Back to School and the Dentist

With back-to-school season upon us once again it is almost time to get back into a routine. Summer is a great time to enjoy life, have fun and adopt a more casual lifestyle, however the school year often calls for a change. Adopting a routine that involves healthy eating, good oral care, quality time together and a schedule for activities can help make the transition back to school much smoother for everyone.

Routines make life easier

The carefree days of summer are fun, but when more activities begin to fill the schedule, having a routine is helpful for everyone in the home. Whether you’re dealing with soccer practices, hockey games, doctor’s appointments, dentist visits, work schedules, or school schedules, the routines you create will help keep everyone on track and stress-free.

Dental care is part of a good routine

When establishing a new routine for the school year, it’s important to include dental care in your plan. Not only does good breath and a clean mouth mean you’ll be able to avoid excess visits to the dentist office, they’re also nice features when making new school friends. Good oral health can help fend off a number of health issues, including gum disease, tooth decay and even mouth cancer.

Having an established dental routine for everyone in the family helps make the process easier to remember and keep on top of. When you have the same routine each morning and evening there will be less push back from young ones, they learn how easy it is to include in their day, and you reduce the opportunity to forget some important steps.

A great dental care routine

Keeping your mouth healthy and teeth clean isn’t a complicated process, but it is something that you have to put effort into each day. A good dental care routine includes a number of things, including:

Floss once a day

While flossing at any point in the day is going to be beneficial, choosing to floss at night right before you go to bed will have the biggest impact. Going to sleep with debris or bacteria between your teeth or under your gums allows it to irritate your gums or tooth enamel which can lead to bigger issues. Additionally, flossing before your brush your teeth allows the fluoride from your toothpaste to leave its protective coating on your teeth overnight as well.

Brush teeth twice a day

Brushing your teeth in the morning before eating breakfast and at night after flossing will help prevent bacteria from causing issues like gum disease and cavities. In addition, it is a good idea to brush after eating any sugary or acidic food or drinks.

Use mouthwash after you brush every day

Using mouthwash after brushing your teeth helps remove any bacteria or debris that has been loosened by your toothbrush.

Stay away from harmful foods

The foods that you put in your mouth are just as important as your cleaning routine. Foods that are high in sugar, acid, carbs or those that are sticky can create problems for your teeth. These foods invite bacteria and debris to get stuck under your gums or between your teeth, leading to gum disease and cavities.

Visit the dentist every 6 months

While your dentist may suggest a different schedule for your visits, most people should see their dentist once every 6 months. They’ll clean your teeth and help ensure that you stay ahead of any potential mouth health concerns.

Book your dental appointment

Making a trip to the dentist isn’t something that most people think of as fun, however it is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating a dentist visit into your routine every 6 months will help ensure that everyone’s dental health remains in top shape throughout the year. The Canadian Dental Association recommends that all children and adults see their dentist for a cleaning and check up at least twice a year, however your dentist will adjust that based on your needs.