As summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year builds, parents are busy gathering supplies, shopping for clothes, and checking off to-do lists. But amid the back-to-school buzz, don’t forget one important area that can get overlooked…dental care!
A healthy smile plays a huge role in your child’s confidence, and it also plays a big role in their overall well-being, academic performance, and daily comfort. Tooth pain and untreated dental issues can lead to school absences, difficulty concentrating, and even behavioral changes.
That’s why creating a Back-to-School Dental Checklist is a smart way to ensure your child starts the school year with a fresh, healthy mouth and the tools to keep it that way. Here’s everything you need to consider before the first bell rings.
Schedule a Back-to-School Dental Checkup
A dental exam before school starts is one of the best ways to catch small issues before they turn into big problems. Your dentist can check for cavities or signs of decay, evaluate the health of your child’s gums, assess their bite and alignment (orthodontics) and recommend preventive treatments like cleanings, fluoride, or sealants.
Many schools even require dental forms to be filled out at the start of the year, so you’ll be ahead of the game by scheduling early!
Update X-rays and Cleanings
If your child hasn’t had dental X-rays in over a year, it might be time. X-rays help dentists spot issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, like cavities between teeth or problems below the gumline. The American Dental Association recommends dental x-rays be taken at least one time per year for this reason.
A professional cleaning is also essential as it removes plaque and tartar buildup, especially in areas kids often miss while brushing and flossing. A clean slate is the perfect way to start the school year!
Discuss Preventive Options Like Sealants and Fluoride
Ask your dentist if your child could benefit from dental sealants, especially if their permanent molars have recently come in. Sealants are thin coatings that protect the deep grooves in the back teeth where cavities often form.
Additionally, fluoride treatments can strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. These treatments are safe, quick, and particularly helpful for children prone to cavities.
Re-Stock Dental Supplies
Just like fresh notebooks and pencils, your child needs fresh dental tools at home! Use this time to restock a soft-bristled toothbrush (replace every 3 months—an electric toothbrush is also a great option to help keep things cleaner), fluoride toothpaste, dental floss or floss picks, a fun, kid-friendly mouthwash (if age-appropriate) and a toothbrush holder for cleanliness and hygiene.
Letting your child help choose their toothbrush and toothpaste can boost enthusiasm for their daily routine.
Reinforce a Brushing and Flossing Routine
The start of a new school year is a great time to re-establish healthy habits. Make sure your child brushes twice a day for 2 minutes, flosses once daily and doesn’t skip their routine on weekends or busy mornings! The school year gets hectic with events, homework and sports or clubs and it is easy to let home dental care slip!
You might consider using a timer, a toothbrushing app, or a sticker reward chart to keep younger kids engaged and consistent.
Check Their Diet and School Snacks
What your child eats during the school day can have a big impact on their dental health. Aim to pack snacks and lunches that are low in sugar and high in nutrients. Good options include cheese sticks, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain crackers, yogurt (low-sugar) and water instead of juice or soda.
Sticky candies, sugary drinks, and chewy granola bars can linger on teeth and lead to decay, so save those as occasional treats rather than daily snacks.
Prepare for Dental Emergencies
If your child plays sports, now is the time to talk about a mouthguard. A custom-fit mouthguard protects teeth, lips, and gums from injury during contact activities like football, basketball, soccer, and even cheerleading.
A clean, healthy mouth helps your child feel more confident, focused, and comfortable, both in the classroom and on the playground. By checking off each item on this back-to-school dental checklist, you’re not just setting them up for a great start to the school year, you’re investing in habits that can last a lifetime!
Here’s to a healthy, happy school year!
Sherri Merritt
Dental Consultant & Trainer
