it each time the result comes out. You could further consult your dentist who would further guide you about how frequently you should change the toothbrush.
- Eating healthy snacks and lunch. Include in your child’s diet portable healthy foods for lunch and snacks, such as milk, grains, cheese, yogurt, raw vegetables, and fruits. If your child prefers the school cafeteria, sit down and review with him the healthiest and balanced food options prior to the first day of school. Steer clear of soft drinks and sugary foods.
- Arrange for your child a properly fitting mouthguard when partaking in PE classes, playground activities or organized sports.
These are some basic back to school healthy dental tips you should inculcate in your children’s lifestyle from a young age. For more Information, Contact Us Now!
