As kids go back to school, it’s important that they feel as confident and comfortable as possible. A healthy smile can definitely help boost confidence and will help kids and teens want to maintain good oral health habits their whole lives. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as the school year starts to keep up their healthy habits all year long.
One thing to keep in mind as kids go back to school is that changes in what they eat can affect their teeth. For younger children, make sure to pack healthy snacks and avoid sending sugary treats and drinks to school with them. It may be harder to tell teens to cut back on coffee drinks, sodas, refined carbohydrates, but you can encourage them to make healthy choices and to regularly brush their teeth to avoid plaque buildup and tooth decay.
In fact, tooth decay is four times more common than asthma in teens between the ages of 14 to 17. So it’s important to start healthy habits like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash at a young age so kids know the importance of taking care of your teeth right away. Those healthy habits make it easier for children as they get older to understand the importance of dental health and help them avoid dental health issues like cavities and gingivitis.
As another school year begins, make sure to schedule appointments for the whole family at Dakota Dental. The family dentists at Dakota Dental provide dental cleanings and regular checkups for your family, as well as give advice on preventative dental care to keep teeth healthy for years and years to come! Contact Dakota Dental today.