With children across the country now back in the classrooms until the Christmas holidays, it’s a good time to get on top of the family’s dental health. From booking dental check-ups in advance to establishing a solid oral hygiene routine at home, a few simple steps will help to avoid term-time dental disasters.

As you get back into the swing of school days, here are our top tips for ensuring your kids benefit from good oral health both in and out of the classroom.

1. Book in now for dental check-ups

A regular dental check-up – once every six months unless your child is experiencing problems with their teeth – is an important step in maintaining optimal dental health in children.

During a check-up appointment, your Apple Dental practitioner will perform a dental assessment, identify any potential issues to prevent them from becoming more serious, and conduct a thorough clean. It’s also a good opportunity to chat with your dentist about any oral health concerns you may have.

If your children are due for their dental check-up soon, book in now and tick it off your list. By making an appointment to coincide with the upcoming school holidays, you won’t have to worry about fitting this in around school times.

2. Give packed lunches a healthy makeover

While not many of us have the time to prepare fancy lunches each morning, packing a few healthy snacks and treats in your child’s lunchbox doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. And their teeth will thank you!

For example, chopped veggie sticks with a nutritious dip make for a tasty crunchy snack that supports good oral health. Try carrots, celery or red capsicum, and pair with a low-fat dip such as hummus or tzatziki.

Berries are a low-maintenance snack option that doesn’t require messy chopping – and as most berries are low in natural sugars, they’re a great choice for packed lunches. Add a low-fat yoghurt pot for a sweet treat, and always include plain water rather than sugary drinks.

3. Make good oral hygiene a fun routine

When it comes to establishing a good oral hygiene routine, it’s best to start early – and by making dental health practices fun, your kids will be more likely to stick with their regular oral health habits.

Simple tricks such as choosing a kid-friendly toothbrush – whether it’s your child’s favourite colour or branded with their favourite superhero – can help get children excited about brushing their teeth.

Rewarding good dental habits is another effective way of encouraging children to keep up with their oral hygiene practices. Whether it’s a sticker for brushing their teeth correctly or a treat for choosing healthy snack options, rewarding good oral health behaviour is a great way to keep kids focused on taking care of their teeth.

4. Get a custom mouthguard for sports

Protecting children’s teeth with a mouthguard is crucial for reducing their risk of damage during contact sports. For effective, long-lasting protection, there’s no substitute for a custom mouthguard, professionally made by your dentist.

Custom mouthguards are designed to properly fit your child’s mouth, which means not only do they offer a better level of protection, but they’re also much more comfortable to wear. What’s more, unlike store-bought mouthguards, custom mouthguards are more durable, so won’t need to be replaced as often.

Did you know you can even customise your mouthguard with team colours or name tags? Kids will love being able to show off their personalised mouthguards, while you’ll have the peace of mind that their pearly whites are protected.

Need to make an appointment at Apple Dental? Contact our friendly team today and stay on top of your children’s oral health.