Summer is starting to wind down, and school is finally back in session! Back-to-school is a busy time of year for parents and children alike, but amidst the hustle and bustle of all the preparation, something to be mindful of is the possibility of your child experiencing a dental emergency upon returning to the classroom. Here are four helpful tips from your dentist to keep your child’s smile healthy and at a low-risk of experiencing a painful dental emergency this back-to-school season.
Tip #1: Replace Your Child’s Toothbrush
Frayed toothbrush bristles are more abrasive and less effective in removing plaque from your child’s teeth and around their gumline. You should stop by the dental care aisle while you’re out shopping for school supplies and pick up a soft-bristled toothbrush for your child. Ideally, you should replace their toothbrush every 3 months, or immediately after your child recovers from being sick. A good toothbrush can go a very long way towards preventing serious oral health problems from developing inside your child’s mouth!
Tip #2: Provide a Healthy Diet for Your Child
Your child’s diet can have a huge impact on their oral health which in turn can help to prevent dental emergencies! Provide a well-balanced diet for your child including plenty of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Try to have them avoid sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods, as they fuel cavity-causing oral bacteria.
Tip #3: Ensure That Your Child Practices Sports Safety
Teeth are strong, but they aren’t invincible—and sometimes a little extra protection can go a long way. Dental injuries like chipped, cracked, broken, or displaced teeth aren’t an uncommon children’s dental emergency, and they can occur quite easily during many of the sports and games that children play! Investing in a mouthguard for your child is a great way to prevent teeth- and gum-related injuries. You can also receive a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist that offers your child even more protection than the average mouthguard.
Tip #4: Schedule Regular Dental Checkups for Your Child
During your child’s dental checkups, their dentist cleans their teeth and removes buildups of plaque and hardened tartar on their teeth. This actively helps prevent oral health issues like cavities and gum disease from occurring, but also, it allows your child’s dentist to inspect their mouth and ensure there aren’t any serious underlying problems. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial towards preventing future emergency visits.
Your child’s education matters—and it can be impacted if their oral health suffers due to a dental emergency! Following these four tips can help to ensure that your child’s smile is well-protected this school year.
About the Practice
Healthy Smiles Dental Care proudly serves patients and families in the Chelsea, MI area under the leadership of five skilled specialists: Dr. Steven Rodriguez, Dr. Swapna Kakarla, Dr. Alison Tseng, Dr. Alexa Weisgerber, and Dr. Hana Gadalla. Together they combine several decades of experience to provide patients with an elite level of dental care. Their practice is pleased to offer many available services including emergency dentistry. If your child has suffered from a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call and schedule an appointment: (734) 475-8911.