Back to School and Smile Care

August 2, 2018

Most schools in Olathe, Kansas get back to session on August 15th, which is fast approaching. With that date coming up, you may have already taken the kids back-to-school shopping or you have plans to do it soon. Along with the lists for school supplies, you may want to think about smile care checklist. Whether your child is in elementary school or going off to college for the first time this year, there are plenty of things to consider when it comes to oral health. The laid-back schedules of what’s left of summer can be a great time to schedule visits with the dentist. We have also listed a few things that might be helpful to think about for the upcoming school year.

Smile Kits

During your back-to-school shopping, you might want to pick up a new toothbrush for each member of the family. Make sure you’re stocked on toothpaste and floss, too! If your child is currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, it may be important for them to have threaders, extra rubberbands, etc. Even without the need for orthodontic supplies, a smile kit could be helpful for after-lunch brushing and flossing. It could include a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

Water Bottles

You may want to check with the school’s rules, but having a reusable water bottle could help encourage your child to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. In lieu of brushing and flossing, drinking water can be a helpful alternative after a meal or snack.

Smart Lunches

When it comes to packing lunches, think whole and healthy. Fruit juice is a surprising sugar bomb. While whole fruit also has fiber and a fibrous nature that can be good for teeth, fruit juice is mainly just the fruit sugars that can be harmful for the teeth in large quantities. So, if you have a choice between packing apple juice or a whole apple, the whole fruit is a more healthful option. Vegetables make a great lunch choice, too. Candy and carbohydrates in a lunchbox can lead to them being stuck on your child’s teeth for the rest of the school day.

Visit the Dentist Before School Starts

Taking care of smiles is important at every part of the year! To schedule a consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.