With back-to-school season well underway, your calendar may be filled with carpools, homework, weekend sports, and the like. Of course, you don’t want a knocked-out, decayed, or otherwise damaged tooth to prevent your child from enjoying this upcoming school year. The good news is that dental injuries are largely preventable with the right best practices in place. With this in mind, keep reading to learn five tips on how to prevent dental emergencies.
Tip #1. Keep Added Sugar to a Minimum
Does your child have a sweet tooth? Whether they love hard candy, chewy taffy, or soft ice cream, sugary treats are a recipe for cavities. That’s why it’s so important to keep their consumption of added sugar to a minimum! Offering naturally sweet alternatives (like fresh fruit) or low-sugar options are great places to start.
Tip #2. Make Sure They Brush Each Morning and Evening
Ideally, your child should brush their teeth after each meal. However, that’s not always realistic since they are at school during lunchtime. You can, however, make sure they brush each morning before class and each night before bed. Make sure it’s for a full two minutes and with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste.
Tip #3. Get Your Child a Custom Mouthguard
Does your child play sports? It’s one of the most common ways children knock-out their teeth! So, it’s important to do your part to protect their smile. The good news is that a custom mouthguard from their dentist can protect their teeth from impact, reducing their chances of experiencing a dental injury during practice or at games.
Tip #4. Discourage Unhealthy Dental Habits
Unhealthy dental habits can quickly wreak havoc on your child’s teeth and gums. A few examples are chewing on pencils, using their teeth to open packages, and not consistently flossing. If any of these habits surface, do your best to redirect them. Their smile will thank you for it!
Tip #5. Schedule Their Next Checkup and Cleaning
Dental checkups and cleanings are essential to your child’s oral health. So, if your child hasn’t attended their second appointment of the year, now is the time to schedule it! If they have, make sure their first one of 2023 is on the calendar.
Although dental emergencies are common, they are still largely preventable. To ensure your child’s smile is protected both in and out of the classroom, keep the above tips in mind!
About the Author
After obtaining his dental degree at Midwestern University, Dr. Matt Strumpf underwent pediatric specialty training at the University of Illinois Chicago. In addition to having his Master of Oral Science degree, he is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and attended the American Laser Study Club Symposium. If you have a question about how to protect your child’s smile from a dental emergency or it’s been more than six months since their last checkup, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (651) 450-6111.