Your First Line of Defense for Oral Health is Professional Cleaning
Why Professional Dental Cleanings are Your First Line of Defense for Oral Health
Back to School? Remember Your Dental Homework!
Back to school? Remember Your Dental Homework!
By Oniesha M RDA at Dr. Nikhil Patel's Dental Office in Worcester, MA
It’s a busy time of year. Book lists! Supplies! New clothes! (How did they outgrow those shoes already?) And while you’re preparing your family’s list of back-to-school necessities, here are a few essential reminders to help your child begin the school year with a healthy smile.
- Review
It never hurts to review the basics before the start of the school year, and that holds true for dental care as well! Make sure your child is brushing for two minutes twice a day and using floss or another interdental tool to clean between the teeth. If his toothbrush has been in use since the end of the last school year, it’s probably time to replace it. Bristles are at their best for about three months—after that, they become frayed and worn and can’t remove plaque as effectively.
- School Supplies for Braces Wearers
If your child is going to school with braces for the first time, send the child off with the tools they need. A travel-sized toothbrush and tube of toothpaste are perfect for a quick brushing after lunch, while dental floss and a threader or dental picks will take care of any after-lunch particles lurking in brackets and wires. Orthodontic wax is a great product to have on hand if a wire or bracket is causing irritation. If your child uses clear aligners or a retainer, make sure a protective case is always close by, ready to use every time the appliance is removed. And it’s a good idea to include the numbers of your dentist and orthodontist in their contacts in case of emergency.
- Exams
If your school requires a dental exam before the start of classes, be sure to make your appointment at our Worcester office now! Regular checkups with the doctor are vital for preventing small problems from becoming bigger ones, and a professional cleaning will remove the plaque even careful brushing can miss.
A positive, confident start can set the tone for the academic year, so do your homework. That might include monitoring summer reading, providing required supplies, and making sure your child is well-rested and ready to go. You can also help your child to a confident start by monitoring brushing habits, providing the necessary tools for appliance wearers, and making sure your child is up-to-date with dental exams and cleanings. When entering the classroom with a beaming, healthy smile—that’s an A+ way to begin the school year!
You Might Also Enjoy...
Taste Changes As you age
How taste changes as you age and how we handle it at Dr. Patel's Family Dental Office, Worcester, MA.
The Prefect Finish Teeth Whitening After Clear Aligners
Finishing your clear aligner treatment is a big milestone. You finally have the straight smile you've been working toward. But for many people, that moment raises a new question, should you whiten your teeth now? The short answer is yes and this why.
Does My Dental Health Affect My Overall Health ?
Many people think of dental care as something separate from the rest of their health—important for a nice smile, but not much else. This belief is more than just outdated; it can be harmful. The truth is that your oral health plays a critical role in your
Baby Teeth :Everything Parents Need to Know As parents, watching your child’s first tooth appear is
As parents, watching your child’s first tooth appear is an exciting milestone. Baby teeth-also called primary teeth-may be temporary, but they play a major role in your child’s overall health, development, and future smile.
Fireworks, BBQs, and Your Teeth: A July 4th Survival
The Independence Day is all about celebration—fireworks, backyard BBQs, sweet treats, and time with family and friends. But while you’re enjoying the festivities, your teeth may be facing some unexpected challenges.