The Tribune

By Donnette Sands

Registered Dental

Hygienist

BACKPACK, pens and pencils – check. Organisers, notebooks and textbooks – check. New first-day uniforms and shoes, too. And, because you’re so on top of it, you’ve even made an appointment for your child’s annual physical.

Sounds like everything your child will need to be prepared to go back to school, right? Not so fast. There is still a very important item that could be missing from your back-to-school list: a dental check-up.

Dental professionals recommend visits every six months for most children, and the end of summer is an ideal time, because it follows a season in which kids have taken a vacation from school and good oral hygiene practices. Moreover, they indulge more in treats like sodas, juices, ice cream, and lots of candy.

Dental disease, more commonly known as tooth decay or cavities, is the most common chronic childhood disease according to research. It has been said to be five times more common than asthma, yet it often goes untreated resulting in cavities, pain and infection. The good news is that dental disease is also almost 100 per cent preventable with continued attention to your child’s oral healthcare. If tooth decay is left untreated it can impair a child’s ability to eat, speak, sleep, and possibly concentrate. Thus, it can be painful and embarrassing, also harming a child’s educational and social development.

Dental check-ups are indeed crucial for identifying these risks and preventing more serious problems of tooth decay and gum disease from developing. Your child’s dentist can also identify early signs of diseases beyond cavities, like diabetes and vitamin deficiencies.

Your child’s back-to-school checklist should include:

• Regular dental examinations and professional teeth cleanings. Your dentist/ dental hygienist may suggest fluoride treatments or dental sealants to prevent decay and help save your child from pain and lost school time. Children should start their dental visits from the age of two.

• Regular brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. When shopping on summer vacations, try heading for the dental care isle while picking up notebooks, binders and pencils. If parents buy a pack with several soft toothbrushes, they could have their child change to a new one every three months or after an illness. Make brushing fun! There are tons of kid friendly toothbrushes for the little ones! Fluoride mouth rinses are also recommended for daily use.

• Pack healthy lunches and snacks. Include healthy lunch items and snacks in your child’s lunch including raw vegetables, yogurt or fruits. Additionally, cut back on sugary foods and soft drinks. Send them off daily with a bottle of water.

• Protect their smile. Mouthguards are particularly important for student athletes who wear braces. A blow to the face can damage the brackets and other components, and the use of a mouthguard will protect their lips and cheeks from soft tissue damage caused by the braces. Talk to your child’s dentist or orthodontist about selecting a mouthguard that will provide them with the best protection.


Children deserve to start the school year with a fresh, healthy and care free smile.
Please contact your dental professional for further information on how you can improve your child’s oral health. Feel free to contact me at newprovidencedental@gmail.com for questions or tips on your child’s back to school oral care.