It’s that time of year already, when the ball gloves and beach gear get packed away and the backpacks come back out. The Browns preseason starts tomorrow in Detroit and the weather is starting to cool. Beginning another year of school is overwhelming, with new and more difficult classwork on the horizon. Proper oral hygiene often gets put on the back burner with all of the changes that are happening to the daily routine.
My advice to students and parents is the following:
- Remind your kids to brush their teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day using a toothpaste containing fluoride. The easiest way to know that they are brushing long enough is to set an egg timer on the sink and watch them brush away until it is done (go to our website, www.whisperingpinesdental.com for patient education videos on brushing and flossing). Most of the electric toothbrushes have an automatic timer to ensure that they are brushing the recommended amount of time. Flossing at least once a day is also vital to keeping their teeth cavity free. This is the main defense against cavities that start between teeth.
- Watch what they are eating for lunch. Most students love the sweet and salty combination of a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich washed down with a sugary juice box. There are many better options which contain less sugar, and water or milk are best when it comes to picking a drink.
- In addition to your student’s dental homework, make sure to get their teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every six months. This combined with an oral exam from Dr. Pruneski will ensure that we detect any cavities that are starting as early as possible. If they haven’t had a check up appointment over the summer, make sure to contact the office and reserve appointment.
- Most importantly, enjoy a successful, safe, and fun school year!
Give us a call (440-282-2023) today to reserve an appointment with Dr. Julie Pruneski.
Dr. Julie Pruneski is the dentist and owner of Whispering Pines Dental located at 690 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain. Contact us at 440-282-2023 or info@whisperingpinesdental.com. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whisperingpinesdental