Back-to-school excitement is in the air! While summer is a time to build happy memories, the lack of a familiar school year routine can lead to children neglecting to care for their smiles through regular brushing and flossing. And let’s not forget those sugary summer treats! Our team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is happy to offer tips and guidance to keep dental problems at bay and begin the school year with a confident, healthy smile! 

Dental Tips For A New School Year

Here are some tips to ensure your child maintains optimal dental health in time for the new school year: 

Start the School Year with a Healthy Smile: Before your schedule fills up with school and activities, we recommend scheduling a dental check-up. We will evaluate every aspect of your little one’s oral health and intervene, as needed, to maintain a healthy smile. We will also clean those pearly whites, lowering the risk of cavities and gum disease. Depending on your child’s needs, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to keep cavities at bay. Plus, we will happily complete those back-to-school dental forms.

Build a Strong Oral Hygiene Routine: Establishing a daily oral hygiene routine is key to keeping your little one’s teeth and gums healthy and sound. Encourage brushing at least twice daily for two minutes. It is also important to floss daily to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth and where the toothbrush can’t reach. 

Brush Like a Pro: Teach your child to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush gently using a circular motion. Make sure your little one brushes all the surfaces of the teeth, including their front, back, and chewing surfaces. Replace the toothbrush at three-month intervals or sooner if you notice that the bristles are beginning to fray or show signs of wear.

Nourish Your Child’s Smile: Consuming a nutritious, balanced diet is beneficial for your child’s overall health and is also important for those growing teeth! Opt for healthy treats, like fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary snacks and juices to help reduce the risk of dental decay. 

Encouraging Drinking Water: Water is the best drink for your children’s dental health. It helps wash out food particles and prevents dry mouth, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation. Encourage drinking plenty of water, especially after meals and snacks. Limit juices to mealtimes and keep water available to your child for the rest of the day. 

Providing Protection During Sports: If your child is involved in contact or high-impact sports, it is important to wear a mouthguard. We are pleased to offer custom-crafted sports mouthguards to provide the best protection for your child’s smile. 

Preventive Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Dr. Patel and our dedicated team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry look forward to helping your child start the school year with a bright, healthy smile. We are committed to providing gentle, compassionate care your child will enjoy again and again. We invite you to call 480-284-5076 to schedule your back-to-school appointment today!