Simple dental tips for children as they head back to school after the summer holidays

The summer holidays are a wonderful time for children. Ice creams, holidays, picnics, birthday parties and the occasional later bedtime are all part of enjoying the break.

But as September arrives and children head back to school, it’s the perfect time to get family routines back on track – including looking after their teeth.

At Strand on the Green Dental Practice in Chiswick, we believe that helping children develop good dental habits from an early age can set them up for a lifetime of healthier smiles.

So, as the school bags come back out and the school uniforms are ready, here are some simple ways to give your child’s dental routine a fresh start.

1. Get Back Into a Regular Brushing Routine

During the holidays, routines can sometimes become a little relaxed. Later nights, days out and sleeping in can mean toothbrushing isn’t always as consistent as it should be.

Now that school is starting again, it’s a great opportunity to re-establish a simple routine:

Brush twice a day, for around two minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste.

The most important brushing session is the one before bed, with another brushing at a different time during the day.

For younger children, parents should help or supervise brushing. The NHS recommends that children are helped or supervised until they are able to brush effectively themselves, normally until at least the age of seven.

Good habits don’t need to be complicated – making toothbrushing part of the morning and bedtime routine is a great place to start.

2. Don’t Forget the School Lunchbox

Getting back into school means getting back into packed lunches and snacks.

It’s worth taking a look at what goes into your child’s lunchbox and considering how often they’re having sugary foods and drinks throughout the day.

Sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay, and it’s not just sweets and chocolate that can contain sugar. Fizzy drinks, juice drinks, cakes, biscuits, cereal bars and some flavoured yoghurts can also contain significant amounts.

Where possible, choose healthier options and keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes rather than having them regularly throughout the day.

Water is a great choice for keeping children hydrated at school.

The NHS recommends reducing sugary foods and drinks and limiting them to mealtimes to help protect children’s teeth.

3. Make Sure Their Toothbrush Is Up to the Job

A new school year can also be a good excuse for a fresh toothbrush.

Choose a toothbrush that’s appropriate for your child’s age, with a small head and soft bristles.

If your child uses an electric toothbrush, that’s fine too. The most important thing is that they are brushing thoroughly and reaching all the surfaces of their teeth.

Remember to replace a toothbrush when the bristles become worn or damaged.

4. Encourage Children to Brush – But Keep Helping

As children get older, they naturally want to become more independent.

Brushing their own teeth is no exception.

Encourage your child to take responsibility for brushing, but make sure you’re still supervising and helping where necessary, particularly with younger children.

A useful approach is to let them have a go first and then finish the brushing yourself. This helps them develop the skill while making sure their teeth are properly cleaned.

Making brushing fun can also help. Try a favourite song, a two-minute timer or letting your child choose their own toothbrush.

5. Check When Their Next Dental Appointment Is Due

The start of the school year is a useful reminder to check when your child’s next dental appointment is due.

Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the development of your child’s teeth and identify any potential problems at an early stage.

Your dentist can also provide personalised advice about brushing, fluoride, diet and protecting your child’s teeth as their adult teeth begin to appear.

Children’s dental care isn’t just about treating problems – prevention and developing good habits are incredibly important too.

6. Look Out for the Arrival of Adult Teeth

As children grow, their mouths change considerably.

The first permanent teeth usually start appearing from around the age of six, although every child develops at their own pace.

The permanent back teeth can be particularly important because their chewing surfaces contain grooves and fissures where food and plaque can become trapped.

Your dentist can assess your child’s teeth as they develop and advise whether additional preventative treatments, such as fissure sealants, may be appropriate.

The NHS notes that fissure sealants can help protect the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth from decay.

7. Don’t Ignore Toothache or Dental Problems

If your child complains of toothache, has sensitivity, swelling or another dental problem, don’t simply wait for it to disappear.

Dental problems can sometimes become more difficult to treat if they’re left unchecked.

If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth, contact your dentist for advice and an assessment.

It’s particularly important to seek advice if your child is experiencing significant pain, swelling or signs of infection.

A Fresh Start for Your Child’s Smile

The return to school is all about getting back into good routines.

Alongside packed lunches, homework, bedtime and getting school uniforms ready, make sure looking after their teethis part of the routine too.

A few simple habits – brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, making sensible choices about sugary snacks and drinks, and attending regular dental appointments – can make a big difference to your child’s oral health.

At Strand on the Green Dental Practice in Chiswick, we’re proud to provide dental care for the whole family.

Whether your child is due their next check-up, you’re concerned about a particular tooth, or you’d simply like some advice about helping them look after their teeth, our friendly dental team is here to help.

Looking for a Children’s Dentist in Chiswick?

If you’re looking for a family dentist in Chiswick, a children’s dentist near W4 or a friendly dental practice for your whole family, we’d be delighted to welcome you to Strand on the Green Dental.

Book an Appointment

If your child’s dental check-up is due, get in touch with our team today.

Call Strand on the Green Dental Practice on 020 8995 0298

A new school year is a great time for a fresh start – and a healthy smile is a great place to begin.