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As summer draws to an end and your child prepares to head back to school for the upcoming year, you may be busy lining up any immunizations or booster shots needed and gathering the necessary supplies to start the semester. Your family dentist in Leawood says that in the midst of the last-minute preparation, don\u2019t forget about your child\u2019s oral health. Read on for 4 helpful tidbits to make this a healthy school year!<\/p>\n
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The summer is a great time of the year to schedule a checkup with your local dentist. That\u2019s because your child won\u2019t have to miss any time at school to attend. Since these visits are typically six months apart, the next appointment can be scheduled during winter break to prevent any interruptions.<\/p>\n
By taking this proactive step, your child can be better protected from the development of cavities, which can start a chain reaction of poor oral health that can follow him or her into adulthood. By setting a trend for maintaining preventive care visits early in life, major problems can be avoided, and you\u2019ll also be helping to create a positive habit for the future.<\/p>\n
Another major contributor to excellent oral health is the maintenance of a diet high in quality foods. To better ensure this happens, it\u2019s a good idea to pack your child\u2019s lunch. Therefore, he or she can consume more fruits and vegetables instead of unhealthy items that can lead to tooth and gum decay.<\/p>\n
In addition to eating healthier foods, it\u2019s also critical for your child\u2019s oral health that he or she practice excellent dental hygiene. The minimum requirements for fighting off oral bacteria are to brush and floss at least two times a day. This will help to remove bacteria before they can develop into stubborn plaque and tartar.<\/p>\n
If your child will be involved in any type of sporting event this school year, it\u2019s imperative to have him or her fitted with a custom mouthguard. Just as the bumper of a vehicle is designed to absorb shock to protect the passenger, a custom mouthguard provides the same benefit. Otherwise, your child could be subject to a painful, costly and time-consuming injury.<\/p>\n
By taking into account what you\u2019ve learned here and acting on it, you can rest assured that your child will have excellent oral health this school year, which will make life a lot easier for you. For more tips and for your child to receive the best in care, contact your dentist in Leawood today!<\/p>\n