Not just a new backpack: how to get children back into a dental routine

Children are returning to school, the alarm clock is ringing again, and the backpacks are already ready. But alongside the return to the school routine, it is worth returning to a no less important habit — oral health.

Summer vacation brings with it changing sleep hours, less organized meals, more ice cream, sugary drinks, and snacks — and sometimes even tooth brushing that gets forgotten along the way. The return to routine is a good opportunity to get things in order.

According to Dr. Omri Kraus, a dentist and consultant for Listerine, the key is to make oral health a regular part of the routine — just like getting ready for school.

Not just the evening brushing: it is also important to brush teeth in the morning. During the night, bacteria accumulate in the oral cavity, and brushing before leaving for school helps to start the day with a clean and fresh mouth.

Pay attention to snacks: not only the amount of sugar is important, but also the frequency. Every time you eat or drink something that contains sugar, the teeth are exposed to acids that can damage the enamel. Therefore, it is better to reduce frequent snacking between meals.

The bottle is important: water is the best choice for teeth. Drinking sugary drinks throughout the day exposes the teeth again and again to sugars and acids and may increase the risk of tooth decay.

And teeth are not a work tool: biting pens, chewing caps, or opening packages using the teeth can cause cracks and fractures. It is worth getting children used to using their teeth for what they were intended for — eating.

And finally, do not wait for pain. Periodic check-ups at the dentist can detect problems at an early stage and prevent more complex treatments in the future.