As summer winds down and families settle back into school-year routines, it’s a great time to reset your child’s oral health habits. Between new schedules, school supplies, sports and activities, dental care can easily get pushed down the list. A few simple steps now can help your child start the school year with healthy habits and a confident smile.
1. Get Back to a Consistent Routine
Summer often means later nights and more relaxed schedules. As school approaches, start getting your child back into a consistent oral hygiene routine. Children should brush for two minutes twice a day and floss daily. Establishing those habits before the first day of school makes it easier to keep them going once the school-year schedule gets busy.
2. Make Tooth-Friendly Choices
What your child eats and drinks during the school day can have an impact on their oral health. When packing lunches and snacks, consider options such as fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese and other foods that are less likely to stick to the teeth.
Water is also the best choice for keeping children hydrated throughout the day. Encourage your child to choose water instead of sugary drinks and juices, which can contribute to tooth decay when consumed frequently.
3. Protect Smiles During Fall Sports
Fall sports are another reason to think about your child’s teeth. If your child participates in a sport where there is a risk of contact or injury, a properly fitted mouthguard can help protect the teeth, lips, cheeks and gums. A custom-fitted mouthguard can provide a more comfortable fit than a generic option and may be especially helpful for children who participate in sports regularly. Talk with your child’s dentist about the best option for their individual needs.
4. Put Dental Checkups Back on the Calendar
The start of a new school year is a good reminder to make sure your child is up to date with routine dental visits. Regular cleanings and exams allow your child’s dentist to monitor their oral health and identify potential concerns before they become bigger problems. If your child is due for a visit, scheduling it now can help make dental care part of the family’s regular fall routine, alongside school, sports and other activities.
A healthy smile starts with habits that children can carry with them every day. By getting back into a consistent routine, making thoughtful food and drink choices, protecting teeth during sports and staying current with dental visits, parents can help their children begin the school year feeling healthy, prepared and ready to learn.
Dr. Jeffrey Singer is a pediatric dentist at ABC Children’s Dentistry in Voorhees.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
