School bells are ringing, and that means busy mornings, packed lunches, and lots of social activity. But before things get a little too hectic, ensure your child’s smile is ready for action and protected with this back-to-school dental prep guide!
Kids Dental Checklist :
- Schedule a Check-Up: Book your appointments for cleaning and checkups for the year ahead. That way you can plan your appointments around important events like holidays and birthdays. Remember, early detection and prevention are key!
- Stock Up on Supplies: Grab new toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and floss. Consider fun character brushes or flavored pastes to make brushing more fun.
- Lunchbox Makeover: Opt for tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, fruits, and veggies. Minimise sugary treats and pack a travel toothbrush & floss for after lunch freshening.
- Hydration Hero: Pack a reusable water bottle to keep your child hydrated throughout the day. Water helps rinse away food particles and prevents cavities. Plus, it’s great to stay hydrated
- Sports Safety Talk: If your child participates in sports, discuss the importance of mouthguards to protect their teeth from injuries. Crows Nest Dentists can help construct your child a custom protective mouthguard and we even offer team colours! Ask us, if you’d like your child’s name labelled into the mouthguard in case it gets lost.
Bonus Tips:
- Make Brushing Fun: Set a timer, play upbeat music, or use brushing apps to turn teeth-cleaning into a positive experience.
Here are some useful examples:
The Wiggles Toothbrush Song: Play this fun song to get your child excited about brushing their teeth!
Brush Monster – Toothbrushing: Available for Apple & Android, this app uses the power of AR (augmented reality) to put fun filters on your child’s face.
Brush DJ: An award-winning, free toothbrush timer app that plays 2 minutes of music taken from the user’s device .You can also set reminders to brush twice a day, floss, use a mouthrinse and when next to see a dentist.
- Reward Good Habits: Create a sticker chart or offer small rewards for consistent brushing and flossing.
- Lead by Example: Brush and floss alongside your child to help emphasise the importance of oral hygiene together.
- Explain the danger of Sugary Treats: Explain how too much sugar can harm teeth and encourage moderation.
- Open Communication: Encourage your child to tell you about any toothaches or discomfort they experience.
Remember:
- Consistent brushing twice a day is crucial. Children should start learning to floss in their teens.
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks.
- Regular dental checkups ensure early detection and treatment of any issues.
By following these simple steps, you can help your child start the school year with a healthy, confident smile!
Additional Resources:
Australian Dental Association:
Have a Kids Dentistry Question?
Crow’s Nest Dentists is happy to tackle any queries related to your little one’s smile. Don’t be shy, whether it’s a common concern or a quirky question, fire away! Drop us a message, and we’ll do our best to help.
