Back To School Tips For A Healthy Smile

     While most kids are thinking of new clothes and supplies for the upcoming school year, it's also an ideal time for parents to reinforce good health habits, including ways to keep your kid's teeth in tip-top shape.

     Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is the most common childhood disease, five times more common than asthma.  Untreated dental disease can interfere with learning, speech, and eating leading to poor nutition and problems in school.

     If your child is due for a dental check-up try to schedule one before the school year starts this will save you the hassle of scheduling a visit during school hours or after- school activities.

     Make a dental care kit for school.  This is especially helpful to orthodontic patients.  Brushing after lunch is the new standard.  Let your son or daughter pick a cool bag to put a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss into, something that easily can fit into a backpack.

     Give your kids healthy snacks and drinks.  Instead of cookies or packaged snacks that contain cavity-causing sugars, give your kids wholesome goodies like fresh fruit, yogurt, carrot & celery sticks, popcorn or pretzels.  Replace those sports & energy drinks with water.  Most sports & energy drinks and even "vitamin" waters are LOADED with sugar!  Give your kids bottled water to take to school.  For an eco-friendly option get them a reuseable water bottle.

     Don't forget to pick up a sports mouthguard for those after-school activities, these can be found in most sporting goods stores.  This simple device can protect their teeth from being broken or knocked out by a ball, a fall or even rough play.

     Remember a healthy smile begins with you.