As you get your kids ready for the start of a new school year, don’t forget to schedule them for a back-to-school dental exam! Did you know that tooth decay is the most common disease among children? In fact, dental disease causes kids to miss more than 51 million hours of school each year. If left untreated, tooth decay affects children’s academic performance, social-emotional development, sleep, and nutrition. Prevention and early detection can help avoid pain, trouble eating, difficulty speaking, and school absences.
It’s important that your child starts this school year with a happy and healthy smile. With school starting back, we’ve put together a list of tips from the Tooth Fairy!
- Replace Your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months or after an illness or infection. Look for soft-bristled toothbrushes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Make sure to brush for 2 minutes, 2 times a day, and floss before bedtime! Click here for more tips on helping children floss.
- Schedule a Dental Check-Up and Cleaning
At this visit, we will look for any signs of cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease. We may obtain digital x-rays to see if there are any concerns that may not be visible. We will check to see how well their teeth and jawbones are developing and make sure they are healthy. Using our special tools, we can remove buildup and tartar from areas that a toothbrush and floss can’t reach, allowing your child to have a bright and fresh smile for the new school year.
For more information, MouthHealthy.org has a great blog on 8 Secrets to a Successful Back-to-School Dental Checkup.
- Consider Sealants and a Mouthguard
We may recommend sealants during these back-to-school exams. MyLinh Ngo explains, “Research has shown an 80% reduction in cavities through sealant placement. Sealants act as a physical barrier that blocks plaque from accumulating in hard-to-clean grooves and pits of molar teeth. This procedure is one of the simplest methods to prevent cavities.” They take just a few minutes to apply, and the process is completely painless.
Mouthguards are essential for every athlete! Mouthguards fit snugly over your teeth to help protect against injuries to the teeth, mouth, and jaw joints. If your child already has one, we can examine it for fit, wear, and tear. We recommend purchasing a new mouthguard every season or every time your child goes through a growth spurt.
- Pack a Healthy Lunch
Fuel your kids with the nutrients they need to stay focused in school, with foods that are also healthy for your teeth! We love sandwiches on whole grain bread, with lettuce, tomato, and cheese, with cut up veggies on the side. Check out our dentist-approved snack recipes. When it comes to drinks, water is best!
- Save Our Number
We are on-call for emergencies! Accidents can happen in sports, gym class, or on the school bus. In case of a dental emergency, make sure your child’s teachers and coaches know to call the pediatric dentist. Did you know that a knocked-out permanent tooth can be saved if you see a dentist within 30-60 minutes? Save our number now to save time when it counts: (510) 521-5437.
A tooth fairy is spotted in the background while a patient is getting a dental cleaning!
AUGUST 22 IS NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY
Tooth Fairy Day is celebrated twice a year, because kids should visit the dentist every 6 months. Click here to view our list of facts about the Tooth Fairy! Did you know that Alameda Pediatric Dentistry has almost a dozen secret Tooth Fairy doors? This gives our tooth fairies a faster commute so they can come in at night and collect any teeth left at our office. At your next visit, see if you can find a fairy door!
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Your child’s oral health is crucial for an overall healthy life. To learn more about the best way to care for your child’s oral health, contact Alameda Pediatric Dentistry today to book an appointment. Our team can offer guidance and make recommendations for your child’s unique smile.
TOOTH FAIRY ISLAND
Our educational outreach program, Tooth Fairy Island, is just one way we help young kids learn how to take good care of their teeth and gums. Our presentations include fun, hands-on exercises and activities to engage and excite kids about brushing their teeth, flossing, and going to the dentist. This interactive presentation is great for kids ages 4-7 and takes about 30 minutes.
Every child will receive a goodie bag with toothpaste, floss, and a toothbrush. We typically provide these presentations on Tuesdays/Thursdays around 10/10:30AM. Give us a call today at (510) 521-5437 or contact us online to schedule a Tooth Fairy Island visit for your school or daycare!
