With the school year well underway, chances are you’ve already checked off a few to-dos, like buying some new clothes and setting up a place to complete homework. One area parents often forget about is dental safety. Since a dental emergency can be both painful and disruptive, especially during the busy school season, it’s important to know what you can do to prevent one. With this in mind, keep reading to learn a few proactive steps you can take to help your child avoid unexpected dental problems and keep their smile healthy all year long.
1. Schedule a Dental Checkup and Cleaning
One of the best ways to prevent emergencies is to prioritize routine checkups and cleanings. That way, your child’s dentist can check for cavities, loose fillings, or other issues that may cause trouble later. These visits also remove built-up plaque and clean the hard-to-reach areas of their mouth, so they can start the year with a healthy smile.
2. Pack Smart Lunches and Snacks
In short, what your child eats throughout the day directly affects their dental health. After all, overindulging on sugary snacks and sticky foods can lead to painful cavities. Instead, pack tooth-friendly foods like cheese, yogurt, fruits, and crunchy vegetables. It’s also important to encourage water over juice or soda to keep their teeth strong and prevent dry mouth.
3. Protect Their Teeth During Sports
Sports are a great way for kids to stay active, but they also carry a higher risk of dental injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to prevent broken or knocked-out teeth. Whether your child plays football, soccer, basketball, or even skateboards after school, wearing a mouthguard can make all the difference in avoiding an emergency trip to the dentist.
4. Encourage Good Habits at Home and School
Strong daily habits help prevent emergencies in the first place. Make sure your child brushes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flosses at least once daily. If your child has braces, remind them to avoid sticky or hard foods that could break brackets and wires. You can also pack a travel-sized toothbrush and floss in their backpack so they can freshen up after lunch.
5. Know What to Do in Case of an Emergency
Even with the best preparation, accidents can still happen. Teach your child what to do if something unexpected happens, like they knock out a tooth (keep it moist—either in milk or tucked in the cheek—while heading straight to the dentist can sometimes save it). Having an emergency dental plan in place helps both you and your child respond quickly and calmly.
About the Practice
At University Dental Group, our team is passionate about keeping families healthy and smiling year-round. That’s why we offer essential preventive care and are always just a phone call away if something unexpected happens, like your child chips a tooth while playing on the playground. If you have any questions for us or you’d like to schedule an appointment at our Worcester dental office, take the next step: visit our website or call (508) 753-1911.