While your children may be focused on homework and extracurricular activities, it’s important for parents to help them stay on top their oral health.
Summer break has come to an end, and school is back in full swing. While your children may be focused on homework and extracurricular activities, it’s important for parents to help them stay on top their oral health. The North Carolina Dental Society recommends a few tips for a healthy smile this school year.
“It’s critical to stay on top of your children’s oral health throughout their growing years,” said Dr. Scott Cashion a pediatric dentist in Greensboro. “Untreated dental problems can lead to painful cavities and tooth decay. Often, oral health issues can affect academic performance and result in missed days from school. Taking your child to see the dentist on a regular basis will ensure a healthy student for the new school year.”
Here three oral care tips to keep your child’s smile picture perfect this school year:
1. Brush and floss. Children can be forgetful at times. It’s important to remind them to brush their teeth twice each day, before bed and before school. Sometimes, allowing your child to choose their own toothbrush or toothpaste will encourage them to brush more. For smaller children, it’s idea good to supervise your child when they are brushing and flossing to ensure they are cleaning their teeth effectively.
2. Schedule a dentist appointment. Many children enjoy eating sweets and drinking sodas, which can be harmful to their teeth. Be sure to discuss your child’s diet with their dentist. Taking your child for routine checks ups and cleanings can help prevent cavities from forming. Professionals recommend going every six months to maintain proper oral hygiene.
3. Pack healthy snacks. Eating healthy is key to a bright smile. Try adding healthy crunchy snacks to your child’s lunchbox. Leafy greens, carrots, raw broccoli, celery, apples, and almonds contain essential vitamins beneficial for your child’s oral health. These foods will also help produce saliva which will aid in rinsing off food particles from your children’s teeth.
To learn more cavity prevention for children, diet, and regular dental visits, please visit www.mouthhealthy.org or consult a dentist in your area.
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About the North Carolina Dental Society
The North Carolina Dental Society was founded in 1856 and is one of the oldest dental societies in the country. The NCDS represents more than 3,800 member dentists in North Carolina. Headquartered in Cary, our mission is to help all members succeed. For more information about the NCDS, visit ncdental.org. The North Carolina Dental Society is a part of the American Dental Association, the nation's largest dental association, representing 161,000 dentist members.