Brushing up on Back to School Dental Tips

As the new school year approaches and we gear up to send our kids back to college, it’s important to prioritize oral health and equip them with the right tools. In this special edition of Bristles Back to School, we’ll share informative tips on maintaining a healthy mouth and suggest key items to add to your shopping list.

School-Age Kids:

This is the perfect time to establish good oral hygiene habits with our children, ensuring that they value their health and hygiene even when away from home. As parents, we play a crucial role in modeling these behaviors. Have your kids grown up watching you diligently brush and floss every night?

For children aged 10 and under, we recommend parents assist with brushing their teeth. This can be a weekly activity to ensure they’re not missing any spots, and it serves as a valuable opportunity to reinforce good techniques.

Designate a day to shop for hygiene products. We made it a fun Target run and I gave my kids lots of options on choosing their own toothbrush and toothpaste. We also chose new body wash, loofahs and lotion for our bodies. They will value what we deem important.

College-Ready:

Preparing for college involves more than just packing clothes and books. Make sure your college-bound student is well-prepared for maintaining their oral health throughout the school year. Here’s a handy checklist:

Electric Toothbrush: Invest in an electric toothbrush with four brush heads for their first year. This will ensure they have the right tools for effective cleaning.

Ample Floss Supply: Stock up on enough floss to last the entire school year. With a surplus of floss, they’ll never have an excuse for skipping this vital step.

Portable Waterpik: Consider purchasing a portable waterpik for kids who haven’t yet embraced flossing. This handy device can provide an alternative and effective way to clean between teeth.

Schedule Dental Visits: Encourage your college student to schedule their semi-annual dental visits during Thanksgiving or winter break and again in the summer. This way, they can prioritize their oral health without compromising their study schedule.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: If wisdom teeth removal is on the horizon, plan and schedule the procedure in advance. Holidays and summer breaks are popular times for such surgeries, ensuring ample recovery time before returning to campus.

Additionally, there are a few crucial topics to discuss with your adult children:

The Rise of Vaping: Inform them about the correlation between vaping and worsened gingivitis, often accompanied by increased bleeding. Awareness can help them make informed choices about their overall health.

Oral Cancer Risks: Highlight the risks associated with alcohol and smoking, including an increased likelihood of oral cancer. Both habits also contribute to dry mouth, which in turn raises the risk of cavities. Encourage them to make wise choices for their long-term oral health.

By following these dental tips and making informed choices, your family can enjoy a healthy smile all year round. Remember, prioritizing oral health is a lifelong journey, and starting early with good habits sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Back to school essentials