Back to School is here! Are you ready for it?
Back to School means it’s time to restock school supplies, load up on nutritious snacks and lunch foods, and visit the dentist for a cleaning before the first day of class.
If you’re feeling unprepared for Back to School, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Back to School guide to feel confident as you send your kids to the classroom.
Back to School checklist
Gather school supplies
The school your child is attending will have individual school supply lists, but here are some universal items you can grab in advance:
- Backpack
- Lunchbox
- Pens
- Erasers
- Pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Highlighters
- Folders
- Notebooks
- Ruler
- Crayons
- Washable paint
- Markers
- Disinfecting wipes/sanitizer
Nearly all grades are likely to use some or all the items above during the year, so be sure to stock up before school begins.
Pack healthy lunches
It’s no secret that what children consume affects their oral and mental well-being, so it’s important to send them to school with food that’s good for their oral and overall health.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends the following choices for a healthy and nutritious lunch:
- Protein: Chicken, cheese, nuts, hummus, yogurt, eggs.
- Grains: Whole-wheat crackers, pita bread, bagels, muffins, wheat or rye bread.
- Fruit: Grapes, berries, apples, bananas, clementines, or dried fruits.
- Veggies: Carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, celery, bell peppers, cooked veggies, or salad.
- Healthy Snacks: Trail mix, healthy cookies, whole grain chips, or avocado slices.
Skip sugary beverages such as juice or soda for lunch as they can lead to enamel erosion and cavities.
Tip: If you don’t have the resources to provide these items for your children, check with the school office to find out if your child qualifies for a free or reduced-priced lunch.
Schedule a visit to the dentist
Back to School is a great time to schedule your children’s bi-annual dental cleaning. In many cases, you’re able to schedule the appointments months in advance, so mark your calendar to have them seen a couple weeks before school starts.
Refreshing your children’s oral health tools at home is also important before school. Add purchasing a new toothbrush for your children to the Back to School checklist. The American Dental Association recommends you change toothbrushes every three months because frayed bristles don’t clean teeth as well. It’s also important to coach your kids on good oral health habits, such as brushing for two minutes and flossing every day. Click here for a complete oral health routine for children.
Want more tips on oral health for children? Check out this blog: Top 5 ways to Take Care of your Children’s Teeth.
