As with most things in life, back-to-school season seems to get more complicated as your child gets older. With their hobbies, school clubs, sports, and other obligations stacking up, it can be difficult to find time for a trip to the dentist, let alone figure out what needs to be done today to get your child’s smile in tip-top shape.
With this three-step checklist, you’ll be able to improve your child’s oral health and still have time to take them to soccer practice. Read on to get started!
Step 1: Book a Dentist Appointment
To begin improving your child’s oral health, or to establish any kind of meaningful routine, your first step should be a trip to the dentist for a check-up. After all, how can you make plans and move forward if you don’t know where to start?
Your dentist will be able to see how your child’s teeth are performing and make recommendations for future visits (which you should immediately schedule and put in your calendar) and items that will help them succeed at home, such as toothbrushes or mouthguards.
Step 2: Establish an Oral Health Routine
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are all important and healthy habits that your child will need throughout their lives. In their formative years, it’s critical to establish a routine that your child can stick with.
Each morning when they wake up, and each night before bed, they should:
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss with dental string or a child-sized water pick
- Rinse with a non-alcohol-based mouthwash
These three little things will make a big impact on their total oral health. If you offer to do the routine with them, it can also serve as invaluable bonding time and help them reinforce the habit by watching you!
Step 3: Plan Healthy Lunches for Strong Teeth
While school cafeteria food will fill your child’s stomach, it may not be the best for their teeth. Planning out healthy lunches at home can not only save you money but also ensure that your child is getting the proper nutrition they need for a great smile.
Here are some things to remember when packing a health-conscious lunch:
- Include whole fruits and vegetables for their vitamins, minerals, and stimulating crunch.
- Milk is a great source of calcium, which is needed for strong bones and teeth.
- Water provides hydration, which is good for their whole body, but can also help to wash away loose food particles while they eat.
- Lean proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, and tofu help promote healthy dental tissues.
- Sugary treats are okay to include if the rest of the lunch is well-balanced; no need to make lunchtime boring!
And that’s it! These three easy steps will provide your child with the continued dental care they need while freeing up your mind for more pressing matters like how you’re going to take your child to dance and still make it to the PTA meeting on time.
About the Author
Dr. J. Robert (Bob) Donnelly is one of the most decorated dentists in the United States. Not only did he serve in the US Marine Corps, but he also has been named a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry—one of the highest honors in the organization. Dr. Donnelly then went on to receive a Lifelong Learning & Service Recognition (LSSR) for exceptional dental practices above and beyond, a recognition that only 189 dentists worldwide have received. To make an appointment for a check-up or learn more about the services provided at San Marcos Gentle Dental, visit the website here or call (512) 396-5225.