Nothing is more stressful and inconvenient than having a child that has to miss school. The child probably feels terrible due to some ailment, and as a parent, you have to scramble to make sure their care is covered, work is covered, and you likely have to schedule some sort of appointment last minute. Every year, thousands of parents around the U.S. find themselves in this situation because of preventable dental problems, but fortunately, there is plenty you can do to keep yourself and your little one out of this position.

Before They Hit the Field…

…make sure your child always has a mouthguard. Sporting accidents are one of the leading causes of broken and knocked-out teeth, especially among children, and they are always a painful and expensive emergency. Thankfully, a small mouthguard can provide plenty of protection while giving you peace of mind from the sidelines. Rather than forcing your child to wear a generic guard from the store, be sure to invest in a custom-made one provided by a dentist. It will fit better, defend better, and has a much better chance of being worn during practice and games rather than being “forgotten” in a locker or backpack.

Establish a Routine

Children, especially very young ones, thrive when there is a sense of routine that runs throughout their days. The familiarity allows them to relax and do what kids do best—play, explore, and learn. Even before classes start, it’s important to incorporate daily brushing and flossing into the swing of things, as these habits will go a long way in stopping toothaches and cavities before they start. Ensuring that your child is consistent will make it much easier for them to clean their teeth the recommended twice a day as well.

Choose Wisely

Your child’s diet is one of the strongest influences on their dental health, so if you pack their school lunch, the right foods can make all the difference when it comes to their cavity risk. Try to avoid including things like juices, candies, cakes, or anything else with a lot of added sugar, as sugar fuels the harmful oral bacteria that break down enamel. Instead, items like lunch meats, nuts, cheese, raw fruit (not from a cup or can), and unflavored water will not only help your child feel fuller compared to overly processed foods, but their smile will be stronger and safer as well.

Rely on the Experts

Of course, when it comes to your child’s dental health, you don’t have to do everything on your own. Their dentist cannot only provide thorough checkups and cleanings to ensure they don’t have any issues that could pull them out of class, but they can also answer questions when it comes to their oral hygiene and diet. It’s typically recommended to schedule a routine appointment for them during the summer as well as in the middle of the school year. This way, neither you nor your child will have to deal with any unwelcome surprises that throw your entire day off.

About the Practice

Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons are local family dentists who graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Dr. Jackson completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program there, one of the most elite residencies in the country, and Dr. Parsons regularly trains to use the latest technology to offer the most advanced methods of treatment. When it comes to protecting your child’s smile, they are eager to do their part and make sure they never miss class because of their oral health. To schedule their next checkup and cleaning at El Reno Family Dentistry, click here.