It’s hard to believe that the little ones will be heading back to school in a few weeks! It’s an exciting time to get them ready for the new school year ahead.

There are a lot of ways to ensure that your little ones are set up for success with regard to their oral health.

Everybody needs a little refresher now and then. So, here are our top five tips on how to maintain happy and healthy smiles during the busy back to school season.

Make a Routine

Back to school season means that your little ones will be on-the-go. A busy schedule might mean that everyday activities (like brushing your teeth!) can fall by the wayside. Make brushing and oral care a daily habit by making it a staple in your morning and evening routine.

Pack Healthy Lunches

Diet is a big part of establishing healthy oral care (especially for little ones, who are still growing!). Swapping out sugary snacks for healthier alternatives will ensure healthy smiles. Grains, milk, cheese, raw veggies, fruits, and yoghurt are the types of food we like to include in our school lunch box! If your child’s school has a cafeteria, it may be worthwhile to review healthy and balanced food choices with your little one.

Encourage Healthy Brushing Habits

With so many things on-the-go, it can be easy to rush through brushing, even if you establish this as a daily routine. Encourage your child to slow down and make time to brush and floss. It’s important to teach proper brushing techniques, ensuring that the mouth and teeth are getting the TLC that they need.

(BONUS TIP: Dr. Zina includes a handy one-on-one on proper brushing techniques during each visit!).

Consider a Mouth guard

This is particularly important if your child is taking up contact sports this year! It might be worthwhile to consider having a custom-fitted mouth guard made, to protect their growing and developing teeth.

Schedule annual check-ups

Regular dental examinations with your pediatric dentist will ensure that your little one’s teeth and gums are on the right track. Regular dental check-ups can show dental issues that are often overlooked, even with regular brushing.

Check-ups will set you and your little one up for success when it comes to their oral care. If your child is due for their regular check-up, don’t hesitate to drop us a line to make an appointment!

Going back to school is chaotic. There are a lot of things that need attention to prepare for the new days ahead. But a bit of planning goes a long way! Before you know it, you and your little one will be smiling throughout the entire school year.