Summer is in full swing, and will be over before we know it! Although it may seem early to start thinking about the start of a new school year, mid-summer is a great time to think about scheduling a trip to the dentist for your child.
Let’s look at how your kids can start the school year on the right foot with a clean bill of dental health!
WHY ORAL HEALTH MATTERS FOR KIDS' SCHOOL SUCCESS
According to the CDC, about 50% of children in the US experience cavities. Excellent home care habits can reduce your child’s risk for tooth decay, but even the best brushers can develop oral health problems.
Pain from untreated cavities can make it hard to concentrate in class, negatively impacting your child’s school performance. Tooth pain can also make it very hard to eat comfortably, which can become a serious roadblock to adequate nutrition, leading to fatigue and further problems.
Cavities, inflamed gums, and plaque buildup can also impact your child’s confidence and self-esteem. Feeling ashamed of their teeth or the appearance of their smile during this critical developmental stage can have lasting impacts on how your child interacts with the world.
Regular visits to our family dental office in Winter Park, FL are also an excellent opportunity to explore other issues that could affect your child’s wellness.
Issues with the alignment of your child’s bite and the development of their jaw can affect their airway. Drs. Bryant and Kathleen Anderson have pursued advanced training that allows them to identify potential issues and point you in the right direction to correct these problems as early as possible.
At Anderson Family Dental, we are dedicated to helping every member of your family enjoy better overall wellness, whatever it takes!
DENTAL CARE TIPS FOR CHILDREN'S TEETH
As your family gets back into the swing of things with busy school schedules, it can be challenging to get kids to brush their teeth in the morning rush. After-school activities and late-night study sessions can also make oral care a challenge in the evening.
Here are a few easy ways to be sure your kids can stay on top of brushing and flossing on busy school days:
Have your child brush first thing in the morning so they do not forget.
Pack a travel toothbrush and floss picks to use in the car as needed (even brushing without toothpaste is better than nothing).
Get your kids to brush as soon as they finish their last meal of the evening, rather than waiting until bedtime when they might be too tired.
Offer brushing in the shower as a convenient alternative if necessary.
Pack a toothbrush and any other dental care aids in your child’s lunchbox so they can tidy up at school, especially if they are in braces.
Have sugar-free gum on hand for any after-school activities where your child might need a snack or sports drink. This will help cleanse sugars from their teeth until they can get home to brush.
Remember that children should get help brushing and flossing at least until they can comfortably tie their own shoes, and sometimes even longer. While it’s important to let children practice brushing on their own, their limited dexterity means they probably won’t be able to do a good enough job without some help.
Electric toothbrushes take the guesswork out of brushing and remove plaque much more effectively. Kids as young as 3 can benefit from an electric toothbrush.
Water flossers are also an excellent alternative that is much more comfortable than traditional floss for many kids. While old-fashioned floss is still the gold standard, water flossers are a must-have for any kid with braces, which can make flossing too much of a challenge.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR CHILD'S DENTAL CLEANING IN WINTER PARK, FL
Regular visits to a family dentist are an essential part of maintaining good oral health for kids. But what happens at a pediatric dental cleaning?
First and foremost, twice-yearly dental check-ups give us a chance to monitor how your child’s teeth are developing and intervene when needed to prevent more serious issues later.
For example, identifying and treating cavities as early as possible can prevent pain, and stop decay from growing or spreading.
We’ll thoroughly remove any plaque and tartar that has built up on your child’s teeth and give you pointers on how to improve home care and keep plaque under control more effectively.
Most importantly, we’ll help your child build positive experiences at the dental office, which will set them up for a lifetime of great oral health and help them feel comfortable at the dentist later in life.
Call us to schedule your child’s next dental check-up to get them ready for a great back-to-school season!
Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD
Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE