Press release:
Dr. Kevin Dancy, clinical partner, Great Expressions Dental Centers, with offices in East Cobb at 3823 Roswell Road, provides these simple, preventative measures to help keep children healthy and happy this school year:
- Dental education. No matter the age of your child, dental hygiene education is always applicable! Teach your child the importance of a routine and why brushing at least twice a day can help prevent issues like cavities down the road.
- Gear up for sports. Back to school can also mean back to sports, but an injury can take your student athlete out of the game. With the proper protection, like mouth guards, a number of injuries can be prevented. Mouth guards are important in preventing scrapes and cuts to the mouth, gums and cheeks, chipped or fractured teeth and more serious injuries, like fractured jaws and concussions. It’s especially important to have a mouth guard if your child has braces. Be sure to get your student athlete a well-fitted mouth guard (a custom dentist-fitted guard is the best option) before schedules get too busy.
- Add a toothbrush to your school supply list. Folders, check. Notebooks, check. Pencils, check. Add a new toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to the school supplies list and pack it in your child’s backpack. It’s always handy to have a toothbrush for after-lunch, food-in-teeth emergencies.
- Encourage healthy snacking. Sugary and starchy foods slowly destroy teeth’s enamel. Every time those foods are consumed an acid bath starts, which lasts 15 minutes. Give your mouth a break and opt for healthy snacks instead of junk food. Stock up on pre-cut fruits, vegetables, and cheese to pack in your child’s lunch box.
- Drink water. Water is your friend against tooth decay; it plays an important role in removing bacteria from the mouth after meals and snacks. A simple trip to the water fountain after lunch can wash out much of the debris and food residue that bacteria feed off of to form cavities. Also, be sure to stay away from sugary sports drinks and soda!
- Regular visits with your dentist. Be sure to stay on top of scheduling your child’s six-month exams. The dentist is the first line of defense in identifying dental health problems and families can enjoy healthy smiles that will last a lifetime. Also, consider scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist if your child has not seen one and they are over the age of seven. If there are overcrowding or bite issues developing, an orthodontist can talk to you about a treatment plan.
