It's that time again! Time for the school halls to bustle with movement. Time for new books, school clothes, sports schedules, and homework. Already on the horizon are school plays, class parties, dance recitals, and field trips. With all the activity and social opportunity, back-to-school time is a prime time to discuss maintaining your child's beautiful smile. Consider these tips as you get back in the swing of your school year: |
| Sports lovers: wear mouth protection! |
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It's a common fact that most dental injuries sustained during recreational sports could be prevented by wearing mouthguards. And don't forget those non-team sports: rollerblading, skateboarding, and bike-riding can be just as dangerous to teeth as tee ball or soccer. Don't be fooled. Anytime your child's body is in motion, he or she is a candidate for injury. If you'd like a mouthguard, you can find them at your local sporting goods store - or we can custom-make a guard specially to fit your child's teeth. |
| Don't chew pencils or pens. |
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Many children with nervous energy express themselves by chewing on pencils and pens when they are confined to a desk. This bad habit can easily chip or crack a tooth, not to mention the damage that can be caused to orthodontic hardware if your child has braces. |
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Your children are what they eat, so focus on fueling their school day with high-performance food. Candy, sodas, and sugary and starchy treats won't give them the stamina to learn and perform well in the classroom or in after school activities. If you're packing lunches, opt for sides like carrot sticks instead of chips and desserts like pudding and cookies instead of hard candies. And always encourage your kids to drink water, water, water instead of sugary sodas or Kool-Aid. |
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Even with the crowded schedules of the school year, it's important not to let your child's dental visits lapse. Getting professional cleanings twice-a-year will reduce damaging tartar buildup on teeth and help spot any dental problems. And early identification can help prevent cavities and gum disease now and later in life. Most of all, we want your child to have a stellar back-to-school experience and a great year. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We are always here to help. |
