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HomeOral Health Tips for the New School Term

Oral Health Tips for the New School Term

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Oral health tips for the new school term
Check-in with your children’s oral hygiene habits
Pack a lunch that’s packed with goodness
Stay healthy at home
Keep up-to-date with dental appointments

Now that the kids are back at school, how are you ensuring their oral health is in the best condition? Check out our simple tips for keeping children’s teeth and gums healthy, for brighter smiles throughout the school year.

Oral health tips for the new school term

With children across the country now back in the classroom after the holidays, keeping your child as healthy as can be is important for ensuring they’re getting the most out of their school days. Whether they’re in kindergarten or high school, maintaining good oral health in children is a crucial part of their overall health and wellbeing.

As the new school term gets underway, we’ve put together some simple oral health tips to help keep your child’s oral health at the top of the class.

Check-in with your children’s oral hygiene habits

Teaching children how to practice good oral hygiene will help to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and free of decay and disease. Here are some of the ways you can help kids brush up on their oral health:

  • Go back to basics by ensuring your child’s teeth-brushing routine is effective. This means checking that they’re brushing correctly and doing so for two minutes every morning and night.
  • While flossing may be too challenging for children under ten, after this age they can start to practice the technique. Show children how to floss correctly to ensure they’re getting it right.
  • Make sure your child is using the right toothbrush and toothpaste for their age. Your dentist can advise on the best brush size and style, as well as a suitable toothpaste.
  • Remember to replace your child’s toothbrush regularly as they become worn.

Pack a lunch that’s packed with goodness

Making healthy food swaps in your kids’ packed lunches can help to ensure they’re getting a nutritious meal that is good for both their health and their teeth. Here are some healthy lunch box tips:

  • Plan lunch boxes ahead of time so you can get the healthy foods you need to create a nutrient-rich packed lunch.
  • Opt for wholegrain bread or wraps, rather than processed white bread for sandwiches.
  • Crunchy veg like carrot, celery or cucumber sticks are a great healthy addition to your child’s lunch box - pair with a healthy dip like hummus or tzatziki.
  • Fresh fruit provides an ideal nutritious snack, so pop an apple, banana or any fruit your child enjoys into their packed lunch.
  • Swap sugary drinks for water to help keep children hydrated.

Stay healthy at home

Maintaining healthy eating habits at home teaches kids how to make healthier food choices, and helps to ensure they’re getting the vitamins and nutrients they need from their diet.

  • Keep your fridge and pantry stocked with healthy options so there are always nutritious, teeth-friendly foods and drinks available.
  • Double-check food labels to avoid getting caught out by hidden sugars that can lead to tooth decay. You might be surprised to find hidden sugars in healthy-looking foods such as flavoured yoghurts.
  • When kids are thirsty, make tap water the go-to drink rather than fizzy drinks or sugary juices.

Keep up-to-date with dental appointments

Staying on track with your children’s dental check-ups and treatment will help to address any oral health issues and prevent them from becoming worse.

  • Book your child’s six-month dental check-up in advance to ensure you stay up-to-date with their oral health checks.
  • If your child requires longer-term dental treatment, such as orthodontics, talk to your dentist about developing a treatment timeline that fits around their school program.
  • Check whether your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which can assist with up to $1000 worth of dental treatment over two consecutive years.

If you need to book your child’s six-monthly dental check-up, or are concerned about any oral health issues, make an appointment with a National Dental Care Group dentist online now.