According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, more than 50 percent of children will be affected by tooth decay before age 5. In addition, a report from the Office of the Surgeon General notes that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related conditions. You can help your child stay healthy by following these oral hygiene tips and starting the school year off right!
Getting Back into the Back-to-School Routine
Establishing a daily oral hygiene routine is important especially for young ones. Making sure children brush their teeth each morning and then right before bed is key.
It’s best to stick to a routine throughout the whole year because if your child brushes and flosses at the same time each day, they’ll learn that it should become part of their routine, just like getting dressed in the morning or putting on pajamas at night.
Ways to Make Brushing More Fun for Your Child
Since many kids love special trinkets, you can take your child to the store so they can pick out their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and other supplies. Children should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste size if they’re 3 years old, or just a smear of fluoride toothpaste if they’re under 3. Your child can choose a special character toothbrush or one that lights up or plays music during brushing. No matter the toothbrush, make sure that your child brushes for two minutes at a time.
You can also give your child stickers or another small reward when they brush so they receive positive reinforcement from you each time.
Parents’ Involvement in a Child’s Dental Routine
Parents play a large role in helping a child establish good oral hygiene habits. You can teach your child about brushing and flossing by using the “tell show do method,” which is something we use at our clinics during pediatric dentistry appointments. With this method, you’ll engage your kids in learning how to brush and floss properly by giving them both visual and verbal cues. Learn more about the tell show do method.
Pack Tooth-Friendly Lunches for School
When you’re in a rush, it’s easy to pack a lunch for your child that’s full of sugary snacks and drinks. However, remember that whatever your child eats for lunch, the sugars on those foods will react with bacteria in the mouth to create an acid that sits on your child’s teeth for the rest of the day. Instead, consider packing a lunch that’s high in proteins, fibers, and dairy and include items such as meats, cheese, and fresh fruits. Learn more about diet and oral health.
Watch this short video to learn more about packing healthy lunches:
Credit – Dental Associates
