Emergency Evasion: Safeguarding Your Child’s Smile at School

August is here, which means that students around the country are wrapping up their summer plans and preparing to head back to school. As a parent, you play an essential role in helping set them up for success this year. Whether you’re buying new school supplies or helping them pick the perfect wardrobe, there’s plenty to do to prepare for the new year.

In all the business, you don’t want to forget about your child’s oral health! Dental emergencies can happen at any time, whether at home or at school. While it’s impossible to predict precisely when they might find themselves in an urgent situation, there are things you can do to prevent one. Keep reading to learn 3 precautions you can take to protect and preserve your child’s smile as they start the fall semester!

Protection #1: Establish an At-Home Dental Hygiene Routine

If your kid doesn’t already brush and floss both morning and night, now’s an ideal time to implement a consistent routine at home. Regularly cleaning their teeth and gums removes plaque and buildup of bacteria that can cause issues like cavities and gum disease.

On top of that, weakening enamel leaves their pearly whites more prone to injuries like chips, cracks, and breaks that can land them in the dentist’s chair. Clean, healthy teeth can better resist common concerns that might otherwise result in an emergency.

Protection #2: Pack Wholesome Foods

It’s tempting to grab prepackaged foods to tuck into your child’s backpack because they require less time, effort, and preparation. Unfortunately, they also often have high sugar or salt content, eroding your child’s enamel and attracting unwanted germs. Why not pack ingredients that can improve their oral health instead?

For example, dairy products like yogurt and cheese have calcium for strong teeth and bones, and it’s easy to stow in your kid’s lunchbox. Also, fruits like oranges, strawberries, and kiwi have vitamin C to support their gums’ connective tissue. Including more wholesome snacks can preserve their still-developing grin.

Protection #3: Get a Mouthguard

Many kids participate in team sports, martial arts, and other high-contact activities as part of their extracurriculars. As many athletes know, this increases their risk of having a physical injury that can damage or dislodge a tooth.

Thankfully, safeguarding them is as simple as finding the right mouthguard. Although it’s possible to purchase them at sporting goods stores, these typically don’t fit as well as those provided by your pediatric dentist. They can create a customized mouthguard that fits like a glove to shield your child’s smile.

By making a few slight adjustments to your child’s habits and routines, you can help them maintain a happy, healthy smile all year long!

About the Practice

At Dr. Maggie Davis & Associates, your family benefits from a team of dentists who work together to offer a full range of services for growing grins. As board-certified pediatric dentists, they have completed extensive training to provide for all of your child’s unique oral health care needs. They combine a fun and educational approach with state-of-the-art equipment to help them feel at ease throughout their visit. If your little one is starting school and needs a checkup, you can request an appointment on the website or call (727) 786-7551.