5 Important Back-to-School Safety Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies 

There are lots of things you do to keep your child safe during back-to-school season, like letting them know who will be picking them up in the afternoon. Whether your child has already had their first day of school or they don’t start for another few weeks, there’s no better time to focus on dental health too! That way, they don’t wind up with a painful toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or another serious injury. With this in mind, keep reading to learn five back-to-school safety tips to prevent dental emergencies.

1. If Your Child Plays Sports, Buy a Mouthguard!

Does your child participate in a sport, like football, through their school? Maybe they enjoy rollerblading or skateboarding with their friends in the afternoon. Either way, they need to wear a mouthguard. After all, over five million teeth are knocked out each year during sports-related accidents, and you don’t want your child to be a part of that statistic.

2. Make Brushing and Flossing a Part of Their Routine

Whether your child is in kindergarten or they are heading into their last year of high school, they need a solid oral hygiene regimen in place. That starts with brushing for a full two minutes each morning and evening and extends to flossing daily and rinsing with mouthwash (if their dentist recommends it). These habits may seem small, but they go a long way when it comes to preventing tooth decay.

3. Break Bad Habits

Does your child bite their nails when they are bored? Do they chew on the back of their pencil while they are working on their homework? Do they use their teeth to open things? These are all habits that can quickly lead to a chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth, which is why it’s important to break them early on.

4. Keep Added Sugar to a Minimum

Like most children, your child may love all things sugar. Although it’s delicious, it’s one of the leading causes of tooth decay. That’s why parents are encouraged to pack lunches for school that are loaded with nutrient-dense foods instead, like oatmeal, plain yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh fruits. After all, whatever they eat at lunch will sit on their teeth until they get home!

5. Schedule Their Second Dental Visit Before 2025

The school year may just be starting, but it won’t be long until you’re trick-or-treating, cutting a turkey, or watching the ball drop. That’s why it’s important to schedule your child’s second dental checkup and teeth cleaning of the year now! After all, these routine appointments are crucial when it comes to both catching and preventing dental problems.

About the Practice

Over the years, our team at DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton has helped countless patients with serious dental injuries. To make the treatment process as smooth and stress-free as possible, we provide a wide range of services in-house, offer convenient hours (including Saturdays), and have several payment options to choose from. So, if your child is struggling with a painful dental injury or they simply need a dental checkup and cleaning, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (972) 236-7906.