Back-to-school season is officially here, which means that it’s the perfect time to schedule you and your child’s bi-annual checkups and cleanings with your family dentist in DuPont. In the spirit of starting the school year off great, it’s always a good idea to strive to pass your routine dental checkup with flying colors. Read on for four tips to make sure you and your little one both ace your dental examinations!
Stock Up on Tooth-Healthy Snacks
Your child (and you!) will likely want some easily accessible snacks for when you’re rushing out the door to the drop-off line or when you finally get back home after a day of work and errands. The snacks you eat can also lend themselves to heightening your risk of dental problems like cavities and gum disease, which is why it’s a good idea to stock your pantry with tooth-healthy alternatives. Instead of opting for foods that are high in carbohydrates like potato chips, try substituting some of the following:
- String cheese
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Yogurt
- Popcorn
- Smoothies
Don’t Let Schedule Changes Interrupt Your Hygiene Routines
With schedules changing because of school, you may find yourself switching around you and your child’s routines, like when you brush and floss your teeth. When it comes to keeping your household cavity-free, consistency is key. No matter how your schedule changes, be sure to continue brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash once a day, but if your child is too young to do this, that’s fine!
Stay Hydrated with Water Instead of Sugary Drinks
Be sure to send your child to school with a reusable water bottle. It’s a good idea to do the same for yourself while you’re at work or out running errands! Staying hydrated with water instead of sports drinks or sugary beverages can help minimize the accumulation of sugar on your teeth, which attracts bacteria that can cause decay. In fact, water has the opposite effect on your oral health by rinsing away cavity-causing debris, like after you eat a snack.
Schedule Your Checkups & Cleanings for the Year
Once you and your little one ace your dental checkup at your family dentist’s office, you’ll want to set a plan in motion to remain cavity-free at your next one! The best way to do this is to continue practicing all of the tips above as well as schedule your future checkups and cleanings. This will ensure that you receive your timely thorough cleanings to prevent plaque and tartar from building up along your gumline and in the crevices of your molars—one of the most common causes of cavities.
About the Practice
At DuPont Family Dentistry, we’re proud to provide high-quality care for everyone you love, from young children to grandparents! We also offer a variety of age-specific services to make sure that your favorite smiles stay on the right track, whether it’s your child or yourself. To schedule your routine checkups and cleanings, we encourage you to visit our website or call 253-964-7000.