Back-to-School Dental Checklist

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As kids get ready for a new school year, it’s up to parents to ensure they have everything they need for dental success. From planning healthy snacks to scheduling their dental check-ups with their dentist in Foley, AL, your child’s oral health should be a key part of your new school year planning.

Add Good Oral Health to the Daily Routine

It is easy to let a few things slide during the summer, but a new school year brings with it routine—that should extend to your child’s oral hygiene. When creating the daily schedule, plan the time they spend taking care of their teeth. Make sure they:

  • Brush twice a day for at least two minutes.
  • Floss once a day

Also, factor in any kid-specific dental needs during the school day, such as brushing after lunch to clean braces.

Pack Healthy Snacks and Lunches

Focus on crunchy foods that help clean their teeth while they eat at school. Apples, celery, and carrots are tasty choices. Avoid sugary treats and drinks that allow bacteria to accumulate on the teeth throughout the day.

Add a reusable water bottle to their lunch box. This allows them to rinse their mouths out after they eat.

Replace That Mouthguard

It is best to replace mouthguards at the beginning of each school year. They take a beating throughout the season, causing wear and thinning that makes them less effective. Your child may need a differently sized mouthguard this year, too. As a general rule, plan on getting a new mouthguard every year.

Schedule a Dental Check-Up

Ensure your child visits the dentist at the beginning of the school year. This gets them started right with a professional cleaning and any necessary dental work.

Call today to schedule a checkup for every member of the family. Your family dentist in Foley, AL, can help ensure everyone’s teeth are healthy, and their smile is bright to start the new school year off right.

Gamified Oral Hygiene: Making Brushing a Competitive Sport

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For most children, brushing and flossing can feel like a chore. They often try to rush through it or occasionally skip it. Kids may not love brushing their teeth, but they do love games. Our family dentists in Foley, AL, recommend gamifying that mundane task into something they look forward to doing.

Go Smart

Smart toothbrushes can utilize a reward system to make brushing your teeth a game. The incentive system typically involves virtual prizes, such as badges or trophies. They may also have a leaderboard to show who in the family is winning the game.

Some of the smart toothbrushes even offer tangible rewards. It may be something as simple as a discount on oral hygiene products. The fun ones go as far as providing gift cards if you hit key milestones.

Virtual Brushing Games

If you are struggling to get your kids to brush their teeth regularly, a mobile game might be the solution. Brush DJ has them dance while they brush to ensure they spend enough time doing it. Chomper Chums offers kids virtual rewards for brushing with the timer. They can use their rewards to “buy” animated pets that they feed and care for.

Home Rewards for Proper Brushing

If you prefer a more analog approach to gamification, consider creating a reward system at home. For example, you could design your own “cash” system. Kids receive a coupon every time they brush for two minutes, which they can trade in for a fun activity or a day off from chores.

Consider setting up a leaderboard that allows your kids to compete for prizes. The child with the best dental check-up gets to pick the game on family game night or the next weekend outing. The goal is to transform what can be somewhat boring into something exciting and fun. Give our office a call today and make an appointment to get your next dental check-up with one of ourdentists in Foley, AL.