Don’t panic! The school year is coming!

There are many signs the school year is quickly approaching. The stores open up a dedicated station just for school supplies, the slightly overwhelming supply list for your kiddo’s school comes out, and a mixed sense of dread and excitement seems to worm its way into the household. With all the chaos that comes with preparing for that first day back to school, it can be easy to forget to get those teeth checked out. But keeping those teeth clean and healthy is the first step against fighting tooth decay and cavities!

That’s where we come in! We’ve made a nice, easy dental checklist for you to make sure you get your children’s teeth all ready for the school year. Here’s what you need to start the school year off right. 

1. Fresh Toothbrush

Do you know it is suggested you change your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months?

The start of the school year is a great way to remember to get a new toothbrush. You can even grab it while doing that back-to-school shopping. That way, the kids can get excited about whatever design they picked out.

2. Reusable Water Bottle

We all know that water plays an essential role in our health, and it’s no surprise that the benefits extend to our teeth. Water helps wash away any food particles that might be hiding out on our pearly whites. It also helps dilute all the acid that tends to settle on those teeth, helping prevent tooth decay. Also, if a person is well-hydrated, they are less likely to suffer from dry mouth. Tooth decay thrives in a dry mouth. So don’t forget to take an extra sip of water!

Let your child pick out a new water bottle for school. After all, they are more likely to use it if they are excited about it.

3. Dental Evaluation

A lot of people schedule an annual checkup with the pediatrician right before school starts. This isn’t a bad idea when it comes to dental evaluations either. This way, that appointment with the dentist doesn’t get pushed back farther and farther into the to-do list.

Of course, we have to suggest you come visit us here in Virginia Beach. We have over 38 years of experience with caring for the whole family and strive to stay up-to-date with all of the newest technological advances in dentistry. 

4. Sports Guard

Is your child going into sports? Be sure to find out if a mouth guard is suggested, or needed for the one they chose! You want to be sure they have one that fits them well, otherwise, it’ll just drive them crazy. Don’t be afraid to contact their dentist to find out what size would be best for your child. A well-fitting mouth guard can help prevent damage to their precious smile. If your child has braces, some mouth guards can even accommodate for that.   

5. Healthy Lunchbox Snacks

Though we try to keep those lunches healthy, we’ve all had that apple return from their school lunch day after day, completely untouched. Getting our children to eat healthy can be a struggle at times. That’s when it’s time to get creative! Here are a couple of ideas to throw into the lunch routine.

No Bake Strawberry Almond Balls

When it comes to an easy snack recipe, nothing really beats something that skips the oven. These little energy balls are vegan, and can also fit a gluten-free diet. 

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

There’s something extra special about pulling a treat out of the air fryer. If you have a hard time getting your little ones to eat any sort of vegetable, try putting them in the air fryer. These zucchini chips might just be a great place to start!

6. Plan for success!

With the start of the school year, those daily routines can change significantly. The kids may have been staying up until the wee hours of the morning, then sleeping the day away. Depending on the age of your child, you might try the new wake-up routine the week before school actually begins. Get them up at the desired time, practice getting ready for the day, brush those teeth, and eat breakfast. That way, their internal clock can start to get used to the schedule before go time!

Be sure your child knows how to have a good oral routine at school! If they have braces, ensure they know how to brush those teeth after lunch to get all the little food particles from between the brackets.

We’re here for you at King Dental!

Remember, we are here for you and your family, whether it’s the start of the school year, summer, or any time in between. If you have any questions or need to get you or your child in for an appointment, never hesitate to give us a call.