July is the time for school once again. Books, uniforms, waking up early and children rushing to school to get to their 7 AM classes on time ... It's during these times that toothbrushing and care for teeth can also be easily foregone. Take care of your kids' teeth even if you are rushing about.
Did you know that tooth decay can cause low grades? That's because tooth decay can cause pain and infection which can make the kids lose their concentration, make them also lose sleep and make them absent in class. So even if it seems you're busy, make sure you don't neglect your child's oral health. Here are some tips to help your kids have healthy teeth despite the business of school and to make it easier for parents who are even busier:
- For snacks, keep biscuits to a minimum. Individually packed biscuits are the easiest to pack in as recess for your kids. Remember that biscuits are fermentable carbohydrates (which have sugar too) and their crumbs don't melt in the mouth! They, instead creep in the tiny niches and grooves of teeth which can't be reached by a toothbrush.
- Fruits like grapes, apple slices, bananas, mangoes or vegetables like carrot sticks or cucumber slices are good snack alternatives. I learned that anything crunchy and sweet are acceptable to children. You can also try giving your kids yoghurt, cheese and nuts.
- Keep juices at a minimum too. Remember, they're also sugar! Buy your kids water jugs! Water is the best drink there is.
- As your babies get older, you'll notice that it'll get harder and harder for them to brush their teeth. Encouragement is the only way! Dispense the toothpaste on your child's toothbrush and keep it close by while he's eating his breakfast. This way, he won't have any reason not to brush his teeth right after and you can make sure he does it!
- If your child (like my son) eats breakfast in the car, make him brush his teeth in the car after eating. All you need is a small container for him to spit on. Remember, we recommend that we don't rinse with water after toothbrushing for fluoride to last longer and for it to do its job.
- Flossing in the morning can be tedious especially with all the hustle and bustle. Floss at night, before going to bed.
- Buy your child a traveler toothbrush and a small toothpaste and put them in a small pouch. This way, he can readily brush his teeth in school after eating (if he wants to!).
- Whenever I find it a challenge to make my kids brush their teeth, I tell them that nobody likes bad breath! Flavors in food and drinks can make their breath smell bad which can initiate teasing by schoolmates.
- For the primary schoolers, this is the time when their baby teeth fall off and the permanent teeth come out. Tell your kids about it so they'll know what to expect and not be scared -- a little blood, a little pain when the tooth is moving (because it exerts pressure on the gums), and when the tooth falls off, expect it to have no roots because the permanent teeth would have melted them.
- For those kids active in sports, it will help to have them wear a mouthguard while in training. Many cases of dental avulsion (teeth that gets ripped out of their sockets) and concussions happen in school while children are playing. Sports such as basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, soccer and the martial arts especially predispose your children to trauma on the teeth.
- Get acquainted with your child's school dentist. Your school should have a dental clinic in the school grounds. For any dental emergencies, the school dentist should be able to help your child.
Before school starts, please find the time to bring your child to the dentist to make sure everything's fine before you make your child start the grind. Taking care of your child's teeth is actually easier than you think.