5 Back-to-School Tips for Healthy Teeth

Aerial view of a black chalkboard surrounded by school supplies with Back to School written in the middle

It’s almost time to go back to school and we want to make sure that your child’s teeth won’t be one of the last things you think about in your preparation! So, in addition to shopping for school supplies and new clothes, put “dental checkup” on your to-do list. Here at Sullivan Family Dental, we want to make your family’s oral care as easy as possible, so we’ve compiled a list of five tips to ensure your child has healthy teeth this school year.

1. Establish a Routine

If oral care is part of a predictable routine, daily dental care will become second nature to your kiddos. During the summer, make sure that your child gets into the habit of brushing their teeth before bed and before they head off in the morning for their fun in the sun. That way, when it’s time for school in the fall, they’ll already have an A+ oral hygiene routine.

2. Pack Healthy Food & Drinks

If you send your kids to school with a packed lunch, be sensitive to what you pack for them. Try to avoid prepackaged foods and drinks with added sugar. Sugar increases the amount of enamel-dissolving acid in the mouth, so it will lead to cavities if it sits on your child’s teeth for the entire school day. Pack baby carrots with hummus, sliced celery and apples with peanut butter, cheese and whole-grain crackers, and sugar-free applesauce.

3. Pack Sugar-Free Mints & Water

If your child struggles with bad breath, send a few sugar-free mints for after lunch. Moreover, sipping on a water bottle throughout the day will not only keep them hydrated and energized but will give them the chance to wash away any leftover food debris or sugar that may be lingering in their mouth.

4. Protect Their Teeth

Kids in school love playing sports! However, sports can cause some serious damage to their teeth if left unprotected. If you will be enrolling your child in any sports, be sure to get them a custom-fitted mouthguard to keep their smile safe.

5. Come Visit Us

It’s important to bring your child to see Dr. Sullivan for biannual dental checkups. Especially if you’re a little behind schedule, contact our team at Sullivan Family Dental to book your child’s appointment before school starts! This can help prevent any dental issues from arising which may require you to take them out of school for treatment.