Back to School, Back to the Dentist
We are starting to see the first leaves change on our trees...and we all know what that means...it's almost back-to-school time! We want to make sure all of our young patients kick the school year off with great oral health! The number one thing Dr. Nghiem, our Pediatric Dentist, suggests is to make sure your child is up to date on their cleanings. If you are unsure, feel free to call our office and either Julie, Michelle or Lindsay will be happy to check when their last appointment was. Please call soon because our back-to-school schedule fills up quickly and we want to arrange a time that works best for you. We also want to remind you of the importance of packing healthy snacks and meals in your child's lunch bag. As you know, many schools offer sugary snacks or beverages for purchase in the school cafeteria or at vending machines and this easy access to sugar can lead to tooth decay. There is a strong link between diet and dental health. A combination of balanced nutrition and regular dental visits will help preserve your child's smile for a lifetime.
For extra credit, try these fun tips for sending them to school with a smile:
Buy new toothbrushes. While they're getting new pencils, notebooks, lunch boxes, etc why not let them pick out a new toothbrush. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
To encourage your child to brush after lunch, have them make a dental care kit for school. Fill a small zippered bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
Pack dental-friendly lunches and snacks. Fruit, nuts, string cheese and bottled water are all good choices. Avoid sticky foods like fruit snacks or raisins as they can cause cavities.
