This is a busy time of year for families of students. It doesn’t matter if you’re sending them off to their very first year in the classroom, or if this is the first year your student will be in a dorm room; you want the best for them. There is only so many parents may feel they can do to help their children as they enter into a new school year. Typically, students rely on parents for cupcakes and carpools; and maybe the occasional campout on the couch to talk about an issue with a friend. In addition to the day to day shuffling, parents are also the best resource students have for avoiding unexpected dental issues.
Dental Hygiene Plan For Kids
Now that the initial stress of the new school year should be behind us, we can look at a few strategies that parents may need to implement at home to help their students.
Oral care
Brushing and flossing are more than blasé chores that must be done every day. These activities require focus and consistency, two things that may be in short supply for busy students. Younger students may need a reward-system set up by a parent to make sure they brush and floss. Direct supervision may be needed for a short time, or daily checks to keep students accountable for their oral health. Sometimes, all a student needs to be told is that failing to brush will cause bad breath, and will ultimately make their teeth and gums unattractive. Oh yes, and then there’s the matter of possibly needing a cavity filled, or a root canal treated.
Sports care
One of the biggest risks to a student’s teeth is their sporting events. Physical activities like playing football or softball account for more than 50% of dental injuries. How can this be when students are given protective gear? Because a large percentage of students don’t wear their mouth piece. This bulky fixture makes it hard to breathe heavily, and may “cut into” the gums, irritating. Talk with your dentist about a custom-fit mouth guard for your student athlete.
Night care
Speaking of mouth guards, some students may need a custom-fit night guard to prevent tooth and joint damage caused by bruxism. Sometimes, the stress a student carries leads them to grind and clench. The thing is, they probably don’t know they do this because it occurs when they sleep. Stress management can help, but a night guard is an immediate buffer that can prevent injury.
Schedule a Consultation
Obtain the dental care you need from your friendly Mesa, AZ family dentist. Contact Drs of Smiles today at 480.834.6991 for a consultation.