Back to School Tips from Your Dentist

After a care-free, relaxing summer, back-to-school season brings a lot of change for families everywhere. While you’re busy shopping for school supplies and organizing schedules, there’s one aspect of your child’s health that deserves just as much attention: their smile.

The good news? With some thoughtful planning and a few simple adjustments, you can set your children up for a school year filled with healthy smiles.

Why Back-to-School is a Great Time to Consider Oral Health

Research shows that children miss approximately 51 million school hours annually due to dental problems, a statistic that highlights the importance of proactive oral health planning.

So while it’s a busy time of year, back-to-school is also a great time for a reset. This period also offers an opportunity to establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. By incorporating oral health considerations into your back-to-school preparations, you’re investing in your child’s immediate comfort and long-term wellness.

Establish Great Routines

Summer’s flexible schedule often leads to a more lackadaisical attitude. As school approaches, reestablishing a structured oral hygiene routine is a great way to get back on track. Children thrive on consistency, and a well-planned routine makes healthy habits feel automatic rather than burdensome.

Start by setting specific times for brushing (once after breakfast and once before bed) and stick to them. Make sure your child brushes for the full two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. Consider using a timer or playing their favorite song to make the experience enjoyable. For younger children, brushing together as a family can turn this daily task into quality bonding time.

Don’t forget about flossing. While it might seem challenging for school-aged children, introducing age-appropriate flossing tools like floss picks can make this essential habit more manageable.

Enforce Earlier Bedtimes

Getting back into school sleep schedules isn’t just about avoiding cranky mornings, it’s also about protecting your child’s teeth. Adequate sleep plays a surprising role in oral health by supporting immune function and reducing stress-related behaviors like teeth grinding.

Additionally, when children are well-rested, they’re more likely to maintain good hygiene habits and make better food choices. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can lead to increased sugar cravings and compromised immune systems that struggle to fight off oral bacteria.

Get a Sports Mouthguard

Dental injuries account for a significant portion of sports-related accidents, with basketball, football, and soccer leading the way for tooth trauma.

A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist provides superior protection compared to over-the-counter options. While store-bought guards might seem convenient and cost-effective, they often don’t fit properly, making them uncomfortable and less protective. A poorly fitting mouthguard might even increase injury risk if it dislodges during activity.

Preventing one dental injury can save thousands of dollars in dental treatment and spare your child significant discomfort.

Plan Tooth-Friendly Lunches and Snacks

School cafeteria foods and vending machine snacks often prioritize convenience over nutrition. Purchasing and packing healthy options can make a world of difference.

Include protein-rich foods like lean meats, cheese, and nuts, which help neutralize harmful acids and satisfy hunger. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide nutrients while naturally cleaning teeth as children chew.

Limit sticky, sugary snacks that cling to teeth and feed harmful bacteria. Instead of fruit snacks or cookies, pack apple slices with peanut butter, cheese sticks, or unsweetened yogurt.

Don’t Slack on Hydration

Summer heat naturally encourages higher water consumption, but as temperatures drop, many families unconsciously reduce their water intake. This shift can impact oral health by reducing saliva production, which is needed to neutralize acids and wash away foods.

Make sure to send your child to school with water every day. And, hey, there may be no harm in gifting them the bottle they’ve been begging for if it will encourage them to drink more throughout the day!

Watch Backpack Weight

While backpack weight might seem unrelated to oral health, the connection is real and concerning. Heavy backpacks can cause neck strain, poor posture, and tension that contributes to teeth grinding and jaw problems.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that backpacks weigh no more than 10-20% of a child’s body weight. Help your child organize their backpack efficiently, using both shoulder straps to distribute weight and concentrate heavy items closer to the body.

Schedule Back-to-School Dental Checkups

You are likely already scheduling your back-to-school physical and flu shots. Why not also schedule your child’s regular dental checkup? These appointments allow for early detection of problems that could otherwise interfere with learning and comfort.

In addition, it’s a great time for a professional cleaning. Even with excellent home care, we all benefit from professional plaque removal and fluoride treatments that strengthen tooth enamel. These services provide an extra layer of protection during the challenging school months ahead.

Set Your Family Up for Success This School Year

The back-to-school transition represents a fresh start—an opportunity to establish healthy habits that will benefit your family throughout the academic year and beyond. Schedule your back-to-school dental checkup today!