The last thing you want is for your child to have some sort of emergency happen when you can’t be with them at school. From sharing medical history and allergies with the front office to packing Band-Aids in their backpacks, their safety is your priority. However, there is a type of emergency many parents don’t think to prepare for: a dental one! Here are 4 safety tips you can use to prevent a dental emergency and protect your child’s smile this back-to-school season.
#1: Schedule a Back-to-School Dental Checkup and Cleaning
If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, they’re due for an appointment as soon as possible. Their dentist will be able to detect and treat any developing oral health issues before they become anything serious. Dental checkups and cleanings can catch cavities, monitor your child’s growing smile, and remove stubborn plaque, all of which will prevent dental emergencies down the road and help them start the semester off on the right foot.
#2: Reinforce Good Hygiene and Dental Habits
Summer vacation may have made your child more lax with their oral hygiene routine. What’s important is that you get them back into practicing good dental habits. Make sure they are brushing for a full two minutes each morning and night and flossing daily.
If you’re out and about back-to-school shopping, you might as well replace their toothbrush! Letting them choose what color or character are on it can make something as simple as brushing their teeth exciting.
#3: Make Sure Your Child Has a Mouthguard
If your child plays sports, they should wear a mouthguard during all their games and practices. This is especially necessary if they participate in a contact sport. Their dentist can provide them with a custom mouthguard that can cushion any blows that might cause mouth injuries.
#4: Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
You can’t really watch over what your child eats at school. However, packing a smile-friendly lunch and teaching your child about how certain sugary treats can impact their oral health go a long way. Encourage them to drink water, avoid hard foods, and eat sugary foods in moderation.
Don’t let a dental emergency get in the way of your child’s school experience! Follow the above tips to keep them smiling all year long.
About the Practice
South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine has been providing high-quality dental care to the greater Marlton area for over 30 years. To foster healthy growing smiles and set them up for life, Dr. Joseph A. Sandberg and Dr. Vidya Kini Kukkundur provide dental checkups, teeth cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatment, tooth-colored fillings, and athletic mouthguards. If you want to have your child in for a checkup before the school year, contact the team through their website or by phone at (856) 596-4333.