It’s that time when parents are having to transition back into the daily routine of getting their kids up and ready for school, making them lunches and helping them with homework. Transitioning to the back-to-school routine can be a little bit difficult after a long summer break where kids got used to waking up later, watching TV and eating unhealthy snacks. While it is always nice to get a break from school, there are ways to make the back to school transition easier and to get those healthy smiles ready for class.
Back To School Routines and Healthy Smiles
Back-To-School Check Up
Over summer break, kids tend to be let off with a little more candy eating and late night TV watching than usual. This often results in kids not looking after their oral health as they will try and get away with not brushing and flossing. These poor habits increase the chances of any unwanted plaque building up in and around their teeth.
This is why it is a good idea to take your kids to the dentist for a dental check-up and perhaps even a good dental cleaning by a dental professional. If there has been any damage to the teeth or a build-up of plaque, the dentist is able to tackle the issue before the children go back to school. Regular dental health check-ups also help prevent any further damage that can occur over time if left untreated, saving parents time and money.
The Hardest Part, the Morning!
The morning school routine is one we tend not to miss during the school holidays, including summer break. That’s because no one is having to wake up early and rush to get ready, eat breakfast and make the school bus on time.
When we rush, we tend to not do things properly. One of the most important things you should never rush is brushing your teeth. To ease into a morning routine, it is best to start getting everyone used to waking up before school starts. When it comes time to head back to school, then there should be little to no rushing. Waking up earlier before having to go back to school will also ensure that the kids are up in time to give their teeth a proper brush.
Snacks for School
Over the summer, kids love to eat lots of sugar. Sugar, however, as we all know is not any good for the health of our teeth. That is why it is important to stock the cupboards with healthy snacks that have little to no sugar. This will help you and your kids avoid any damage to the gums and teeth.
Did you know that carrots are a healthy snack and help remove any plaque build-up? There are plenty of healthy snack options that are not just good for the health of the child but also help keep the kid’s oral health in check. This goes for drinks as well. Kids should avoid sugary drinks as it can also cause damage to the teeth and gums over time.
Stay Stocked Up On Dental Care Products
Of course, to have good dental hygiene you have got to use the right tools. Make sure your kids have a new toothbrush if need be and make sure that everyone has one or two tubes of toothpaste. If they have a new toothbrush and toothpaste, there is no excuse for anyone to not be brushing their teeth.
Floss is also something that everyone should have, but is often forgotten about. Floss plays a big part in reducing the build-up of any plaque in the teeth and keeping the gums healthy.
Lastly, mouthwash is also good to have on hand. Mouthwash helps get to clean the back of the mouth, where the toothbrush and floss can’t reach, ensuring a full oral cleanse.
Teach the Kids the Importance of Looking After Their Teeth
The best preventative measure to any dental issues is teaching kids at a young age how and why it is important to have good oral hygiene. Teaching oral hygiene to young kids will also make parent’s lives easier, as they will not need to constantly remind their children to care for their teeth. If kids can understand at an early age why oral hygiene is important, it will be easier for them to pick up a good dental care routine.
All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, NE
At All Smiles Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide high-quality care to all our patients both young and old thanks to our compassionate and experienced dental team. We offer a clean and comfortable clinic to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Contact All Smiles Family Dentist.