For whom the bell rings: Dental hygiene at school

Every parent wishes the best for their child, from good grades and nice friends to healthy activities after school and no need for extensive dental work (like braces) later on in life. While many of these are possible, it can be difficult to help a child retain a set of healthy and straight teeth throughout childhood. Due to that, parents may struggle for methods to help the child keep up dental health at school. Below are a few tips to help a child keep healthy teeth for a healthy life.

Getting into a routine

It can be difficult for children to practice proper dental hygiene at school, for numerous reasons. Lunches at school are not that long, not giving children the time for eating, socializing with friends and brushing. Children may also forget about it or may not have access to their backpack. In other cases, school food may not be the healthiest and students may not wash their mouth out with water but sugary drinks instead.

With this in mind, parents can struggle to help their children keep a healthy set of teeth on a regular basis. Here are a few tips and tricks that parents can use to keep their child’s teeth healthy while at school.

Eat a healthy diet

While there is nothing wrong with having sugary treats once and a while, sugar in excess can damage the teeth. Mouthhealthy.org lists recommended diet tips from the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion to include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Grains
• Dairy
• Lean proteins

One area of a student’s diet that is difficult to change is snacking. Mouthhealthy.org recommends to “watching the amount of soda, juice or other sweetened beverages,” the child drinks. Offering healthier solutions to unhealthy snacks will help to benefit the student’s teeth.

Eat sugar-free gum

Since most schools do not allow for gum on campus or during class, students need to be careful when and where they chew the gum. If a student likes to chew gum, parents can recommend sugar-free gum. Mouthhelathy.org explains that “Certain sugarless gums have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for helping prevent cavities by strengthening teeth.”

Have the student chew a piece after school or at lunch, if allowed, to help remove the food particles and plaque from the surface of the teeth. Sugar-free gum does not replace brushing and flossing one’s teeth, but can help.

Bring a toothbrush to school

This tip may be easier said than done for many. If a child cannot access his or her backpack during lunch/recess or make it to the bathroom before the bell rings to brush, then sugar-free gum can help. If a child can keep a small travel-size toothbrush and packet of toothpaste in his or her bag, then the child can use it after lunch to keep his or her teeth clean. In the cases where both sugar-free gum and a small toothbrush are not plausible solutions, a child can at least drink water to rinse out the mouth.

Schedule regular visits to the dentist in advance

The most important tip for any parent is to make sure a child visits a dentist at least twice per year. By visiting a family dentist, a parent does not have to make multiple trips. In many cases, a family dentist can work to schedule family member appointments back-to-back. Scheduling ahead of time will also help guarantee the family is receiving the necessary dental care to prevent infection.

By visiting a family dentist on a regular basis, the dentist will be able to spot the early signs of infection before the symptoms get worse and recommend the best treatment.

Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS

At Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS, in Tracy, CA, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. If you have any questions or are unsure of what is causing the pain in your teeth, do not hesitate to call us.

We will answer any questions and make sure you get all of the necessary information. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS, your experience with us and your dental health are our prime concern.