Back to School Tips from your Lincoln Dentist for Children

Your child may have tons of fancy new school supplies, the latest, coolest wardrobe, and sports equipment for the upcoming school year, but do they have a healthy mouth? What about all the tools and skills they will need to maintain it? Our Lincoln Dentist for Children shares her ideas on preparing kids for school and will help ensure that dental problems do not interfere with school performance.

Our Lincoln Dentist for Children says: “According to the American Dental Association, an examination for oral health performed by a dentist is just as important as the immunizations and booster shots children need. A dental exam and cleaning should be incorporated into any checklist that parents make to help them and their child(ren) prepare for the upcoming school year. Tooth decay affects more U.S. children than any other chronic or infectious disease, as noted by statistics that were posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 20 percent of children, ages 2 to 19 years old, have some form of untreated tooth decay. Dental pain and or disease can lead to difficulty in many tasks, including eating, speaking, playing, and learning and countless hours of missed school.”

Your Lincoln Dentist for Children states that a back-to-school checklist should always consist of:

#1. Regular, routine dental examinations to diagnose, treat, or prevent any dental problems.

Catching dental problems early on can save your child from pain and missed school, and in turn, it can save parents money. Parents and teachers often may not realize there’s a dental problem, so regular checkups are critical. Your Lincoln Dentist for Children may suggest fluoride treatments or sealants that can help prevent decay. Routine brushing with fluoride toothpaste, along with flossing, can help to prevent further decay. If your child has bad breath, read more here.

#2. Make life easy, and while you are out shopping for school, be sure to head for the dental care aisle either before or after getting those awesome new notebooks, binders, and pencils.

If parents buy several toothbrushes, it’s much easier and more convenient to have their child change to a new toothbrush roughly every three months. It is also important to remember to switch your child’s toothbrushes after being ill. If remembering when to change toothbrushes becomes a daunting task, replace it every time your child’s report card comes out. Also, your Lincoln Dentist for Children will gladly give you recommendations on timelines for changing your child’s toothbrush if you prefer to have his/her input.

#3. Eat healthy lunches and snacks.

Be sure to include portable, healthy lunch items and snacks in your child’s sack lunch. Those items can consist of grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yogurt, or even fruit. If your child eats breakfast or lunch in the school cafeteria, review healthy, balanced food choices with him or her before the first day of school. Another great tip is to cut back on soft drinks and sugary foods.Read more about the importance of healthy lunches here.

#4. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard while participating in PE classes, organized sports, or even playground activities can prove to be very beneficial.

Your Lincoln Dentist for Children can make custom, affordable mouthguards at any of our Nebraska Family Dentistry locations. The price for a well-fitted, custom mouthguard is only $75.

#5. Preventing decay and gum disease is essential for overall wellness.

Did you know that kids as early as 12 years of age can show signs of gum disease? Cavities can strike kids as soon as their first tooth comes in, affecting their immune system and overall well-being. Children who develop plaque quickly or have braces might benefit from cleanings every 3-4 months to prevent gum disease and developing cavities.

Braces and orthodontic treatment will help correct crowding and prevent dental disease. Some kids can benefit from Invisalign (clear braces), and summer is a great time to start treatment. The option of “invisible braces” is popular with teenagers and has many benefits over wearing traditional metal braces.

Safe Dental Visits at our Dental Clinics with High Infection Control Standards

What do our offices do to ensure your safety?

At Nebraska Family Dentistry, we know that each parent trusts us to provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for their child(ren). Part of our responsibility to each of you is to provide the highest infection control standards to ensure your child’s safety and health.

We follow every infection control recommendation from these authoritative sources:

✅ CDC Guidelines

✅ OSHA Guidelines

✅ ADA Guidelines

✅ NE Board of Dentistry Guidelines

✅ Clean Air Project

✅ High Infection Control Standards

We welcome the entire family to our practice and would love the opportunity to teach your child about great oral care. After all, excellent oral care leads to a healthy smile. There is nothing better than a healthy, confident smile! Call one of our dental clinics near you or visit us online at https://nebraskafamilydentistry.com.