Getting Picture-ready!

 
For most parents and even some kids, the start of a new school year can be exciting and a little bit stressful at the same time – especially this year with school meaning different things for everyone; going back to the classroom, completely virtual or a hybrid of both with part-time in-class and part-time online. Whatever the case may be, back to school season is a time for parents to relish in their excitement that the school year is about to begin, especially since late in the summer break can be so challenging keeping children occupied and entertained.

While you might be out there checking off school supply lists and making multiple trips to the mall for back-to-school shopping, let’s not forget planning the first day of school picture! While we can’t help too much with all the shopping, here are some helpful hints and recommendations to get that adorable smile camera-ready, as well as to help maintain that smile all throughout the year.

IS IT TIME FOR A NEW TOOTHBRUSH?
In the midst of purchasing new shoes, clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc., it may be time to purchase a new toothbrush for your child. The American Dental Association recommends that toothbrushes should be changed approximately every 3 months, (unless you are sick and it needs to be tossed out right away). If it is time to change toothbrushes, don’t forget to stop by the oral hygiene aisle when you are out school shopping.

REMEMBER, BRUSH (AT LEAST) TWICE A DAY FOR TWO MINUTES
Now that the school year is upon us, families will be getting back into their regimented schedules. Sometimes during the summer break months, schedules can become lax or not enforced. It’s good to get back in the habit of having your children brush (or helping them) at least twice a day for two minutes. And don’t forget to have their teeth flossed once a day (preferably before bed). If you want to go even further, having your child brush their teeth immediately after they arrive at home after school would be a plus in addition to brushing in the morning and before bedtime.

KNOW YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL-YEAR CALENDAR
It is helpful to have access to your child’s school-year calendar especially when it comes to scheduling future dental visits. School absences have become a touchy and complicated topic over the years causing parents to be hesitant to schedule appointments during school days. At the same time, if your child needs to be seen by a dentist, especially if they need to have decayed teeth treated, putting off the appointments due to fear of missing school is not recommended. If that is your situation, attempting to schedule dental visits on days when schools are closed, or there is an early release would be a good idea. Thus, having your child’s school year calendar accessible when on the phone or in-person would be helpful.

PACKING LUNCH AND SNACKS
Along with purchasing new school supplies, getting ready to be inundated with homework assignments, preparing lunch and snacks can place a lot of pressure on parents. It’s important to provide a healthy, balanced diet for your kiddos. Making sure that they have their sources of protein, fruits, vegetables and grains is a must. It’s also best to pack bottles of water and try to avoid juice boxes or other sugar-sweetened beverages as well as snacks that are very “sticky and tacky” in nature (i.e. fruit snacks). Snacks and food that are high in refined carbohydrates should be minimally consumed. If your child happens to eat purchased school lunches, take the time to sit down with them and discuss making healthy food choices. If you have tweens or teenagers that have access to vending machines in their schools, discuss with them about selecting healthy items.

TRAUMA PREVENTION
It can be very scary and nerve-wracking to get that phone call from your child’s school that “there has been an accident”.  With the dawning of a new school year, the opportunities for accidents to occur rises. From playground accidents to accidents on the playing field or court, Dr. Dunne is available to help manage any type of oral traumatic injuries that your child may sustain. Please do not hesitate to contact us if your child suffers trauma to their oral structures. Check out this page for information regarding what to do in the event of certain traumatic injuries. If your child participates in organized sports, especially those sports that are considered to be “contact sports” (i.e., football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball) or any sport where an object (ball, bat, etc.) or a person could damage the oral cavity, then a sports mouthguard is strongly recommended. For young children, you can find plastic mouth guards (that you boil or heat up in a microwave) in sporting goods stores. As children get older and have all their permanent teeth (mouth is not going to change much), then having a custom sports mouthguard is suggested.

Here at A Child’s Best Smile, as your dental home, we are here to assist with all of your child’s oral health care needs. It is our goal to partner with you in making sure your child has a healthy and beautiful smile and is “picture ready” for this upcoming school year! Here’s to an awesome school year!