As August rolls around and summer winds down, families everywhere begin preparing for the back-to-school season. While new backpacks, lunch boxes and school supplies typically top the list, this is the time to proactively include dental health as part of your child’s back-to-school checklist. After all, a confident, healthy smile is just as essential as a good night’s sleep or a nutritious breakfast for success in the classroom.
Here are our top dental tips to help parents ease kids back into their new school routine with confidence and smile-healthy habits.
1. Schedule a Back-to-School Dental Checkup
A dental checkup before school starts ensures your child begins the year cavity-free and with a fresh, clean smile just in time for those classic school photos. The good news is, routine exams help catch small issues before they become bigger (and more costly) problems. For children involved in sports, this is also the perfect time to ask about custom mouthguards to protect their developing teeth.
2. Establish a Morning and Nighttime Brushing Routine
Summer often brings a relaxed oral hygiene schedule, but as school resumes, it is important to re-establish regular brushing and flossing habits. Encourage your child to brush twice a day for two full minutes and floss once daily. Try setting a timer or playing a fun two-minute song to keep younger children engaged.
Consider making brushing a family activity to set a great example. Children are more likely to follow good habits when they see their parents practicing them too.
3. Pack Tooth-Friendly Lunches and Snacks
What your child eats affects their oral health. Avoid packing sugary snacks, sticky candies or acidic juices that can erode precious enamel. Instead, opt for tooth-friendly choices like:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots and celery help clean teeth!)
- Low-fat cheese and yogurt
- Whole-grain crackers and sandwiches
- Plain water or calcium-rich milk instead of sugary drinks
Encourage your child to drink water after meals to help rinse away food particles and reduce plaque buildup during the school day.
4. Remember the Importance of Fluoride
Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevents tooth decay. Make sure your child is using fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). If your area’s water is not fluoridated or your child is at a higher risk for cavities, ask our dentist about fluoride treatments or supplements during your back-to-school visit.
5. Monitor for Signs of Dental Issues
Back-to-school season is also a time when children may complain of tooth sensitivity or discomfort that went unnoticed over the summer. Pay attention to signs like bad breath, difficulty chewing or complaints of tooth pain. These may indicate cavities, gum irritation or other oral health problems that should be addressed right away.
6. Prepare for Dental Emergencies
Accidents can happen, especially on the playground or during after-school sports. Make sure your child knows what to do in case of a dental emergency. Keep your dentist’s phone number saved in your child’s school contact list and with the school nurse, if possible. If your child wears braces or other appliances, carry a small dental emergency kit with wax, orthodontic tools and pain relief essentials. It is also a good idea to keep an at-home dental first aid kit handy.
Start the School Year with a Smile
Getting back into the school routine is the perfect opportunity to reinforce healthy dental habits for your whole family. With a little planning, you can ensure your child’s smile is ready to shine all year long. Need to schedule a checkup before the first day of school? Contact our office today at one of our locations nearest you in Romeoville, Naperville, and Montgomery, Illinois. Our dedicated dentists are here to help your family start the school year with healthy, confident smiles!