Protecting Your Child’s Smile from Tooth Decay While They’re at School (or On-The-Go)

Our Danforth Dentist Shares Three Simple Steps for Encouraging Healthy Smiles Beyond the Home

Children deserve a great start to oral health care… not only to ensure their smiles develop properly and are healthy, but to teach them the value and importance of proper oral hygiene practices as they grow into adulthood.

It’s up to a child’s parents or guardians to equip them with the right tools to support a healthy smile under every circumstance, no matter where they are.

So without further ado, here are three simple steps that a child’s caregivers can follow to ensure great smile health during school hours or on-the-go:

1. Pack oral health-friendly foods (as well as sugar-free chewing gum)

Clearly, some school-friendly lunches and snacks are healthier than others – and what’s healthy for the body is often healthy for the smile, as well.

This goes without saying: avoid regularly supplying your child with processed foods or sugary snacks. This includes potato chips, cookies, granola bars, fruit cups and gummy candy. School snacks that a smile appreciates include cheese, sliced almonds, sliced apples, lentils and beans, whole grain/sprouted breads and a variety of meats/fish. Even packing some sugar-free chewing gum for your child to chew in between meals and snacks is a great way to help protect their teeth from decay.

2. Avoid packing juice boxes and other sugary beverages

Juice boxes are something like the devil when it comes to oral health. The sugary juices are notorious for sitting in the mouth and coating the teeth, cause destruction to your little one’s smile. Instead, try to get your child into the habit of drinking water as their beverage of choice.

You don’t want your child to grow dependent on sugar-loaded fruit juice (it’s definitely the tastier option, but it isn’t the healthiest)! Pack your little one a refillable water bottle and a fruit snack instead as a healthy and smile-friendly choice.

3. Pack a travel-friendly toothbrush and floss with them

Encourage your child to clean their smile after consuming sugary treats or beverages, no matter where they are. Toothbrushes come in small, travel-friendly sizes suitable for any kid or adult on-the-go... so there’s no harm in packing one for your child and yourself, as well!

How long has it been since your child had their routine dental visit?

If it’s been longer than 6 months since your child’s last check-up and cleaning, contact us to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist in Toronto today.