The school year brings full calendars, exciting activities, and significant academic milestones. Amid the rush of routines and responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook oral health, but a little planning goes a long way in keeping your child’s smile healthy and bright.

At Just Kids, part of Gettysburg Dental Associates, we’re here to help your family thrive throughout the academic season. From check-ups to smile-friendly lunchtime ideas, here are our dental tips for kids to help them succeed this school year!

Schedule Dental Appointments Before Busy Seasons Hit

School breaks, holidays, and academic deadlines can sneak up fast, and children are three times more likely to miss school days due to dental-related problems than any other illness. That’s why we recommend booking dental appointments early in the school year, during scheduled school breaks, and before exam periods.

Regular check-ups and cleanings are essential for long-term oral health, and they’re much easier to fit in before calendars fill up with sports, tests, and holiday travel. Planning ahead also gives you more flexibility in choosing appointment times that work best for your family’s schedule.

The Just Kids team is happy to help you find convenient times so your child can stay on track with their school work and dental health!

Get a Custom Mouthguard for Sports

If your child participates in sports, don’t forget that mouthguards are a key piece of protective gear.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during any sport where contact, falls, or flying equipment could lead to oral injuries. That includes football, soccer, basketball, hockey, wrestling, and even non-contact sports like gymnastics or skateboarding.

We offer custom-fitted mouthguards that are more comfortable, effective, and longer-lasting than store-bought versions, which is especially important for kids with braces or other orthodontic appliances.

Make Lunchtime Count for Tooth Care

School lunches serve not only to fuel young minds but also as a key opportunity to promote good oral hygiene habits. Follow these dental tips for kids to help them take care of their teeth throughout the school day.

• Pack tooth-friendly snacks like apple slices, carrots, cheese cubes, and nuts. These not only nourish the body but also support oral health with their nutrients and vitamins.
• Limit sugary or sticky snacks like fruit snacks, candy bars, or juice boxes, which can increase cavity risk, especially when there’s no opportunity to brush after.
• Encourage water over sports drinks or soda. Sports drinks in excess may lead to the possibility of erosive damage to teeth. Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and keeps mouths hydrated.
• Remind your child to wear their retainer if they’ve completed orthodontic treatment. Wearing it consistently, except during meals, helps keep their smile in great shape.

Including a travel-sized toothbrush, floss picks, or a little case for a retainer in their lunchbox or backpack can be a game changer! You could even include a reminder on a note card with their lunch.

Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies at School

Accidents can happen at any time, even in the classroom or on the playground. Whether it’s a bumped tooth during gym class or a sudden toothache during a math test, educating your child on how to be prepared for a dental emergency can make all the difference.

• Chipped or broken tooth? Have your child rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any piece if possible and contact us right away.‍
• Lost a tooth? If it's not a baby tooth, ensure your child saves it and stores the tooth in milk until they can see us.‍
• Toothache? Rinse with warm salt water and check for food caught between the teeth. Contact us to check for infection or cavities.

We're happy to offer a variety of same-day emergency dental services to both new and existing patients so your child can be comfortable and get back to learning faster.

Just Kids is Here for a Bright School Year

At Just Kids, we’re committed to supporting your family’s oral health every step of the way. Whether it’s scheduling appointments early or providing dental tips for kids, our team is here to help your child stay healthy, happy, and ready to shine.

Want to check one more thing off your to-do list? Book your child’s next appointment today!

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