Summer is sadly coming to a close, and the start of the new school year is now right around the corner. While checking all the many back-to-school “to-do’s” off your list, don’t forget to consider something that is often disregarded: your dental hygiene. Contrary to popular belief, dental hygiene factors into the ability to learn effectively, as dental issues are one of the main causes for missed school days and the inability to focus. So, before going back to school, make these following actions get taken care of! Here are 5 things you should do to prepare your teeth for the new school year.
Set a Regular Brushing Routine
Scheduling a routine makes everything easier, especially for younger kids. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is incredibly important, so incorporate it into a regular routine. Set a schedule to brush your teeth as soon as you wake up and right before you go to bed, and really stick to that schedule. For extra clean and healthy teeth, pack a travel toothbrush in your or your kids’ backpack to use after lunch.
Get A Dental Cleaning
Start the school year off right with new pencils, pens, and, most importantly, a fresh, clean smile! Getting a dental cleaning before going back to school offers a variety of benefits, such as removing all plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and identifying any dental issues before they happen. Ensuring that you or your children visit the dentist each year before school begins not only makes for a brighter, more beautiful smile, but also establishes a consistent schedule that maintains the healthiness of your teeth. We have talked more about the benefits of a dental cleaning before school in a previous blog which you can read here.
Get Athletic Mouthguards
If you or a loved one is an athlete especially involved in contact sports like football and soccer, getting an athletic mouthguard is extremely beneficial in preventing dental injuries. Athletes who do not wear mouthguards while participating in sports are inevitably prone to dental injuries, such as a knocked out or chipped tooth, and are 60 times more likely to experience a dental injury. The only way to significantly lower this possibility is by shielding your teeth from harm with a mouthguard. For athletes especially, before going back to school, make sure to get a mouthguard.
Get Sealants
It’s pretty hard to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth while brushing and flossing. Fortunately, getting a sealant helps to ensure that even those hard-to-reach places are protected from dental issues. Sealant serves as a barrier for your teeth, guarding your enamel against plaque and tartar. It has even been shown to reduce the risk of tooth decay by 80%. This is helpful before the school year begins to ensure that you or your children’s teeth will remain thoroughly protected throughout the school year.
Plan Healthy Lunch Habits
Your teeth love when you eat healthy! Nutritious foods, like fruits and veggies, directly help in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. On the other hand, foods that are highly processed or contain lots of sugar cause bacteria to form, which can severely damage your teeth. Before going back to school, plan out what you or your child will eat for lunch, either at the school cafeteria or packed from home. Researching healthy, quick lunch ideas to pack is always helpful!
We Can Help You Prepare for Back To School!
Here at Beavers Dentistry, we would love to help you get ready for school by ensuring that your smile is bright and healthy! With over 40 years of experience, we are more than capable of helping you keep your teeth healthy and strong. Contact us today by calling 919-467-0654 or filling out our online contact form!