It’s time for your little one to head back to school for another year of learning! There are plenty of items you’ll want them to have so that they’re prepped and ready for class. However, the last thing you’d want is for them to experience a dental emergency. But what can you do to reduce their risks? Read on to learn five tips to help your child prevent dental emergencies when going back to school!
#1: Have Them Visit the Dentist Regularly
One of the most essential ways to avoid urgent dental situations is to take them to see their dentist often. By scheduling an appointment every six months or sooner, they can assess your little one’s oral health and address any developing concerns before they become bigger problems. Not only will they get a thorough cleaning by the end of their visit, but they’ll also be able to avoid more serious health issues like decay and infections.
#2: Make Sure They Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
In between checkups, your child will need to maintain their pearly whites with good dental hygiene every day. This includes brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash frequently. Maintaining this routine will allow them to keep debris and harmful bacteria from growing and causing issues like gum disease, which can quickly lead to an emergency dental visit.
#3: Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Diet
Keeping a well-balanced diet is both beneficial to your child’s dental and overall well-being. By ensuring that they eat plenty of fruits, veggies, dairy products, carbohydrates, and lean protein, you can promote stronger oral and bodily health. Make sure they don’t eat sugary treats frequently, as they can cause cavities, and limit their consumption of hard or crunchy foods that can damage their tooth enamel.
#4: Ensure They Don’t Use Teeth as Tools
It can be tempting for your little one to use their teeth to open up packages, uncap a pen, or even chew on their fingernails. While this may seem to save time, it can also gradually wear down their enamel, causing their smile to be more vulnerable to damage over time. Try encouraging them to avoid using their teeth as tools and only to use them for eating, talking, and smiling.
#5: Invest in Mouthguards to Protect Their Teeth
Does your little one like to play contact sports or have fun on the playground? If there’s a potential for getting hit in the face or accidentally knocking out a tooth, then you might consider investing in an athletic mouthguard for them. These appliances will be custom-made to fit their specific bite, helping to cushion their pearly whites from sudden impact. By wearing these, your child can increase their chances of preventing the need for more costly dental treatments in the future.
These are only a few essential ways to help protect your child’s smile when preparing them to return to school. Feel free to schedule an appointment with their dentist, and they’ll be more than happy to improve and preserve their dental health for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Steven Rodriguez graduated from the University of Michigan and has provided outstanding care for nearly three decades. He also regularly seeks continuing education to refine his techniques and stay on top of the latest developments in the field. He offers a wide collection of high-quality treatments, including checkups/cleanings, periodontal therapy, athletic mouthguards, and emergency dentistry. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your little one, visit our website or call 517-333-3160.