The back-to-school season is a flurry of activity, with you and the family shopping for new notebooks and perfectly sharpened pencils, finding the right uniforms and coolest sneakers, registering for new clubs and sports, scheduling out weekday routines, coordinating carpools, and planning lunches. Between all of this, it can feel like you can’t possibly add one more thing to your overflowing plate. But as you tackle that long to-do list, we want to encourage you to take a moment for something that will truly set your child up for success: completing our Back-to-School Dental Checklist.
When a child is free from dental pain and discomfort, they can focus better in class, participate more eagerly in activities, and feel more self-assured when making new friends. Think about it: a bright, healthy smile is often the first thing people notice. By ensuring your child’s dental health is in top shape, you empower them to walk into the classroom on the first day feeling great about themselves and ready to learn and grow.
So, sit down with your daughter or son, and go through our Back-to-School Dental Checklist together.
1. Schedule That All-Important Check-Up and Dental Cleaning
First things first, get that dental appointment on the calendar. A comprehensive dental exam and professional cleaning are foundational to your child’s oral health.
During the visit, the dentist and hygienist will do much more than just polish your child’s teeth. They will:
- Perform a Thorough Cleaning: Even the most diligent brusher and flosser can miss some spots. A professional cleaning at a pediatric dentistry office removes hardened plaque (tartar) that can’t be eliminated at home. This significantly reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Conduct a Comprehensive Examination: The dentist will carefully examine your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth to detect any potential issues early on. This includes looking for signs of tooth decay, assessing the development of their bite and jaw, and checking for any other oral health concerns.
- Take Dental X-Rays: When necessary, X-rays can reveal cavities between teeth, check on the health of the bone, and show the position of developing permanent teeth that haven’t come in yet.
- Apply Fluoride and Sealants: A professional fluoride treatment from a children’s dentistry practice strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid from sugar and plaque. Your child’s dentist might also recommend dental sealants — a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to keep food particles and bacteria out of the nooks and crannies of these teeth.
2. Gear Up With the Right Supplies
Make preparing for the school year’s dental routine fun by letting your child pick out their own supplies. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand as you work through the rest of our Back-to-School Dental Checklist:
- The Right Toothbrush: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that is the appropriate size for your child’s mouth. Let them pick one with their favorite color or character on it.
- Fluoride Toothpaste: Always use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. For children under three, use a smear the size of a grain of rice. For children over three, a pea-sized amount is perfect.
- Floss: Traditional floss is great, but if your child finds it tricky, floss picks are a fantastic, kid-friendly alternative, as they are easier to hold and maneuver.
- Mouthwash: For teens, an alcohol-free, anti-cavity fluoride mouthwash can be a great final step to their nightly routine. It helps rinse away any remaining food particles and gives their teeth an extra layer of protection.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Tucking a reusable water bottle into your kid’s backpack encourages them to drink water throughout the day. This not only keeps them hydrated but also helps rinse away food debris and sugars after lunch and snacks, protecting their teeth until they can brush at home.
3. Refresh Your Child’s Brushing Routine
Summer is the time for late nights, endless sleepovers at friends’ houses, and carefree vacations. While our routines might have been more relaxed during this time, with school on the horizon, it’s time to get back into the habit of a consistent and effective oral hygiene regimen.
Remind your children that they should be brushing for a full two minutes, twice a day. To make this more fun, use a timer, play their favorite song, or use an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer. Be sure to also encourage them to use gentle, circular motions to clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth and to brush their tongue to remove bacteria.
4. Remind Them of the Importance of Flossing
Flossing is non-negotiable! It’s the only way to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. If your child struggles with traditional floss, try using floss picks or a water flosser.
5. Protect Your Child’s Smile During Sports and Play
If your child is participating in any sports this year (whether it’s soccer, football, basketball, hockey, or even gymnastics), a mouthguard is an essential piece of equipment. This is because a properly fitted mouthguard can protect their teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw from injury. It can also prevent chipped or broken teeth, tooth loss, and nerve damage. While you can buy stock mouthguards at a sporting goods store, a custom-fitted one from a kids’ dentist will offer the best and most comfortable protection.
6. Pack a Lunchbox the Toothfairy Would Be Proud Of
What your child eats for lunches and snacks has a major impact on their dental health. Specifically, sugary and starchy foods can fuel the bacteria that cause cavities. To make sure your kid is set up for success this year, focus on packing lunches that are not only delicious but also great for their teeth.
- Power Up With Produce: Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery are fantastic choices. They have a high water content, which helps dilute sugars, and their fibrous texture naturally helps to scrub teeth as your child eats.
- Choose Calcium-Rich Foods: Calcium is essential for building strong teeth and bones. Pack items like cheese sticks, yogurt, and milk. If your child is lactose intolerant, there are many calcium-fortified alternatives like almond milk or soy yogurt.
- Lean Proteins Are Excellent: Foods like turkey, chicken, and hard-boiled eggs are great sources of phosphorus, another mineral that, along with calcium, helps protect and rebuild tooth enamel.
- Hydrate With Water: Water is the absolute best beverage for your child’s teeth. It helps rinse away food particles and neutralize harmful acids.
Let Spectrum Health Services Care for Your Child’s Dental Health
A healthy start to the school year is a team effort, and we are here to be a part of your child’s healthcare team. We can perform dental exams and cleanings to give your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile. We can also perform necessary screenings in alignment with the Pennsylvania Public School Code for children entering kindergarten and grades three and seven. To get started, simply schedule your child’s pediatric dental appointment with Spectrum Health Services in Philadelphia today!