Elmhurst Dentist Gives You Some Tips And Suggestions For The New School Year

Written by Dr. Scharfenberg on Sep 18, 2018

As your family gears up for the new school year, don’t forget to make your smile and oral health a priority! Back-to-school can be a stressful time of transitions, and our Elmhurst dentists are here with some tips on how you can prioritize your smile.

If you are helping your kids develop a new school day routine, make sure that you’re leaving enough time for proper oral hygiene in the morning. The American Dental Association recommends that patients brush their teeth for at least two minutes every time that they brush. Many people find that two minutes is actually longer than they thought, so it might be helpful to set a timer, or listen to a two-minute-long song in order to keep track of time. For many families, the morning routine can get kind of rushed and hectic, so it’s important that you set time aside to care for your smile.

Another easy way to support oral health is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. When you are well-hydrated, your body is able to produce an adequate amount of saliva, which helps to neutralize bacteria and strengthen your dental enamel. So, encourage your child to take plenty of water breaks throughout the day, and check to see if it’s possible for your student to carry a water bottle, so that water is always handy.

When packing lunches, try to include foods that are nutritious, and have the added benefit of boosting oral health. Crunchy veggies, like carrots and celery, are water-rich, and, because they are crunchy, they actually scrape plaque from the dental enamel. Additionally, dairy products like cheese and yogurt contribute to strong enamel. No matter what your student has for lunch, it’s a good idea for him or her to, at the end of the meal, take a moment to vigorously rinse his or her smile. This not only dislodges dental debris from the smile, it also prompts your body to produce saliva.

The hardest part of any of this is establishing new habits. Once you make some of these simple steps a part of your daily routine, your mouth will feel cleaner, fresher, and stronger.

As always, our Elmhurst dentists are here to give you any additional information, support, and guidance that you may need. Contact our team by phone or through the Contact Us page on our site to get started!