Prepare your smile for the new school year

Young girl riding a school bus while reading a book

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for students and families. It can be a great opportunity to start fresh and re-establish routines that may have fallen by the wayside over the summer. Along with buying supplies, running errands and completing last minute to-dos, starting or restarting good oral health habits is an important priority to get your household prepared.

Use this checklist to help set your child up for success.

Supplies

Don’t forget to include oral health essentials when shopping for school supplies.

Toothbrush with soft bristles
Fluoride toothpaste
Dental floss or dental picks
Reusable water bottle to encourage drinking water throughout the day
Lip balm with SPF for outdoor activities
A mouthguard for contact sports

These simple items can help protect your child’s smile both in and out of the classroom.

Leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, cheese and yogurt

Healthy snacks

Nutritious snacks help fuel learning while supporting strong teeth.

Choose snacks like:

Fresh fruits such as apples, pears and berries
Vegetables like carrots, celery and cucumber slices
Cheese, yogurt and other calcium-rich dairy products
Nuts and seeds (when permitted by the school)
Whole-grain crackers

Limit sticky candies, fruit snacks, sugary drinks and frequent snacking on sweets, as these can increase the risk of cavities. Water is the best beverage to keep kids hydrated and help rinse away food particles. Tap water from school or at home most likely contains fluoride, so filling up a cup or reusable bottle is the best way to go.

A two minute timer to show how long teeth should be brushed

Healthy habits at home

A strong oral hygiene routine starts at home and can make a lasting difference throughout the school year.

Encourage and help your child to:

Brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoridated toothpaste.
Floss once each day to remove plaque between teeth.
Replace their toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn out.
Visit the dentist regularly for preventive exams and cleanings.

Starting the school year with healthy routines helps children stay focused, confident and ready to learn.

This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.

Eileen Crespo, MD

Dr. Eileen Crespo is the Vice President of Medical Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. She is a practicing pediatrician of over 30 years. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Biology and received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is currently a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Co-Chapter Oral Health Advocate (COHA) of the Minnesota American Academy of Pediatrics, and a member of the Board of Directors of Children’s Dental Services, and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Cindy McGregor, DDS

Dr. Cindy McGregor is the Vice President of Dental Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. Dr. McGregor is a 1998 graduate of the University of Minnesota-School of Dentistry. She has been a hygiene instructor and practiced in both a small and large group practices in the Metropolitan area of Minnesota. Dr. McGregor has been a member of the Minnesota Dental Association as well as the American Dental Association for over 25 years.

Prepare your smile for the new school year

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