Chalkboard image reads back to school

Summer is winding down and the back-to-school season is ramping up! It can be a hectic time and easy to put dental care to the side, that’s why we have come up with 5 back-to-school Kelowna dental tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible.



Chalkboard image reads back to school

#1 Schedule a check-up with your Kelowna Dentist before the school year begins

A new school year is exciting, but it’s also a good time to schedule a check-up with the dentist. A timely appointment at your Kelowna dentist can help ensure your child’s teeth are healthy and strong and remain so throughout the school year. A back-to-school checkup also ensures that any problems are treated before they become more significant. So before the school year begins, be sure to schedule a check-up. Your child will be glad you did!




#2 Make sure your child is brushing their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Unfortunately, many children (and adults) do not brush their teeth as often as they should. For best results, we recommend brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time.

This may seem like a lot, but there are a few easy ways to make sure your child is spending enough time on their oral care routine. First, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. Many Kelowna dentists can recommend kid-friendly models that have timers that help children brush for the recommended amount of time. Additionally, there is a variety of kid-centric toothpaste on the market that can make brushing more enjoyable for the little ones.

Finally, make sure to set a good example by brushing your own teeth at the same time as your child. With a little effort, you can help your child develop healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime!



Drawn child brushing his teeth




Cute animated flossing drawing

#3 Flossing is just as important as brushing

While most people know that they should brush their teeth twice a day, many people underemphasize the importance of flossing. Flossing is crucial for helping to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth. When plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and turn into tartar, potentially leading to gum disease.

The good news is that flossing is easy to do and only takes a few seconds. Just wrap the floss around each tooth, and use a gentle back-and-forth motion to remove plaque. By making sure your kids are brushing and flossing every day, you can help them keep their teeth in tip-floss shape!




#4 Eat healthy snacks

When it comes to oral health, what your child eats can make a big difference.

Just like the rest of their body, their teeth and gums need the correct nutrients to stay healthy. Encouraging them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables is a great way to help them get the vitamins and minerals they need for good oral health.

You should also limit sugary drinks and snacks, as sugar can damage teeth and promote tooth decay. Water is always the tooth-happy choice for quenching thirst. Encouraging healthy eating habits is a great way to help ensure that your child has a healthy mouth now and in the future.



A drawn medley of healthy snacks




Drawn Dental Mouthguard

#5 Wear a Mouthguard

We have three great reasons why your child should wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports. First, mouthguards help to prevent dental injuries. When used correctly, they can cushion the teeth and help to absorb the impact of a fall or direct hit.

Second, mouthguards also help to protect the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the tongue, lips, and cheeks.

Finally, and perhaps most surprisingly, mouthguards reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing some of the energy from a blow to the head. While no mouthguard can completely prevent all oral injuries, they do provide an extra measure of protection for your child’s smile. So be sure to ask your Kelowna Dentist about custom-fitted mouthguards for your child’s next sports season.

Now that you have a few dental tips to keep in mind, it’s time to book an appointment! By getting your child’s teeth checked before the school year begins, you are setting up a strong foundation for a healthy smile throughout the year.




Questions about Kelowna dental back-to-school tips, or any other oral hygiene concerns can be discussed through virtual appointment. For any other inquiries please give our friendly staff a call at 250-764-7794 or contact us to book an appointment today.