Because Weninger Dentistry is family-operated and family-oriented, we understand the importance of good dental hygiene for everyone in your family from the youngest to the eldest. Right now, it’s back to school time and what better time can there be to make sure your children’s teeth are in good shape?
Some Back to School Dental Basics
Baby Teeth – Typically, children begin to lose their baby teeth between the ages of five and seven. It is better to let your child wiggle those loose teeth until they fall out on their own. That way the pain and bleeding associated with a lost tooth are minimized. A small pocket container is a good idea to include in your child’s backpack in case this momentous event happens at school.
Start your Own Tooth Fairy Tradition – There is no better time to begin good dental care education than during these formative years.
- Notes from the tooth fairy reminding kids to floss and brush make losing a tooth a golden opportunity for learning good dental habits. You can design your own or find printable tooth fairy note cards and receipts online.
- Make that container for a lost tooth special with tooth-shaped monogrammed pillows or tiny treasure chests.
- Get the free Tooth Fairy Calculator app for android or visit the iTunes Store for the app for iPhones and iPads.
Schedule a Back to School Dental Visit – While children should have an annual exam from the time their first tooth erupts (usually around six months), the new year school year is a perfect reminder.
Regular dental checkups ensure that should there be a cavity, your dentist detects it early before anything serious occurs. The incidence of dental decay had dropped for a number of years, but you should be aware that it has begun to trend upward again.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), overall dental decay, decreased in children ages 2-11 from the early 1970s to the mid-90s. While slight, there has been a significant increase in cavities since 1998. That is why it is more important than ever to make sure your children know the dentist office as a great place to visit.
Lead by Example – We know your schedule is busy: getting ready for work and the day yourself, packing those school lunches, making sure the kids don’t miss the bus or dropping them off at school. However, the few minutes you spend modeling good dental habits are invaluable.
You play an important role in reinforcing what your children learn at school and at the dentist office. They need to see you practicing good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing. Leading by example demonstrates how important their teeth are to their overall health. Good dental health leads to an overall healthier child.