Is Your Family Ready for the Back-to-School Oral Hygiene Routine?
The Whirlwind of Back-To-School
It’s no secret that the back-to-school season arrives in a whirlwind. There are clothes to buy, supplies to get in order, classes and activities to schedule, and so much more. Everything is new and exciting, and all else seems to get lost in the shuffle. The closer the back-to-school date gets, the more chaotic day-to-day life seems to become. Though life might be getting a little crazy, it’s important to keep up with a good oral hygiene routine. It should always be a part of the daily routine—especially during the school year.
Don’t skip the morning brush.
We get it, you’re rushing from one side of the house to the other faster than an over-caffeinated chihuahua. Those mornings can be crazy, and things slip through the cracks. When it comes to brushing those teeth, that habit is just as important as breakfast.
Every morning, after your little ones finish eating that breakfast, be sure they freshen their breath with a good toothbrushing session. Not only will this ensure they have fresher breath to see them through the school day, but it will also help keep those cavities at bay. With a busy schedule, one of the last things you want to do is rearrange everything to deal with cavities!
Make toothbrushing part of the routine.
When school is back in session, it’s all about getting used to the new routine. While crafting the daily schedule, be sure to include brushing and flossing in the mix. Forgetting to brush their teeth is a one-way ticket to tooth decay. With a crazy schedule, it can be difficult to remember everything that needs to be done. Don’t be afraid to set reminders for anything that slips your mind—including the toothbrush.
For your littler kids, look into making a toothbrushing chart. You can have them decorate it and even pick their favorite stickers to put on it each time they brush their teeth. Trust us—once the stickers are out, those kids are sure to remember, even when we adults forget.
Pack smart for school lunches.
Sure, we’d love it if our children would brush their teeth after eating their lunch, but that doesn’t always happen. Packing smart school lunches can help support healthy teeth while they don’t have their toothbrush on hand.
When packing a lunch, try to avoid sugary snacks. True, they can easily grab something from the pantry and shove it into their bag. Moderation is key in the long run! Instead, try to include various fruits and veggies. Their teeth and overall health will thank you!
For a drink, don’t forget to throw in some water. When you drink water, it helps rinse away hidden food particles. This helps buy some time between tooth-brushing sessions.
What about after lunch when your kiddo decides they are somehow still hungry? If it’s age-appropriate, why not include some sugar-free gum? Not only is this a tasty option, but it helps get rid of some of the cavity-causing bacteria that might be hanging around on their teeth.
Schedule that back-to-school dental visit.
Before the daily schedule gets too crammed, be sure to get that back-to-school dental visit on your calendar. Many people like to schedule their bi-annual cleanings around the school year, so it is easier to keep track of when they are due next.
Staying on track with those cleanings is a great way to keep those teeth as clean as possible. It’s much easier to stay on track with their oral health when any problems are caught early. The sooner they are caught, the easier they are to repair, and you can even avoid problems altogether. Not only does a bi-annual appointment make dental visits easier to deal with, but it helps curb dental anxiety.
Make oral care fun.
What are you supposed to do if the oral hygiene routine feels almost like you’re trying to pull teeth? Kids tend to go through phases where they just don’t want to do any of it. Stay strong—this too shall pass.
One thing that helps is letting kids choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste. It might sound simple, but having a new, shiny toothbrush can make a world of difference. Especially if it has their favorite character on it!
To make the process more interesting, you can get toothbrushes that sing for two minutes to help pass the time. Or, you can download some fun apps such as the Disney Magic Timer.
It’s time for new beginnings.
The back-to-school season comes with its own breed of chaos. There are new beginnings everywhere—a new grade, new clothes, new schedules, new everything. This is a good time to reset those routines before they get out of hand. While you do this, be sure to keep those healthy habits like brushing their teeth in check!
Start the school year strong with good dental habits, both at home and at school. And, of course, don’t forget to schedule an appointment for a regular cleaning!
