Healthy habits for back-to-school

Back-to-school is more than just school supply shopping. Make sure that kids have the best start to the year by taking steps to keep them healthy and smiling all year! Try these tips:

Pick healthy school snacks

Kids of all ages need a supply of snacks that are rich in healthy vitamins and minerals, to help build healthy smiles.

Prepackage these snacks that are great for teeth, like cheese, carrots, celery, apples and kiwis for kids to grab on the go.

Stop snacking right before bedtime

Snacking right before bedtime can buildup of sugars and bacteria that rest on the teeth until morning time brushing.  If you must snack, pick a snack that is healthy for teeth, then brush, floss and rinse thoroughly before bed.

Establish a twice-daily dental care routine

Kids should be in the habit of brushing and flossing twice daily. Select a children’s paste, floss and rinse in your child’s preferred flavor. Kids should brush for two minutes, and floss between every tooth.

Make a dental visit part of your back-to-school process

In preparation for a healthy year, make an appointment to see your dentist. You dentist can check for cavities, as well as reinforce proper at-home care.

Photo credit: Another Lunch