Summer is ending, and it's time to start thinking about kids going back to school. While "Back to School" typically invokes thoughts about notebooks, backpacks, and new clothes, as part of our commitment to family dentistry, your friendly team at Emery Village Dental wants to remind you about the dental back-to-school list!
The Back-to-School Dental Checklist
You didn't know there was a dental back-to-school checklist? Well, here's what you should be thinking about to protect that precious smile you love so much.
#1 The Essential Dental CheckUp
During this visit, our dentists will perform a thorough exam, checking your child's oral development and looking for any potential situations like tooth decay that could become more problematic or troublesome in the future. Being proactive about addressing any concerns early on will ensure that your child experiences less discomfort and misses fewer school days due to dental emergencies.
Our dentists may recommend treatment, such as dental sealants, to help protect your child's teeth from tooth decay and cavities. Sealants are transparent plastic coatings that guard the chewing surfaces of your child's molars, helping to keep the acids and bacteria that cause cavities at bay.
Pro Tip: Consider booking your child's routine dental checkup with your North York family dentist right before school starts, so you don't have to worry about them missing any vital class time to visit their dentist.
#2 At-Home Oral Hygiene Reboot
As summer fades away, so does our lax schedules and travel time. While these things are enjoyable for a season, it's essential to return to a routine for school and oral health.
Back-to-school is an ideal time to promote a consistent oral hygiene routine by stocking up on new toothbrushes and floss. It's also the perfect time for getting back on track with brushing twice a day (in the morning and before bed) for at least two minutes each session. Ideally, your child should spend 30 seconds per quadrant of the mouth to ensure they're effectively removing the plaque and bacteria that cause problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
Pro Tip: For younger kids, support brushing for two minutes with a timer and an achievement chart. You can offer small rewards, such as ice cream or a trip to the library, when they complete a week or two of daily brushing for the full two minutes.
#3 Smart Snacking and Lunchbox Solutions
Wise parents know that children come home from school hungry! Having healthy snacks on hand at home and for their lunch boxes is critical at back-to-school time. Here are some smart lunchbox and snack ideas for busy parents:
- Lean proteins for sandwiches, like chicken, egg, or tuna salad, or turkey, help keep small stomachs full. A hard-boiled egg is also a good source of protein for brain fuel.
- Calcium-rich foods, such as plain yogurt and string cheese, help strengthen tooth enamel and neutralize acids in the mouth that cause decay.
- Nuts and seeds deliver protein and healthy fats that promote tooth and gum health.
- Crunchy fruits and veggies, such as apples, celery, carrots, and cucumbers, help to stimulate saliva production and neutralize acids in the mouth.
Pro Tip: Cut foods like apples and carrots into smaller bite-sized pieces that help avoid the damage that can result from biting directly into hard foods.
Don't forget your child's water bottle! Choose water over sugary drinks to increase hydration, help avoid dry mouth, and wash away food debris and particles that remain in the mouth after meals.
#4 Protecting Your Child's Smile
There is nothing more stressful and inconvenient than a dental emergency! However, did you know there are some steps you can take to protect your child's smile from injury and the discomfort of tooth decay and cavities? Here are some simple treatments our dentists may recommend to protect their smiles and help your family avoid dental emergencies in North York.
- Custom Sports Guards: If your child participates in sports, a custom mouth guard is essential to protect their teeth and mouth from injuries and damage.
- Dental Sealants: A Thin plastic coating that covers the chewing surfaces of molars to keep out the bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay and cavities.
- Fluoride Treatment: Can be completed during a routine dental cleaning. Promotes enamel strength and remineralization, guarding against tooth decay.
Pro Tip: Dental sealants are a quick and non-invasive treatment procedure that dental insurance often contributes to, leaving parents with a low out-of-pocket cost. We can typically complete the procedure in one visit, and most kids don't even need a dental anesthetic for a sealant procedure.
#5 A Look Ahead
Did you know that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven or eight? This is because many children can benefit from early orthodontic intervention, also known as phased treatment. Children who don't need early intervention can be reevaluated again at age 12 or 13.
Our dentists may recommend early orthodontic treatment for children with early bite concerns, like a severe overbite or underbite, or tooth crowding that could benefit from jaw expansion. Phase one of orthodontic treatment leverages children's growth patterns to align the jaw correctly and create space for future adult teeth. This often means a quicker and easier phase two that can focus primarily on tooth alignment.
Pro Tip: Children follow their parents' lead. You can lead by example by booking your own preventive teeth cleanings and checkups.
Looking for Exceptional Children's Dentistry in North York?
Look no further than Emery Village Dental! By providing comprehensive dental care for every family member, we make it easy for busy families to fit their dentistry into their hectic schedules.
Request an appointment online, or talk with a team member to schedule when you call us at (437) 900-8266.
