This post is a sponsored collaboration between myself and Dentistry for Children.  All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Back to School Tips for Healthy Teeth

As parents, we do a lot of prep for back to school. We make sure kids have all of the right school supplies, new school clothes, shoes, and even new back to school hairstyles. Did you know, that as you prep your children for back to school you should schedule a dental appointment as well? I had an opportunity to interview pediatric dental specialist Dr. Lisa Shilman from Dentistry for Children and was able to get some key answers on how as parents, we can keep our kids teeth healthy throughout the school year. 

• Tell us a little about yourself.
  Dr. Lisa: I’m a pediatric dental specialist at the Roswell Dentistry for Children office. We have 21 locations in the metro-Atlanta area, and most of Dentistry for Children’s dentists are pediatric dentists (our general dentists specialize in treating our teen patients). Pediatric dentists complete 2-3 extra years of training after dental school to specialize in treating the needs of all kids to ensure they have happy, relaxed smile-filled visits with us!
• What should parents do in preparation for back to school when it comes to their child’s dental health?
  Dr. Lisa: Make sure your child’s dental check up is complete prior to school staring to minimize absences.
• What are the most common dental problems you see show up for children during the school year?
  Dr. Lisa: Homework and afterschool activities often keep kids up late, and brushing and flossing is often neglected in the evenings. Before bed, brushing and flossing should be made a priority every night with parental supervision.
• What ways can parents help their children avoid cavities during the school year?
  Dr. Lisa: Pack healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables and string cheese, and put a travel toothbrush in the child’s back pack and instruct them to brush after lunch whenever possible.
• How long should kids really be brushing their teeth?
  Dr. Lisa: I recommend that children time themselves for 2 minutes and spend that time gently but thoroughly brushing all areas at the gum line.
• Are there any foods parents should be purchasing for breakfast, lunch, and snack time that benefit the health of their child’s teeth?
  Dr. Lisa: Avoid giving them juice, which typically has a lot of acid and sugar that can damage teeth over time. When packing their lunches, pack water bottles instead. For snack time, avoid sticky carbohydrates like chips and pretzels, and give kids carrot sticks, apple slices and string cheese instead.
• Are there any ways parents can make brushing and flossing more fun?
  Dr. Lisa: To ensure that kids are brushing for at least 2 minutes, I suggest brushing while listening to a favorite song. Electric/battery-powered toothbrushes are often great because they have timers, some light up, some play songs and some have apps that are downloadable with games, rewards, etc.
• Are there any reminders parents can give their children about their teeth while they are in school?
  Dr. Lisa: Drink lots of water and brush after lunch.
• Do you have any dental tips for parents whose children play sports?
  Dr. Lisa: Definitely wear a mouth guard when playing any sport with potential injury to the mouth, there are many different types of mouth guards, the best ones are custom made by the dentist to fit the patient perfectly.

I thank Dr. Lisa for taking the time to answer these important questions about healthy teeth for kids! If you want the opportunity to ask Dr.  Lisa questions of your own, plus a chance to win fun prizes and $1250 off your children’s braces join the Dentistry for Children and Family Orthodontics #ATLSmileParty Twitter Chat on Friday September 16th at 12pm. Click here to RSVP: http://bit.ly/2bS8E2t!  To learn more about Dentistry for Children and to make an appointment, visit dentistry4children.com or call 678-813-1909. 

Have you scheduled your kids back to school dental visit? 

Ashley