Back-to-School Dental Checklist: Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile

With busy mornings and after-school activities, it can be easy for kids to rush through or forget their brushing and flossing routine. However, sticking to a regular oral hygiene schedule is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Brushing Tips

• Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. This is the recommended guideline from the American Dental Association (ADA).
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to protect your child’s enamel and prevent cavities.
• Teach your child to brush all surfaces of their teeth, including the back, and gently brush their tongue to remove bacteria and freshen their breath.

Flossing Tips

• Help your child develop the habit of flossing once a day. Flossing is essential for removing food particles and plaque from between teeth, areas that brushing alone cannot reach.
• If your child is younger or struggles with flossing, floss picks or interdental brushes can make it easier for them to maintain the habit.

Creating a fun brushing and flossing routine, such as using a timer or playing a favorite song, can make the process more engaging and help kids stay on track.

Pack Tooth-Friendly, Nutritious Lunches

What your child eats throughout the day can have a significant impact on their dental health. Lunches filled with sugary snacks or acidic drinks can lead to cavities and weaken enamel over time. Packing a balanced, tooth-friendly lunch not only promotes overall health but also helps maintain strong teeth and gums.

Healthy Lunch Tips

• Include fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery. These foods have a high water content and natural fibers, which help scrub the teeth and stimulate saliva production, a natural defense against cavities.
• Opt for whole grains like whole-wheat bread or brown rice, which are healthier options for teeth compared to refined carbohydrates.
• Include a calcium-rich food, such as cheese, yogurt, or milk. Calcium helps strengthen enamel and maintain healthy bones.
• Avoid sugary drinks like soda or fruit juice. Instead, encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, as it helps wash away food particles and bacteria. If they prefer flavored beverages, opt for unsweetened options or milk.

By packing nutritious meals and snacks, you’re not only supporting your child’s overall well-being but also protecting their dental health.

Prepare a School-Friendly Dental Care Kit

Busy school days can sometimes mean your child may not have time to brush their teeth after lunch. While it is not always possible to brush during school hours, you can help by preparing a school-friendly dental care kit for them to keep in their backpack or locker.

What to Include in the Dental Care Kit

• Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste: If your child’s school allows it, encourage them to brush after lunch or snacks.
• Floss picks: For quick and easy cleaning between teeth when brushing isn’t an option.
• Sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can stimulate saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Make sure the gum contains xylitol, which can reduce the risk of cavities.

This kit can help your child maintain good oral hygiene habits even when they’re on the go.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining good oral health, especially for children. A back-to-school dental visit is the perfect opportunity to ensure your child’s teeth are in great shape for the school year ahead.

Why Regular Checkups Are Important

• Preventive Care: Routine checkups allow the dentist to catch early signs of cavities, gum disease, or alignment issues before they become more serious problems.
• Professional Cleanings: Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. A professional cleaning removes these deposits and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Orthodontic Monitoring: If your child is at an age where they may need braces, regular visits allow the dentist to monitor the development of their teeth and recommend treatment at the right time.

At these appointments, our dentists at Durham Kids Dentistry may also provide additional fluoride treatments or sealants to further protect your child’s teeth from decay. Scheduling dental checkups every six months ensures your child’s smile stays healthy and bright all year long.

Mouthguards for Active Kids

If your child participates in sports or physical activities at school, protecting their teeth from injury is a must. Accidents during sports can lead to chipped, broken, or even lost teeth. A custom-fitted mouthguard is one of the best ways to prevent dental injuries during sports such as soccer, basketball, or hockey.

Why Mouthguards Are Important

• They protect not only the teeth but also the gums, lips, and tongue from injury during contact sports.
• Custom mouthguards made by a dentist offer better protection and comfort compared to over-the-counter options.

Make sure your child wears their mouthguard consistently during practices and games to keep their smile safe.

Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks After School

After-school snacks are often a highlight of the day for kids, but it’s important to limit sugary options that can contribute to cavities. Sweet treats like cookies, candies, and soda may satisfy cravings, but they leave harmful sugars behind on teeth, increasing the risk of decay.

Healthier Snack Alternatives

• Fresh fruits like apple slices, oranges, or berries.
• Vegetables like carrot sticks or cucumber slices.
• Cheese or yogurt, which provide calcium to help strengthen teeth.
• Nuts or whole-grain crackers for a satisfying, crunchy option.

Encouraging healthier snack choices at home will support your child’s oral health and prevent unnecessary sugar exposure between meals.

Set Your Child Up for a Healthy Smile This School Year

With the hustle and bustle of a new school year, it is easy to let dental habits slip. However, by encouraging your child to maintain a consistent brushing and flossing routine, packing nutritious lunches, scheduling regular dental checkups, and ensuring they’re protected during sports, you’re setting them up for success in both their academics and oral health.

At Durham Kids Dentistry, we are here to support your family’s dental care needs throughout the school year. If you have not scheduled your child’s back-to-school dental checkup yet, now’s the perfect time! Contact us at (905) 579-0709 or request an appointment online to ensure your child’s smile is ready for the year ahead.