Back to School Dental Routine
As summer comes to an end, children across the country will be returning to school. Now is a good time to schedule their health check-ups, including dental cleaning and exam. If left untreated, tooth decay can be painful, which can impact your child’s performance in school.
HollowBrook Dental in Colorado Springs believes that dental health is important for your entire family. Here’s what our dentist wants you to know to keep your child’s mouth healthy as they begin the new school year.
4 Tips for Pediatric Dental Health
Most dental problems are preventable if you keep the following in mind:
Schedule a dental checkup
Regular dental checkups are critical for your child’s growth and development. You can make the visit smoother by taking the time to explain to your child what will happen. The dentist will start by thoroughly examining their teeth and taking x-rays. Then, the dentist will clean their teeth and apply fluoride. Finally, they will discuss their findings with you and your child and explain treatment options if applicable.
Encourage your child to brush/floss daily
Brushing and flossing daily prevents the build-up of bacteria and plaque. This will reduce your child’s risk of developing cavities. Your child should brush twice daily for at least 2 minutes each time. If your child is not old enough to properly brush their own teeth, you should do it for them. If they are just learning, you should supervise them until they get the hang of it.
Make healthy dietary choices
A healthy diet is critical for your oral and overall health. Bacteria feed on sugar, which leads to cavities. Therefore, it’s important to limit your child’s sugar consumption as well as foods/drinks that contain a lot of acid. Therefore, offer your child healthy snacks including pretzels, fresh fruits/veggies, nuts, and cheeses. Limit their sugar intake to less than 25 grams of added sugar daily.
Also, pay attention to what they are drinking. Water is best, preferably tap water because it is most likely to contain fluoride. Drinking fluoridated water reduces the risk of developing cavities by 25% and keeps teeth strong.
Make prevention a priority
In addition to the above, there are some preventative measures that you can take, including:
- Having sealants put on your child’s teeth
- Mouth guards for children who play sports
Schedule Your Child’s Back-to-School Exam Today
While you are getting your child ready to go back to school, make sure to include a dental exam. HollowBrook Dental in Colorado Springs is the best dentist for pediatrics. We offer a patient-centered approach. We will make sure that your child is comfortable and understands what is going on at an age-appropriate level. Schedule your child’s back-to-school exam at HollowBrook Dental today.
