Now that school’s back in full swing, routines are starting to settle, and things are probably feeling a little more hectic than they did a few weeks ago. Between early mornings, after-school activities, and squeezing in homework between screen time, there’s a lot to juggle.

And while it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, your child’s dental care is one of the most important things not to overlook.

Staying on top of their oral hygiene during the school year matters more than ever. A healthy smile plays a big role in their overall well-being, their focus in class, and their confidence around peers.

Here are a few easy, practical tips to help keep their smile healthy all school year long.

Stay Consistent with Brushing and Flossing

Let’s start with the basics. We all know kids should be brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing at least once. But once school starts, brushing can turn into a quick swipe, and flossing quietly falls off the radar.

Brushing and flossing are the most important habits your child can build for a healthy smile. That’s the bare minimum. So make sure they don’t skip it. Set a reminder, hang up a brushing chart, or use a two-minute song or timer app if that helps them stay on track. Keep it simple and consistent.

If flossing is the part that keeps getting skipped, try using floss picks. They’re usually easier for younger kids to handle on their own, and they come in fun flavors too, which can make things a little more appealing.

Keep an Eye on Lunches and Snacks

Once school starts, it can be hard to know what your kid is actually eating. Even if you pack their lunch, they might still trade those carrot sticks for someone else's cookies.

If you can, check in with your kid about what they’re eating and how it can affect their teeth. Encourage them to drink more water instead of juice boxes or sports drinks. Try adding snacks like cheese, apples, or whole grain crackers instead of sticky or chewy stuff that can hang around on their teeth all day.

Watch for the Little Signs Something’s Off

A lot of dental problems in kids don’t show up all at once. It might start with bad breath that doesn’t go away, a comment about something feeling “weird” when they bite, or them avoiding certain foods without really saying why.

Kids also tend to stay quiet about discomfort until it actually starts to hurt. And with everything going on at school, they might not even realize something's wrong.

Keep an eye out for signs like swollen gums, sensitivity to hot or cold, or if they’re avoiding brushing one part of their mouth. If something seems off, it’s a good idea to call the dentist and get it checked out.

Reinforce Good Habits After School

Most kids come home from school tired, hungry, or both. That after-school snack is part of the routine, but what they eat can either help or hurt their teeth.

Snacks that are high in sugar or stick to the teeth, like fruit snacks, cookies, or candy, create a perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria.

Instead, try offering snacks that are lower in sugar and less likely to cling to the teeth. Cheese can help neutralize acids in the mouth. Apples and carrots stimulate saliva and gently scrub teeth as they’re eaten. Plain yogurt provides calcium without added sugar. These options support oral health while still satisfying hunger.

If brushing right after school isn’t realistic, and for most kids it isn’t, encourage them to rinse their mouth with water instead. It’s a simple habit that helps wash away leftover sugars and food particles until they can brush later in the evening.

Protect Their Teeth During Sports

If your child plays a contact sport like football, soccer, or basketball, they should be wearing a mouthguard. It’s not just the hard hits that cause problems. Even small bumps or accidental falls during practice or games can lead to chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth.

A properly fitted mouthguard helps protect against serious injuries and can save you from an unexpected dental emergency. If your child already has one, take a minute to check the fit. Kids grow quickly, and a mouthguard that’s too tight, too loose, or worn out won’t offer enough protection.

It’s Still a Good Time for a Dental Visit

If a summer dental checkup didn’t happen, it’s not too late. You can still get an appointment in before school gets too busy with homework, sports, and other activities. Waiting much longer can make it harder to find time, especially as the holidays approach and calendars fill up fast.

Getting a cleaning and exam now can help catch early signs of tooth decay, gum issues, or damage that may have started over the summer but hasn’t shown symptoms yet.

Give our pediatric dental office in Lafayette or New Iberia a call to book an appointment. We offer preventive care, restorative treatments, and comprehensive dental services tailored specifically for children. We’re here to make dental care easy and help your child stay on track all year long.

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