As you and your child bid goodbye to the last few days of vacation and the oozing summer heat, it is time to make a checklist and say hello to school once again. As you cross out some of the things on your list like new school supplies, wardrobes and shoes, be sure your child is armed with healthy teeth and gums too all throughout the school year.Tooth decay is one of the biggest health issues among children, accounting for over 51 million hours of school time lost every year. As a whole, poor oral health can negatively affect your child’s ability to learn and concentrate in school. Oral conditions can interfere with your young one’s nutrition, speech, self-esteem and daily activities.
At Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic, we encourage all parents and children to practice healthy oral habits at home and at school. Your child's back-to-school dental checklist should include the following.
Regular dental examination
You may not realize that your child is having a dental problem, so regular checkups are important to diagnose, prevent or treat your child’s oral condition. Your pediatric dentist may suggest fluoride treatments or sealants to save your child from pain and lost school time.
Healthy school snacks
Cut back on sugary foods and drinks. Choose healthier snack options for your child including grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yogurt or fruit.
Handy dental kit
Pack a dental health kit in your child’s lunchbox. You can make it fun by letting your child select his or her own toothbrush. Don’t forget to include a toothpaste and a floss in the kit.
Mouthguard
Ask your dentist about the right mouthguard for your child while participating in sports, PE classes and other playground activities. A properly fitted mouthguard can prevent serious and oftentimes irreparable inquiries to the teeth, gums and jaw.
Make sure your child is smile-ready and happy to get back to school. If you wish to make an appointment with our specialist pediatric dentists, call Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic at 04-3397700 today.
