Summer’s over, which means it’s time to get into back to school mode! As your kids get used to new routines and schedules, it’s important to incorporate healthy dental habits into their routines so that they can avoid pesky cavities and other oral health issues in the future. Here are five tips to get your kids’ excited to maintain their dental health.   

1. Schedule a Dental Appointment

The end of summer means it’s time to make as many appointments as possible before things get too busy. You and every member of your family should see your dentist twice a year to ensure that your teeth and gums are in good shape and that any abnormalities haven’t had time to progress. We offer kid-friendly dentistry here at Gary Johnson DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, so you can trust us to relate to our younger patients in a way that helps them feel comfortable and happy. 

2. Enforce a Healthy Diet

Diet has a major influence on your oral health, and school lunches aren’t necessarily known for being that healthy. Experiment with ingredients that are good for teeth in your child’s lunch, like yogurt and cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean meats or plant-based protein sources like beans. Making sure your child stays away from sugars and starches will help curb plaque buildup. 

3. Keep Up with a Routine

It’s easier to make sure your kids stay on a schedule when they have to get to school at a certain time and keep up with different extracurricular activities. Making sure that they start their day on a healthy note by brushing and flossing their teeth and repeating the routine before they go to bed is a great way for them to maintain their oral health. 

4. Always Protect the Teeth

If your child plays a contact sport, it’s very important to have them wear a properly fitted mouth guard so that they don’t run the risk of chipping or knocking out their teeth. Even baby teeth that are knocked out prematurely can cause lasting issues in the future. 

5. Smile!

Letting your child show off their beautiful smile will help them boost their confidence in themselves. Whether you are constantly cracking jokes with one another or make it a point to do a fun activity together every week, it’s important to make sure your child flashes their pearly whites regularly!

At Gary Johnson DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer services to help every member of the family have beautiful and healthy smiles no matter their individual needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!