Get an A+ in oral hygiene this year.
The beginning of a new school year can get crazy in the hustle and bustle of back to school days, healthy mouth habits can fall by the wayside. It’s easy to forget to brush your teeth in the morning.
But, what you may not realize is that poor oral hygiene habits can have a major impact on children’s school performance and happiness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 19% of kid’s age 3 to 12 have undiagnosed tooth decay. Untreated tooth issues can cause a great deal of unnecessary pain, distracting kids from school work and even resulting in missed classes. Here are some helpful tips to get an A+ in oral hygiene this year.
1. Brush at Least Three Times a Day
Ideally, kids should brush their teeth 2-3 times per day – morning, night and another convenient time in the middle of the day
2. Create a Dental Kit
If your child is allowed to brush or floss their teeth at school, consider packing a dental kit. All you need is a Ziploc bag, toothbrush, mini toothpaste, and some dental floss. Even better, put the kit in their lunchbox so it’s an easy reminder after lunch to brush and floss.
3. Pack a Healthy Lunch and Snacks
School lunches are often full of processed and high sugar foods. A packed lunch allows you to include more healthy options that are good for your kid’s teeth, as well as their overall well-being.
4. Bring on the H20
Consuming fluoridated water can help prevent up to 40% of tooth decay. Most public water supplies have added fluoride – water fountains, tap water, etc. If you prefer bottled water, check the label for its fluoride content. Drinking water with fluoride is the easiest and most effective way to fight tooth decay because of its ability to wash away sugars and food particles from your teeth.
Don’t forget while you’re purchasing new school supplies like pencils, lunch boxes, and notebooks, why not pick out a new toothbrush? The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Let your child pick out a toothbrush that matches their unique personality, and they will be much more likely to brush on a regular basis.
Good habits start with education we wish you all a healthy and successful 2018-2019 school year.