As the new school year begins here in Los Angeles, our students are beginning to work hard and get the grades they need to be successful in their future levels of education. You have probably already completed all of the school supply shopping, haircuts, and doctor appointments your child needs to start the year!
One of your goals for the school year should be that your child spends as much time in the classroom as possible! You don’t want to have to pull your student out of the classroom for any reason (unless it’s an emergency, of course).
One way you can keep your child in the classroom is to keep their smiles healthy! Let’s spend some time talking about how a healthy smile helps you keep a healthy child.
A Back to School Cleaning
You can begin by maintaining routine dental cleanings for your child. A dental cleaning every six months is needed to help your child stay ahead of plaque and bacteria. Completing this cleaning at the beginning of each school year is a great time because we can go ahead and take care of any fillings before the year begins.
If you missed coming in this fall, that’s ok! Find a day when your child is off school, and make the appointment! We are also open until 5:00 most days.
At Home Hygiene Routine
In addition to coming into the office for cleanings, you can boost your child’s at home hygiene routine. Be sure your child has a new toothbrush every three months and flossers to help them clean between their teeth. You can also be sure they have adequate time to care for their teeth despite their busy schedule.
Appropriate Snacks and Drinks
Be careful about what your child eats and drinks. Starchy chips, pretzels, and crackers create a yucky layer of food particles that your child will struggle to get rid of through brushing. Sugary drinks like soda and juice bathe your child’s teeth in harmful sugar and acid, which weakens tooth enamel.
Keep your home stocked with crunchy fruits and vegetables that will scrub your child’s teeth and nourish their body with vitamins and nutrients. Offer milk to drink with meals and water throughout the day. These beverages will keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong!
Fluoride
Fluoride is a great asset to you and your child’s smile. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally but is also put in most drinking water as an enhancement. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel making it more apt to avoid decay.
Be sure your child is getting adequate fluoride by drinking tap water and using a fluoride rinse at least once a day. Your child will also get fluoride in their toothpaste, and we can give a fluoride treatment here in our office.
Dental Sealants
One final level of protection you can provide for your child is dental sealants. This is a procedure we can complete here in the office. The sealants are a thin layer of protection between your tooth enamel and the harmful bacteria that causes decay. We can easily “paint” them on your child’s teeth at an appointment. The sealants will last for a few years and can be repaired quickly and easily.
A Healthier Smile is a Healthier Child!
By helping your child have a healthier smile, you are helping your child be healthier. The health of your child’s mouth will affect their overall health. Kids whose mouths are full of decay and infection struggle to stay healthy, so do your child a favor and help them maintain a healthy smile throughout the school year!
Contact our office today to get started. We can’t wait to see you soon!
