San Francisco and Marin CA
Preparing to go back to school means a long to-do list and shopping for new school supplies and clothes. However, there is one item that is not on most back-to-school lists, and that’s your child’s smile. Although school-specific materials are vital to educational success, so are their self-esteem and health. When your child has a healthy smile, they feel more comfortable and confident in social situations and are less likely to feel embarrassed. Our San Francisco pediatric dentists at Glen Park Dental share on the blog today three secrets to a healthy back-to-school smile so your child can start the year off on the right foot.
Brushing
A healthy smile begins with your child brushing their teeth twice daily. Brushing once after waking up can remove harmful bacteria that build up overnight. Then, brushing before bed can remove leftover food debris and bacteria to prevent an overnight attack. Our Marin children’s dentists recommend parents brush their children’s teeth to ensure effective bacteria removal if they lack experience. Also, have your child pay extra attention to brushing their back teeth and along the gum line where bacteria like to hide.
Flossing
The American Dental Association recommends that every person should floss their teeth once per day. Flossing at night helps remove food debris stuck between the teeth from the day’s meals. Our Marin pediatric dentists explain that several floss types available at your local retailer are effective in removing food debris and bacteria from between your child’s teeth. So, choose the type of floss that is easiest for your child to use.
To floss effectively, insert the floss gently between two teeth, avoiding popping it down into the gums. Then, sweep down the side of one tooth, across the gums, and up the side of the neighboring tooth. In some cases, repeating the action may be necessary to remove the debris and bacteria. If you or your child would like a demonstration during your next office visit, please feel free to ask one of our dental hygienists, and they will be happy to show you and your child proper flossing techniques.
Checkups and Cleanings
The easiest way for you to maintain a healthy smile for the back-to-school season is to visit our Bay Area pediatric dental office for a checkup and cleaning. During a routine checkup, our dentists will examine your child’s oral health and search for potential conditions that need treatment before they advance and cause significant damage. Then, our dental hygienists will clean the built-up plaque and tartar from around your child’s teeth and below your gum line. After the cleaning, you or your child may notice they have a brighter smile. That’s because the cleaning process also removes surface stains that build up from consuming heavily dyed foods and beverages.
Pediatric Dentists in Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California
The best way to get your child started with school is to ensure they feel confident and prepared to take on the challenges of the year in the classroom or when hanging with friends. From book bags to pencils, shirts to pants, the needs of the school year can be demanding. However, your child’s oral health is a crucial aspect that should not be left out when getting ready to return to school. Help your child with confidence and self-esteem by ensuring good oral health. Please call Glen Park Dental at (415) 585-1500 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment for your child.
