The start of the school year is a busy time for many families. As an organization providing free dental and vision care to children of low-income families, LevelUp Kids is committed to making sure your child has a fresh start as they head back to school. Learn more about our favorite back-to-school dental tips and how you can keep your child’s oral hygiene in check.
Teach Your Child the Basics
Dental care for kids should include brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Talk to your child about why dental care is important, so they understand the consequences of not taking care of their teeth.
Your child should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once. Make sure to supervise younger children who are still learning proper brushing and flossing techniques. As your child gets older, you can let them try brushing on their own and then follow up to make sure all of their teeth are nice and clean. At this age, you will likely need to help with flossing. Once your child is eight years and older, make sure that they are using a fluoridated toothpaste.
Proper dental care techniques are important because they help keep the whole body healthy. Teaching kids proper dental hygiene now could prevent things like complications with diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Create Daily Routines
Your child is more likely to keep up their oral hygiene if they establish a habitual routine at the start and end of each day. This routine should include daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Establishing a solid routine at home will help your child uphold healthy habits while they’re at school.
Encourage your child to stay consistent by having them perform dental care at the same time every morning and night. It’s important for them to understand why they need to set aside five to ten minutes for dental care after breakfast and before leaving the house.
At the end of the day, dental care should be incorporated into your child’s nightly hygiene habits. If they’re taking the time to bath, shower, or wash their face, they should also prioritize brushing and flossing. Create a nightly schedule with your child so they remember to brush after dinner and before bedtime.
Talk About At-School Dental Hygiene
If you’re worried about your child taking care of their teeth while they’re at school, there are some habits you can encourage so they are better prepared when you’re not around. Although it’s recommended that your child brushes at least twice a day, encourage your child to brush a third time while they’re at school after lunch.
Make sure your child’s toothbrush is stored in a clean environment and away from any dirt or bacteria. This may include storing the toothbrush in a plastic bag and keeping it as dry as possible. For younger children, it may be wise to inquire about adult supervision options at their school if they are brushing during the day.
Promote a Healthy Diet
Throughout the day, your child may receive candy or sugary snacks while at school. Instead of consuming too many sweets and foods with high amounts of carbs, encourage them to eat healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables. You should also pack a healthy lunch that they can enjoy in the middle of the day.
Explaining to your child which foods are good and bad for your teeth is a great way to encourage healthy eating habits. Consuming a lot of sugary and acidic foods can lead to many dental problems, including cavities and the breakdown of enamel. If your kids are eating sweets at school, make sure they are brushing their teeth afterward either at school or as soon as they get home.
Perform At-Home Dental Checks
Most parents don’t know to check on their child’s mouth to make sure the teeth and gums are in good shape. Every week, parents should sit in with their children during their dental hygiene routine to ensure everything looks okay.
Examine whether your child is brushing and flossing correctly. If you notice any stains, plaque build-up, discoloration, or swollen gums, it’s time to see a dentist. You should also address any mouth pain with a dentist as soon as possible.
This is the perfect time to make dental care a family event by encouraging brushing and flossing regularly. When you make brushing and flossing a family affair every night, you have a better chance of catching any problems with your child’s mouth or the way they are brushing and flossing before problems arise.
Consider Fluoride and Sealant Treatments
Brushing and flossing are not the only ways to protect your child’s oral health. Fluoride and sealant treatments are great for protecting against cavities and strengthening teeth to avoid decay.
If your child is still young, they may not be brushing with fluoridated toothpaste just yet. Fluoride treatments are great for kids who need extra dental protection. During treatment, the dentist places a gel on your child’s teeth which releases fluoride when your mouth becomes acidic.
Similarly, sealant treatments seal dips and grooves in teeth to prevent plaque build-up and tooth decay.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Most dentists recommend that you schedule regular teeth cleanings at least twice a year. Your dentist can walk your child through proper dental care techniques and the importance of keeping their teeth clean at school. For children in low-income families, this may not be possible.
If you are looking for dental care for your children but can’t afford it, LevelUp Kids is here for you. We offer free comprehensive oral exams, fluoride and sealant treatments, crowns, root canal therapy, and so much more. For more information or to see if LevelUp Kids is scheduled to visit your child’s school, contact us today at 816-413-9009.