Parent Of A Middle-Schooler? How To Keep Their Teeth Healthy And Strong
If you've got a middle-schooler, you've got your hands full, especially when it comes to their dental health. They think they're old enough to care for their teeth, but in reality, they may be missing the mark. That's where you come into the picture. Your middle-schooler may be old enough to brush their own teeth, but they still need you to make sure their teeth and gums are well-cared for. Here are four steps you can take to ensure that your middle-schooler has healthy teeth and gums.
Monitor Their Oral Hygiene
Your child may be telling you that they're brushing and flossing, but that doesn't mean they are – or that they're doing it properly. To make sure that your middle-schooler is practicing proper oral hygiene, take the time to monitor it. In the morning, check to make sure that they've brushed and flossed before leaving for school. One way to provide a reminder is to hang a note in their bathroom. Frame it and mount in on the wall somewhere in the bathroom. This will serve as a daily reminder that they need to brush and floss their teeth.
Send Water Bottles With Them
Middle-schoolers aren't always going to take the time to find a drinking fountain at school. Even if they do, you might not want them drinking from it, especially with all the germs it will contain. Unfortunately, your child needs plenty of water to keep their teeth and gums healthy. After all, it's the added water that helps produce saliva, which is needed to flush bacteria and food out of your child's mouth. To make sure that your child has plenty of water to drink throughout the day, invest in a reusable water bottle that they can use at school.
Know What They're Eating at School
If you don't know what your child is eating at school, you're missing an opportunity to care for their teeth. If your child is eating school lunches, ask to see a menu and the dietary information for the meals. That way, you can see how much sugar your child is consuming during the day. You should also send a healthy snack for your child to eat each day. Sending something like fresh carrots or celery will provide a healthy snack for your child, and will help keep their teeth clean.
Focus on Their Orthodontic Appliances
If your middle-schooler is wearing braces, you need to focus on their orthodontic appliances. You might not realize this, but your child could be developing a plaque and tartar problem between their teeth and under the brackets. To avoid that, make sure your child is seen by their dentist at least twice a year. If you see buildup between their teeth or around the brackets, schedule a check-up earlier.
Contact a dental office like John P Poovey DMD PC for more information and assistance.
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