As kids and teens head back to the classroom, we know parents have a lot on their plates. The team at San Diego Smile Pros is here to help! We’re sharing some practical back-to-school tips to ensure your family’s oral health doesn’t get overlooked in the flurry of activity.
Here are seven ways to start the school year with confident, healthy smiles.
1. Schedule a Kids Dental Exam and Cleaning
If your child didn’t have a dental exam and cleaning over the summer and they’re due for one, book it as soon as you can. This way, your pediatric dentist can catch small problems before they become bigger ones later in the year.
Additionally, a professional cleaning and fluoride treatment will help to prevent cavities and leave your child with a brighter smile in time for picture day. Our pediatric dentist in San Diego, Dr. Kristy Hayes, makes these appointments engaging, fun and educational.
2. Book an Orthodontic Consultation Early
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. If your child is 7-years-old or showing signs of orthodontic problems, it’s the perfect time to schedule a complementary growth and development check-up with Dr. Matthew Durschlag.
If Dr. Durschlag doesn’t spot an emerging issue, your child will simply come in for occasional check-ups until the time is right to start orthodontic treatment. They’ll also gain membership into our super fun Smile Pros’ Kids Club.
If certain red flags are identified, however, Dr. Durschlag may recommend early orthodontic treatment while your child still has some baby teeth. Your child will wear a phase 1 appliance to guide jaw growth and make room for the permanent teeth to erupt. This approach can minimize future treatment needs and help kids avoid jaw surgery or extractions.
Addressing issues early on can also prevent disruptions to your kiddo’s school schedule and put them on the path to their most confident smile.
3. Create a Back-to-School Oral Hygiene Routine
A consistent routine can make getting into the swing of the school year much smoother. Be sure to incorporate brushing and flossing into the schedule to keep kids’ teeth and gums healthy.
Kids should brush their teeth for two full minutes in the morning and before bed using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. They should also floss once daily. Children and teens with braces or Invisalign® will also need to brush their teeth after meals and snacks.
4. Meal Prep for Smile- or Braces-Friendly Lunches
Prepping healthy school lunches in advance can be a huge time saver. Prefer a little variety? Try having items from each food group ready to go so you or your child can mix and match to put a lunch together quickly.
Lean protein, yogurt, cheese, fresh, firm fruits, crunchy vegetables, nuts and whole grains promote oral health and don’t increase your child’s risk of tooth decay as opposed to notorious cavity-causers like soda, candy and crackers
Keep in mind there are foods to avoid with braces, including anything really hard, crunchy or sticky. If your child is wearing braces, steer clear of whole, raw apples and carrots, popcorn, nuts, most chips and sticky candy. Instead, encourage them to eat foods that are softer and easy to chew, such as string cheese, soft meats off the bone, beans, pasta, soft fruits (bananas, oranges, thinly sliced apples) and soft vegetables.
5. Pack an Invisalign or Braces Kit for School
Preparing a small Invisalign or braces kit for school will make your child’s day easier. In a toiletry bag or cosmetic case include essentials like:
- A travel-sized toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Orthodontic relief wax
- A small mirror
- Orthodontic flossers or interdental brushes
- Extra rubber bands, if they’re wearing them
- An Invisalign case
Having these items on-hand will allow your child to brush their teeth after lunch and snacks, as well as handle any minor problems that could crop up during the day.
6. Stay Connected with Your Child’s Dentist or Orthodontist Virtually
As a high-tech pediatric dentist and orthodontist in San Diego, we embrace digital tools to make caring for smiles more convenient and efficient. In fact, we offer virtual consultations, check-ins and monitoring, which can be especially helpful for busy families, those in the military and young adults who are away at college. We can keep tabs on your child’s smile so they’re treatment and oral health stay on track from anywhere.
7. Don’t Forget About Yourself!
After putting in all of the work to prepare your kids for another school year, don’t forget to take time to care for yourself too. Schedule your own dental exam and cleaning. Want to perfect your smile? Book an orthodontic consultation. At San Diego Smile Pros, we provide orthodontic treatment for adults too. Dr. Durschlag offers discreet, modern appliances that can help you get a beautiful smile more quickly, comfortably and aesthetically.
Here’s to a Successful School Year!
At San Diego Smile Pros, our team is here to support your family’s oral health every step of the way. Whether you’re booking a dental exam for kids or scheduling a free orthodontic consultation, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality care in a friendly, comfortable environment.
Book an appointment today to make this school year the best one yet – starting with a healthy smile!
