The end of summer is here, and in the hustle and bustle of getting the kids ready to go back to school, it’s easy to neglect your family’s oral health. Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 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 time to schedule your dental check-ups so that you’ll always remember to make them. However, the appointments fill up quickly this time of year, so make your kids’ back-to-school dental appointments soon before school work and after-school activities get in the way. While you’re at it, don’t forget to schedule yours, too!
2. Establish a time for tooth brushing
Kids do best when following set routine, and setting up a daily oral hygiene regimen will help them develop habits needed for a lifetime of good oral health. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, so it might be a good idea to establish oral hygiene activities into the morning and bedtime routine.
3. Pack low-sugar items in school lunches
Packing school lunches every morning can be stressful, and it can be easy to fall into the trap of packing sugary, snack-sized treats on busy mornings. However, with a little forethought you can have baggies of healthy, low-sugar snacks ready to pack in lunches to help protect your kids’ teeth. There are still some great low-sugar pre-packaged items that are worth the extra time to try to find.
4. Let kids choose their toothpaste and toothbrush
Make oral health more exciting to your kids by allowing them to choose their dental products. Point out the children’s dental products available in fun flavors and adorned with their favorite characters and show them where to look for the ADA seal of approval. You should always make sure they choose ADA-approved toothpaste and toothbrush for the health of their teeth. 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 children and reward good oral health. If your child got a good report from their dentist, reward them with a preferred activity or privilege to help reinforce and reward their hard work.
6. Know what to do in a dental emergency
With sports and other activities, accidents can happen and knowing what to do in the first moments after a dental emergency can help save your child’s broken or knocked-out tooth. An adult tooth that has been knocked out must be kept moist so that it can be reinserted, 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 immediate medical attention.
Dr. James P. Furgurson and his team at Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry wish you a great back-to-school season! To schedule your family’s appointments, schedule with us online or call 919.205.9308.