For many children across the country, the school year has begun. For others, it is quickly approaching. While children are trying to enjoy every last moment of their summer vacation, parents are busy making sure that they have everything they will need for when classes start. From backpacks and pens to haircuts and clothes, some parents may be forgetting one very important thing – the importance of their child’s smile. To help your child avoid dental emergencies when he or she returns to school, here are some tips to think about.

The beginning of the school year can be an extremely busy time for both parents and students. Once it starts, you will likely have difficulty finding time for a lot of things outside of work, school, and extracurricular activities. Knowing this, most dentists encourage scheduling your child for a checkup when they head back to school or prior to heading back to school. It is a good idea to get your child in to see the dentist before their time is consumed with school activities. During a back-to-school visit, the dentist will check your child’s teeth, gums, and bite thoroughly. He or she will make sure that there are no cavities, misalignment, developing decay, or gum issues. If any issue is found, the dentist will create a treatment plan for your child so that they enter or start the school year with a healthy, happy smile.

Once your child is at school, you don’t have much control over what they might eat in a cafeteria. However, you do have the option of preparing healthy lunches and snacks in advance for them. Fruits, vegetables including leafy greens, dairy products, seeds and nuts, lean meats and hummus are some options to consider. These nutrient-rich foods will help keep your child focused and maintain their oral as well as overall health.

If your child participates in sports, getting them a custom-made mouthguard for the court, field, or track is a good decision. These types of mouthguards in particular will help to protect their teeth from serious injury as well as prevent you from calling to set up an appointment for a potential dental emergency. Mouthguards not only protect your child’s teeth, they also protect the soft tissues of the mouth such as tongue and cheeks. A mouthguard can absorb contact to the jaw, preventing a potential fracture, concussion, or neck injury. If your child participates in sports activities, a custom mouthguard is a purchase worth considering.

Make sure that when your child first wakes up and before they go to bed, they are following a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are essential activities if you wish to maintain a healthy smile. Make sure you are involved and overseeing the process until your little one is able to complete the routine on their own. If you need to, help your child reach all the areas of his or her mouth so that bacteria is eliminated between their teeth or on the tongue. Not all dental emergencies are avoidable, however, toothaches, infections, and other issues can be reduced by using proper techniques and routines.

If your child is heading back to school or just started back, we are here to help. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment 812-234-5437.