TL; DR: Before the school year begins, help your child build healthy oral care habits by scheduling a dental visit, refreshing their brushing routine, packing smile-friendly snacks, and checking in on any dental concerns. 

This back-to-school oral health checklist for parents will help them prepare their child’s smile for a healthy and confident school year across the Richmond area and beyond. Before the first bell rings, take a few minutes to check in on your child’s oral health before their first day of school. With a little preparation, they can maintain their smile all year long. 

Book a Dental Checkup 

The easiest way to get a head start on the year is to make a dental checkup. Regular check-ups and cleanings ensure that cavities are detected early, provide an opportunity to track the child’s teeth development, and help maintain a healthy smile once school starts. If your child hasn’t been to their dentist in over six months, then it is a great time to get a visit to Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Virginia. 

Schedule an appointment with PDOVA today

Brush Up on the Basics 

With the freedom your child gets when summertime rolls around, it’s easy to have the simple daily habits slip. Teeth brushing is a simple task that tends to be forgotten in the summertime with children. Before school starts, refresh up on The Back-to-School-Oral Health Checklist for Parents and help your child get back in a brushing routine by: 

  • Having them brush their teeth in the morning and at night
  • Flossing once a day
  • Replacing old, used toothbrushes
  • Restocking with kid-friendly toothpaste and dental supplies

Need a refresher on proper brushing techniques? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) offers helpful guidance for parents.

Getting a headstart on these habits will help it become second nature by the time school comes around. 

 

Pick Healthy Snacks 

An underrated component within The Back-to-School Oral Health Checklist for Parents, is the food your child eats at school and after school. Send them to school with snacks that can protect their smile like: 

  • Cheese
  • Apples
  • Carrots
  • Yogurt
  • Water

Having a limitation on the number of sugary drinks and candy your child consumes during the school year not only helps reduce the risk of cavities but also promotes good gum health. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends limiting added sugars to help prevent tooth decay. 

Watch for Warning Signs 

Before the school year gets into a full swing, check with your child to see how their teeth are feeling. If your child has any symptoms of swollen gums, tooth aches, sensitivity, or difficulty chewing, action needs to be taken immediately. You can avoid unexpected trips to the dentist later in the semester by solving the issues beforehand. 

If you’re unsure whether your child should be seen, our team is always happy to help. 

Contact Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Virginia 

Consider an Orthodontic Evaluation 

Most children are able to get their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. An early evaluation can help your orthodontist track your child’s teeth growth and alignment. Doing this can be helpful to detect iforthodontic treatment is needed immediately or if it will be necessary later on. 

The Full Back-To-School Oral Checklist for Parents 

Before the first day of school, make sure you’ve: 

  • Have a dental cleaning and exam scheduled
  • Replace old toothbrushes
  • Restock toothpaste and floss
  • Refresh the tooth brushing routine
  • Pack tooth-friendly snacks
  • Check for any dental issues

Back-To- School Starts with Healthy Habits 

A healthy smile can make a child feel confident and comfortable. Following the back-to-school oral health checklist for parents, you can prevent dental issues and set your child up for a great year with an even better smile.  

At Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontists of Virginia, we’re happy to serve the families throughout the Richmond area. No matter if your child needs a routine visit or orthodontic evaluation, our team is here to help every smile start this coming school year with confidence.