Disclosure: We were sent free products for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
We all know how important dental hygiene is especially for our little ones. Teaching them at an early age to take care of their teeth and gums will prepare them later on into adulthood. School will be starting soon and it can be hard to get young kids to keep their mouths clean after school meals. However, packing a few items in their backpack like toothpaste and a tooth brush only takes a few seconds and will make this process a lot easier. Practicing good dental hygiene even while in school is a great way to keep your child’s smile even more beautiful than it already is. Dental visits will also be a breeze and and a pleasant one.
We were sent a few items to help my young lady keep her pearly whites nice and clean during this school year. She will be prepared this September and have her cavity fighting products by her side right when she needs them. That’s one thing we can check off the list of much needed items. On top of keeping our kids teeth healthy, here are a few tips to help carry you and your student through the school year.
Celebrate- After spending the summer in warm weather and sunshine, heading back to school and sitting in a classroom can be a drag. By finding little things to celebrate, such as losing a tooth, a day can brighten up quickly. When a tooth is lost, create a “tooth fairy mailbox” or pass out a “tooth fairy certificate” at school to ensure this milestone is celebrated.
Stay Healthy- School days can be long for students and by mid afternoon, they may need some extra energy to finish that math lesson. Teachers: send home a healthy snack list to parents or add healthy snacks to a bin in the classroom to ensure students are energized in a healthy way. Some snacks to think about are fruit, trail mix and granola bars. Parents: don’t forget to pack your child a healthy lunch full of fresh fruit, vegetables and cheese. Cheese is especially good for your child’s teeth because it neutralizes acids. Acidic items, such as fruit juices and sodas, should be avoided since they allow the bacteria in plaque to produce more acid.
Stay on Top of Appointments: Before life gets too hectic with after school activities and homework, schedule your child’s dental and doctor appointments to ensure their teeth and body start the year in tip-top shape! As a reminder, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease and, if left untreated, it can impair a child’s ability to eat, speak, sleep and learn!
Stay Organized- For parents, heading back to school can be a busy time full of sport practices, carpools and early mornings with late evenings. Keep your family organized by placing all important dental and doctor appointments with practice schedules on a large calendar the whole family has access to. Color code for each child for extra organization.
Make lists- Chances are when heading back to school many purchases will need to be made. Be smart about your purchases and don’t forget items such as, healthy snacks, dental items to pack in a back pack for use after lunch or snack time, mouth guards for sports safety and classroom supplies.
Save money. Totals will add up quickly when making a “back to school shopping list.” Save money where you can by couponing or taking advantage of local sales. GEDC offers the Smile Protection Plan (SPP), an all-in-one discount plan that offers savings on dental care, affordable and convenient for those without insurance. For more information on the SPP, the perfect alternative to dental insurance, visit http://www.greatexpressions.
Handle stress. School can be a stressful time for all parties involved. Follow the tips above to keep stress at bay but look out for signs of stress. If you are clenching your jaw you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep, it may be time to step back and relax. If these symptoms continue, visit a GEDC office near you.
Don’t forget to pack your child’s backpack with all the necessary essentials and keep all these great tips in mind during this school year and beyond!
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