Back to School Tips for Your Oral Health

Back to school. These three little words mean a little something different for everyone these days. Whether your child will be learning in a traditional classroom or virtually, it is important to keep up with their oral health by scheduling regular visits to the dentist. A fresh start to the school year begins with a check-up and cleaning to catch any potential problems. At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, we are working to make sure that our patients stay as up-to-date as possible on their routine appointments.

Tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease are very common in children and can lead to bigger issues if left untreated. Poor oral health can also affect a child’s abilities in school. Given the circumstances of COVID-19 and our mandated closures this year, it may be difficult to schedule those hygiene appointments, so here are a few things that our children’s dentists at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart in Harleysville and Souderton recommend to keep your child healthy while at home and in school.

REDUCE DRINKS HIGH IN SUGAR

Sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay. Drinking soda or sports drinks leaves sugar and bacteria on the teeth. A great alternative to the sugary beverages is water — it strengthens the teeth and helps to remove food debris.

REGULAR BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

This may seem like a simple task, but if not done correctly, bacteria can remain on the teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, at least twice a day for two minutes, can help to remove plaque that forms and coats the teeth and gum line. Moreover, flossing every day helps remove the plaque between your teeth. Be sure to get small flossers specifically for little hands to allow the child to floss their own teeth after giving proper instruction. If you have trouble getting your kids to brush and floss, an electric toothbrush is a great idea to help your child clean their own teeth with minimal effort allowing the brush to do most of the work. You could also look for fun flavors for toothpaste and fluoride to make it more enjoyable. And, lastly, brush together!  Make brushing your teeth look fun by showing them the proper way to brush their teeth while having fun together.

HEALTHY SCHOOL LUNCH

Whether your child is learning at home or in school this year, keep an eye on what they are eating and make sure they are eating foods that are not only good nutritionally but for their oral health as well. Cheese, milk, and yogurt are especially beneficial because the calcium helps to keep the teeth healthy and strong.

MOUTH PROTECTION FOR ATHLETES

If your child is involved in sports, remember it is important to protect their smile from injury. Mouth guards are added protection we recommend for any athletes. Our dentists at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates can make custom mouth guards for your child.

Hopefully, with these tips, you will be able to monitor your child’s oral health needs until we are able to see you in the office. We encourage you to continue practicing appropriate homecare with your child and follow the recommendations listed above. We look forward to being able to see you again and appreciate your patience with us during this time.

At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates in Souderton and Harleysville, we are committed to helping our patients and their families achieve a healthy mouth. You can learn more about our team and our services, including orthodontics, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry available at our offices in Souderton and Harleysville by browsing our website. If you have a true dental emergency, you can contact one of our offices at 215-486-1649 or 215-486-1652.