Students and parents – as well as teachers and others who work with kids – all tend to hope for one thing at this time of year: to start the school year right. Students think about making new friends and making memories with old ones. Parents think about their students making the “right” friends, and about the success, their students will experience in the classroom. Amidst the busy-ness of a new school year, the business of oral care can easily be left in the dust.
Kids of all ages need consistency in all aspects of life. We are here to provide that in the form of routine dental care. Additionally, we help families maintain healthy smiles with tips that may be overlooked. Here, we want to point out a few ways that dental problems can be averted as the school year gets into full swing. We hope that our patients won’t just start the schoolyear off right, but that they will end the year with healthy teeth, as well.
Remember the basics
The basics of oral care are so easy and so familiar that we can easily drop the ball. Busy students who rush through their morning routine set the stage for bad breath, which can be more than a little embarrassing. Lack of proper brushing also leads to a “dirty mouth” appearance, in which teeth look gritty and yellow. This appearance indicates plaque, which is the prime factor in cavities and gum disease. Students may need help remembering to brush and floss. It is up to parents to develop the right strategy for their child.
Go above and beyond
There are hidden dangers to students’ teeth: bruxism and injury. Students who play sports may be best served by a custom-fit mouth guard versus a boil-and-bite type sold in sporting goods stores. The smaller profile of custom-fit gear facilitates breathing during play and is more comfortable overall. Bruxism is often related to stress. The clenching and grinding that go on during sleep can wear down enamel, and even break teeth. A night guard made by your child’s dentist can minimize the force of this habit, and thus protect teeth.
Oral care isn’t a complicated matter. We are here to help you with common concerns, as well as the unforeseen. Call Broadway Family Dentistry in Minot at (701) 839-1299.
