Another exciting school year is upon us, and most parents and children are gearing up for an exciting school year. They’re excitedly buying supplies, clothing, and shoes to make that all-important first-day impression on all their friends, choosing classes, and comparing notes with the who’s who crowd at school. While making an impression going back to school is important for any kid, make sure you also consider their oral health before they return to the classroom. A yellow smile, crooked teeth, or other oral health issues may negatively impact your child’s back-to-school regimen.
The start of a new school year is a very busy, hectic time for almost all parents across Colorado Springs. It’s easy to forget that it’s time for your child to visit the dentist or not realize exactly how important the visits are for your child’s best oral health needs. But, your child’s smile is important. Once it’s gone, they won’t get a second chance with good oral health.
Children miss between 58 – 80 hours of school each year due to dental-related concerns. For most kids, it’s a toothache to blame for the excruciating pain that takes them out of the classroom and into a dentist’s chair. One out of every 100 students between the ages of 5 – 17 have experienced this severe type of dental pain, according to the Journal of Public Health.
Good oral health has many benefits that parents often don’t correlate with one another. For example, children with better oral health usually score higher grades than students who do not brush and floss their teeth each day. Since students with good oral hygiene suffer from less mouth pain, they can better focus on the material the teacher is teaching, having the ability to learn.
The six tips below are useful in protecting your child’s oral health. Use this information to improve your child’s oral health and considerably reduce risks and worries.
Tip One: Annual Checkup
Although the American Dental Association (ADA) suggest parents take their kids to the dentist two times each year, in situations where this isn’t possible, aim to make it in for at least one of those visits. A dental exam spots any oral health issues before they majorly impact the child’s teeth, smile, and oral health. Cavities and tooth discoloration are two common concerns for children that the dentist corrects during this checkup.
Tip Two: Teach your Child How to Brush & Floss
Help your child brush and floss their teeth until they reach the age of 7. By this time, children should be capable of brushing their own teeth. Make sure you show them how to brush their teeth and floss properly. It’s also beneficial to add a mouthwash/rinse to the daily oral hygiene routine.
Tip Three: Limit Candy & Sweets
Kids love candy and sweets so well that just about anything will do. Let kids have their way, and they’d probably consume far more sweets than currently allowed. Make sure you are a parent who limits candy and sweets intake. Your kid’s oral health and smile are affected by candy and sweets. Don’t be surprised if toothaches, cavities, and other oral concerns occur if your little one consumes a lot of candy.
Tip Four: Consider Special Dental Services
Dentists recommend fluoride treatments for many kids, but, they aren’t required. Even still, a fluoride treatment may add a layer of protection to the teeth that benefit your child’s smile and oral health. Sealants are also helpful for some kids. Your child’s dentist may recommend using sealants to protect their teeth and smile. Consider using the special dental services and products available to keep your child’s teeth at their best.
Tip Five: Check your Child’s Teeth
Check your child’s mouth periodically, looking for signs of cavities, discoloration, stains, and plaque buildup. If you notice these effects on the child’s teeth, or if the child complains of tooth or mouth pain, schedule an appointment with the dentist for a checkup and other treatment as necessary.
Tip Six: Respond to Dental Emergencies in a Timely Manner
Its hopeful a dental emergency never occurs, but know how to respond in the event you are face-to-face with this problem. Dental emergencies include teeth knocked out of the mouth and toothaches that won’t subside, although many other issues may be deemed an emergency. Don’t delay getting help from an emergency dentist to reduce risks to your oral health.