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Sunday, July 22, 2018

Back to School Tips for Your Child's Smile


Summer is coming to a close - are you making your back back-to-school checklist?   Along with the new clothes and school supplies don’t forget to include these five tips to get your children’s smile ready for the new school year:

CHANGE TOOTHBRUSHES

If your child received their current toothbrush in their Christmas stocking or Easter basket, or you can’t remember when they got it, it’s time for a new one.  We recommend replacing their toothbrush (or electric toothbrush head) every 3-4 months.  Having a brand new, super-cool toothbrush may motivate your kids to brush.   Check out the fun selection of toothbrushes at amazon.com. 

MOUTH GUARDS

Fall sports are in full swing , which means it’s time to pull the mouth guards out. Even children who participate in non-contact sports — like baseball — or recreational activities such as skateboarding or mountain biking — can benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.  The advantages are clear - mouth guards limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your child’s lips, tongue and soft tissues of the mouth.  They may also reduce the severity of concussion.  Dr. Morrison makes custom-fitted athletic mouth guards that are comfortable and allow your child to talk easily - which means they will wear them. 

Review the Brushing and Flossing Schedule

With the whirlwind of summer camps, vacations, and trips to the pool, it’s easy to get off schedule with brushing and flossing.  To keep their mouths healthy, kids need to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time. They should also floss every day, preferably after dinner.  Now is the time to get back on track. 

Plan for healthy Lunches and Snacks

Your child’s diet plays an important role in their oral health.  With school just weeks away it’s a great time think about ways to swap out lunchbox no-no’s with healthy alternatives. Foods with fiber, think carrots and celery, have a detergent effect in your mouth, says the American Dental Association (ADA). They also get saliva flowing. Next to routine brushing and flossing, a healthy diet is the best natural defense against cavities and gum disease. 

Schedule A DENTAL Cleaning and Exam 
Help your child get off to a great new school year with a bright, healthy smile by scheduling their dental cleaning and exam.  Ask Dr. Morrison about sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent decay. These treatments are easy ways to stop cavities before they start.   A third of children miss school because of oral health problems – so it makes sense to get their dental care done in the summer – to prevent problems down the road, and to take care of any minor issues before school starts.   

Are you new to the area or do you need  a dentist for your family? We’re always taking new patients - adults and kids - and would love to see your entire family!  Contact us today at (919) 755-3450 to get your child’s smile sparkling clean for the start of school.  You can also schedule online at: https://bit.ly/2LrbHPX