Back to School Smiles

Back to school and back to the dentist! Wait what? That’s right – back to school dentist visits should be included in your back to school checklist. Did you know that dental disease causes children to miss more than 51 million school hours each year? That’s why it’s important to schedule your back to school dental visit with Brush Dental in Seattle before the big day. Here are a few tips for those perfect back to school smiles for all ages!

Save the Date

It’s easy to get wrapped up in summer fun! Between the pool parties, birthdays, and barbecues dental visits seem to be all but forgotten. School season seems to always sneak up when we least expect it leaving many families scrambling to schedule in August which is one of our busiest months at Brush Dental. The best practice is to call your dentist right as summer hits, schedule the appointment for the fall, and save the date! Did you know that at Brush we have an online scheduling tool? That’s right, we like to make it as easy as a click of a button.

Practice Makes Perfect

Teaching children about oral hygiene at a young age sets them up for success. Having a hygiene routine enables children to create good habits and good oral health – what a win! We recommend starting as soon as you see those cute little baby teeth and reminding your children to brush twice daily and to floss once as well. Here’s a breakdown of oral hygiene at different ages:

Below 6

This is the stage of childhood independence – they want to do everything themselves, right? We totally get it! Let them brush by themselves allowing them to practice good brush technique and gain that feeling of independence. However, we recommend following behind them. Following behind children can help get those new teeth and new hard to reach places that weren’t there just a few months ago. We have to remember their mouth is growing so we have to encourage independence while also encouraging optimal oral health!

7-12 years

At this age children should know what to do and how to do it. They may give a little pushback but we recommend positive reminders about oral health and why it’s imperative to continue healthy dental routines. As always, think back to the old adage monkey see monkey do. If they see mom and or dad continuing these healthy practices it’s more common that they will too!

12-18 years

Arguably one of the most critical times for dental health. This is the time when children start to feel invisible. The “it can’t/won’t happen to me” mantra. This means that children who haven’t had a cavity by now think that their teeth can’t be affected. That leads to skipping brushes or stopping floss routines. Additionally, as they become active in extracurriculars, school work, and social circles they tend to cut things short like flossing or brushing their teeth. As parents it’s important to help them understand and remind them that these habits carry over to adulthood. We have to encourage them to make well informed dental decisions.

Forget the Fears

Are you the parent that wants perfect teeth for your child but also is scared to go to the dentist? We know you, we see you, and we don’t judge you. We’re here to help smiles of all ages from your kids to you! Children can feel body language shift, hear the tone of your voice change, and see different facial expressions.That’s why it’s important to model for your children. Even if you are having some dental anxiety, put on your best face and appear as optimistic as you can!

Get on their level

Children sometimes get upset at their visit which can lead to mom or dad getting flustered, or leaving altogether. This only enforces negative experiences at the dentist making that next visit much more challenging. It’s important to remember that having fears is completely normal. We truly need to get on their level and understand the behavior at its core. Are they acting out to get their way, to get to you, or are they acting out because they realize this is a situation where they’re not in control.

At Brush Dental we work with you and your child to help make this the absolute best experience. IIf and when children act out – we understand. Please remember that you aren’t the first parent to go through this and you won’t be the last. It’s okay, try not to become flustered. We’re in your corner and ultimately we’re in their corner too! We want to work together as a team to make sure your child feels at ease, their teeth can be examined and cleaned, and make sure that your child wants to return.