As summer winds down and the new school season nears, consider taking your child to visit the dentist for a back-to-school checkup. Shopping for school supplies and fresh clothes are always on the annual agenda, and there’s no better time than right now to add the dentist to your to-do list as well.
Here are a few ways we can help your child prevent cavities and other issues, and maintain good oral and overall health:
Schedule Routine Dental Checkups:
Just because your child doesn’t appear to have any problems with their teeth, doesn’t mean that none exist. If tooth decay or any other issues are present, your dentist can take the proper steps to correct the matter and prevent any painful consequences. Routine examinations will ensure your child’s teeth are thoroughly cleaned and on the track to long-term health.
Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques:
Dental care doesn’t end when your child leaves the office. It’s imperative proper care is taken at home each day to prevent cavities and gum disease. Your dentist may recommend a particular toothbrush or toothpaste, such as a soft or hard bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Also, remember to change out your child’s toothbrush every 90 days. So if your child has a new brush to begin school, change it out around Christmas, and then again around spring break.
Sports Mouthguards:
For children participating in sports, physical education classes or other athletic activities during or after school, a mouthguard could be a teeth-saver. Oral injuries occur during physical and sports related activities, which include injuries to the jaw, teeth and gums. A mouth guard not only helps prevent sports-related injuries, but also damage from grinding teeth.
Proper Eating:
You know the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Well, what about this saying, “A chocolate bar per day and it’s your teeth you betray” – Just kidding, that’s not a real saying, but it’s important to cut back on the sugary treats and drinks and eat more healthy meals and snacks. Balanced meals are crucial to your oral and general health. If and when your kid does eat sweets, brushing their teeth soon after is vital. When a toothbrush and toothpaste aren’t readily available, washing their mouth out with water helps as well.
The summer ending may not put a smile on your kid’s face, but healthy, beautiful teeth just might. If you’re needing to add a dental exam to your child’s back-to-school to-do list, come visit us at Crystal Smiles in Okotoks. Call (587) 757-9809, or visit our contact us option on our website to schedule an appointment today.
