Back to School Dental Tips from Dr. Brandon

It’s hard to believe we are already here, staring another school year right in the face. As we begin to put away our swimsuits and toobs, rip the tags off our new backpacks, and sharpen those pencils and crayons, I have a few dental tips to help you take great care of your child’s teeth in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the new school year.

1. Try to avoid packing lunches that include with drinks or snacks that are high in sugar.  Many sports drinks, energy drinks, sodas, and juices have anywhere between 5-12 teaspoons of sugar in one serving, while the daily recommended amount of sugar is 4 teaspoons.  The longer this sugar stays on your child’s teeth, the more likely they will develop tooth decay.  Most children will not have an opportunity to brush their teeth throughout the day, so limiting their sugar intake in their lunch can help decrease their chances of cavities.

2.  Look for high in protein snacks to pack in your child’s lunch.  High protein foods help to minimize hunger, and as a result your child will be less likely to want to snack all day on sugary and unhealthy foods that are found in many cafeterias and on-campus vending machines.

3. When you do want to add a sweet treat to your child’s lunch, try chocolate instead of other candies that are highly acidic and/or are more likely to stick to their teeth for long periods of time.

4. Fall means football and other contact sports are heading onto the field. 39% of dental injuries happen while playing sports. You can help your child’s odds by getting a properly fitted mouthguard before trying out for the team.

5. Always remember to brush your teeth two times each day with a fluoridated toothpaste. When your permanent teeth come in, be sure to floss, too.  There is less space between your permanent teeth, so it’s harder to get particles out of your teeth with just brushing.

6.  Come in to see me!  Regular dental appointments keep parents and children aware of their dental health, and they are less likely to develop cavities and dental related illnesses.

7. Practice smiling! Smiling raise your spirits AND makes other people happy too.