Can you believe it’s already August?! Time is flying by and it’s already that time of year when we prepare to send our kids back to school. For most, that means new school clothes and supplies. But something else to take into consideration is ensuring your child is practicing proper oral hygiene both in and out of school. Cavities are a common oral health issue among children and can lead to serious oral issues that not only can require painful dental visits but can also result in school hours missed to attend these appointments for dental services.
As you prepare your child for another school year, we have a few tips to help you protect your child’s oral health, preventing painful issues that will interrupt their education as well as ensuring your child’s development progresses unimpeded.
Schedule a Visit to Your Garden Ridge Family Dentist
Before the school year begins, we recommend scheduling your child for a visit with your Garden Ridge dentist. Since dental cleanings are recommended every six months, bringing your child in for a dental check up will prevent emergency dentist visits that can interrupt the school year. A 2015 survey conducted by Delta Dental found that a third of all children will miss school to have cavities and other oral health problems treated.
Avoid the difficulties that come with a child missing school and schedule your child’s dentist appointment with your local Garden Ridge family dentist. At Garden Ridge Center for Dentistry, we offer same day dental appointments to accommodate anyone’s busy schedule.
Pack Healthy Lunches
As much as we want to give our children all of the fun foods they want, the fact is there are some foods that are just plain terrible for their teeth. Added sugars in certain foods can lead to tooth decay so it’s important to limit foods with added sugar as well as starchy snacks such as chips and crackers as starches can play just as big a role as sugar in cavity development.
When it comes to healthy snacks for your child, crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots and apples are a better option for their teeth. Not only do they contain plenty of vitamins but they can also scrub your child’s teeth while being chewed. Other healthy snack options that are also good for your child’s teeth include plain milk, leafy green vegetables, cheese, and bananas.
Encourage Proper Oral Hygiene Throughout The Year
It’s imperative that in between check-ups with your Garden Ridge family dentist your child is brushing their teeth at least twice a day for about two minutes per session. It’s not every child’s favorite task but it’s important to help make brushing their teeth something they can have fun with and enjoy. We often suggest allowing your children to pick a toothbrush they like or playing some of their favorite songs while they brush their teeth.
These are just a few of our recommendations to help maintain your child’s oral health however, should you have additional questions, your child’s Garden Ridge dentist appointment is a great time to ask.
The school year will begin before you know it! If your search for ‘dentist near me’ brought you to us, you’re in the right place. Contact us at 210-651-5100 to schedule your child’s dentist appointment today!
