Now that the kids have started back to school, families are figuring out how to best navigate their new morning and evening routines. Class projects, meal times that work around after-school practices, wake up times required to get out the door in the morning, and bed times that don’t rush oral care. Here’s the bare minimum of what your children should be doing to minimize dental issues throughout the school year:  

Brush Morning and Evening (for a full two minutes!)

Make sure everyone is brushing their teeth for a minimum of two minutes before leaving for school for the day and again before they go to bed. If you can squeeze in another brushing event when they return home from school you earn bonus points! 

Clean Between, Every Day

Find time to floss. Whether it’s right before bed or with disposable floss picks or regular floss wrapped around a couple fingers, make sure your kids are cleaning between all of their teeth where the toothbrush doesn’t reach. Without daily flossing, “flossing” cavities from debris left between the teeth and gingivitis are typically inevitable.  

Drink Plenty of Water

Fluoridated tap water is healthy and a natural cleanser for teeth. Between meals, it should be your child’s go-to source for hydration. Sports drinks and juice are loaded with sugars, so try to stick with water whenever possible or use water after consuming sugary beverages to dilute the dangerous acids and sugars. 

Mouthguards are a Must for Contact Sports

If your child is involved in any type of recreational sport, be it wrestling, football, soccer, or something else where bodies bump into one another, have them wear a mouthguard. The right mouthguard will help prevent lip lacerations, knocked-out and chipped teeth, and concussions.   

Schedule a Checkup

Did you know that dental issues are one of the most common reasons for missed school days? In fact, childhood cavities are the #1 medical malady in children.  With proper oral hygiene, fluoridated water and regular exams and cleanings, your child can have a lower risk of dental emergencies and toothaches. We can help prevent them or intercept them earlier while they’re smaller and easier to treat.  

Call Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan today to reserve your child’s next appointment. Kids of all ages are welcome!