Keeping Your Child’s Oral Health A Priority 

For parents, back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of the year. Organizing school schedules, purchasing school supplies, and all of the other tasks that come with the start of the school year contribute to a stressful end to the summer. Despite all of these distractions, it’s important to continue to make your child’s oral health a priority. 

Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in children and adults, even though it is largely preventable, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. One of the ways to ensure your child or teen is staying on top of their dental health is to schedule a hygiene appointment. At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, routine visits to our office will include an exam by one of our doctors, check-up x-rays if applicable, and a gentle but thorough cleaning by a trusted hygienist. Our Harleysville and Souderton dental offices offer convenient early morning and evening hours to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules.

In addition to visiting our office, your child needs to maintain proper home care. Regular brushing and flossing help to remove plaque that builds up on the enamel and between the teeth, and daily rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash works to remove bacteria from within the mouth. If your child is in braces, it is important that they brush properly around the brackets since bacteria can form around them causing irritation and puffy gums. Bringing a toothbrush into school is a good way for your child to remove any food debris after lunch.

A healthy diet before, during, and after school is also a vital part of your child’s oral health. The American Dental Association encourages fiber-rich foods because of their ability to help clean the gums and stimulate saliva production. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are a great choice to include in your child’s lunch box. Foods rich in calcium and phosphate, including dairy products, help to rebuild the enamel in the teeth and are great alternatives to unhealthy snacks. 

At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, we are committed to helping our patients and their families achieve a healthy mouth. We encourage you to continue practicing appropriate homecare with your child and follow some of the recommendations outlined above. You can learn more about our practice and services, including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, available at our Souderton and Harleysville offices by browsing our website or contact us at 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.