The end of summer is quickly approaching, and in the chaos of getting the kids ready, it’s easy to neglect your family’s oral health. Ridgetop Dental Group in Reston, VA can make the back-to-school season easy with family dental care and tips to maintain your oral health.
1. Make dental appointments for your whole family
This time of year is a good way to remember your dental check-ups. Dentist’s offices fill up quickly, so make your kids’ back-to-school dental appointments soon before school schedules get in the way. While you’re at it, schedule yours, too!
2. Pack low-sugar items in school lunches
Packing school lunches can get stressful, and it’s easy to want to pack snack-size treats on busy mornings. Plan ahead and pack low-sugar items to help protect kids’ teeth. There are still some great low-sugar pre-packaged items that are worth the extra time to try to find.
3. Establish a time for tooth brushing
Kids thrive with routine, and setting up a daily oral hygiene routine will set them up for a lifetime of good oral health. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, so it might be good to fit oral hygiene into the morning and bedtime routine.
4. Let kids choose their toothpaste and toothbrush
Make oral health more exciting to kids by letting them choose their dental products. Point out the children’s dental products and show them where to look for the ADA seal of approval. Make sure they choose an ADA-approved toothpaste and toothbrush. When they look forward to using what they’ve chosen, it makes oral hygiene easier to maintain.
5. Reward good oral health
Find a reward system that works for your family and reward good oral health. Did your child get a good report from their dentist? Reward them with an anticipated activity or privilege to help reinforce and reward their hard work.
6. Know what to do in a dental emergency
Accidents happen, and knowing what to do in the first moments after a dental emergency can help save a broken or knocked-out tooth. An adult tooth that has been knocked out must be kept moist, so instruct your child to place it between their cheek and gums. If this is not possible, keep the tooth in a glass of milk and contact your dentist right away.
For a cracked or broken tooth, wash the mouth out with warm water immediately and contact your dentist for follow-up care. If there has been any trauma to the head or mouth, seek medical attention right away.
Ridgetop Dental Group wishes you a great back-to-school season! To schedule your family’s appointments, schedule with us online or call us.
