As the dog days of summer wind down to a close, it’s time to shift into back-to-school mode. You likely already have a list of supplies to buy, including pens, pencils, and paper, but have you considered checking in on your child’s dental health before the school year kicks off?

The back-to-school season is the perfect time to revisit some oral health basics with them. Brushing and flossing are crucial for preventing tooth decay and keeping a healthy smile for years. Encouraging these habits will ensure your child has a beautiful smile and is ready for the first day and beyond!

The Prevalence of Cavities in Children

Over 40% of children between the ages of two and 11 develop cavities in their baby teeth. Tooth decay is so common during this phase of your child’s life because their enamel is thinner than ours. Unfortunately, cavities can develop on teeth soon after they erupt, spreading to the permanent teeth developing beneath them.

Cavities and other oral health issues can be extremely painful for children, causing them to miss school. Whether they are missing school for a dental appointment or simply because of oral pain, it’s not good for them, especially right at the beginning of the year.

Issues like these do not just cause physical discomfort when they’re in class. They also create mental distractions, making it increasingly difficult for them to focus on their work, participate in the classroom, and complete assignments.

Oral health issues may also make your child feel embarrassed, impacting their willingness to participate in class discussions or play with their peers. That, in turn, can cause their academic and social performance to suffer.

Cavity Prevention Tips

You won’t want your child to miss valuable class time for a tooth decay treatment, so follow these tips to ensure their back-to-school smile remains healthy year-round.

Develop a daily brushing and flossing routine.

Establishing brushing habits is one of the best cavity prevention methods to incorporate into your child’s daily routine. Have them brush twice daily, including the entire front and back of their teeth.

Flossing is just as important. It can reach certain areas that your child’s toothbrush cannot, helping to remove food debris before it attracts bacteria that give rise to cavity-causing plaque.

Eat a balanced diet.

The foods you allow your child to eat can affect their overall health as well as that of their teeth and gums. You’ll want to provide them with a nutrient-rich diet containing fruits, veggies, and protein. Doing so will ensure they get the right vitamins and minerals to create healthy bones and teeth.

Too much sugar contributes to tooth decay by creating bacteria and acids that destroy tooth enamel. Limit the sugar and starchy carbs your child consumes to help keep their teeth resistant to decay.

Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.

Using a fluoride toothpaste will slow enamel breakdown and further prevent tooth decay. Fluoride increases the remineralization rate, forming new enamel crystals that are larger, harder, and more acid-resistant. Adding a mouthwash will help kill bacteria that brushing can miss, fight gum disease, and keep your child’s breath fresh too.

The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

One key way to prepare your child’s smile for back-to-school season is by setting a schedule for regular dental check-ups. These visits are vital to detecting issues early on, and they’ll allow your child’s dentist to treat decay or irritated gums, saving your child from any discomfort.

It’s also crucial to schedule a professional cleaning for your child. An experienced hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish the teeth, and apply fluoride to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Child’s Oral Health

Children look to their parents to determine the habits they will eventually develop. And, building up oral hygiene habits is no exception. Don’t just tell your kids what good hygiene habits are and expect them to do it. Go through them with your children and show them how to brush and floss their teeth daily.

Keep your cupboards and refrigerators stocked with healthy snacks too. When kids have easy access to oranges, apples, and carrots, they’ll likely reach for them instead of cookies and candy. Encourage your kids to swap surgery juices or sodas for water—you can enhance the flavor by adding fruit!

Lastly, ask your dentist or hygienist about dental sealants as an additional preventive measure. They are thin layers of plastic placed on the tooth. Once these areas are covered, bacteria that cause cavities cannot reach them, giving your child more protection against tooth decay.

Find an oral health partner for a shining back-to-school smile.

As your children prepare for another year of learning and friendship, don’t neglect their oral health. Protect their smile by scheduling routine check-ups and cleanings. If you’re looking for a new dentist office in or near Hampton/Griffin, GA, contact Allred Family Dentistry. We offer comprehensive dental services for the whole family!