Back to School Dental Checklist for Teens

dental checklist for teens

It’s Back to School Time. 

Don’t forget your dental checklist for teens.

Is your teen about to embark on a new school year? For many families, back-to-school also means getting back into a routine—one that should include dental health. But in the rush to get ready to head back to the classroom, it’s important to remind teens to refocus on their oral health. Don’t worry—we’re here to help. If your teen doesn’t always listen to you (insert eyeroll), here are a few pointers from the Dr. E Cosmetic & Family Dentistry team to help your teen start off the school year with a fresh, healthy smile. Check out the dental checklist for teens:

  • Brushing and flossing: It may seem elementary, but consistent brushing and flossing—at least twice daily—are the building blocks to good oral health. As we say goodbye to the lazy days of summer and transition back to “reality,” remind teens to prioritize their oral hygiene routine.
  • Back–to-school (dental) shopping: As you shop for new backpacks and stock up on school supplies, consider updating your teen’s dental arsenal with an upgraded electric toothbrush, new mouthwash or a nifty waterpik. After all, teens love cool gizmos and gadgets—and parents will appreciate any incentives that lead to better oral hygiene.
  • Stay hydrated on-the-go: Staying hydrated is essential for overall health but it is also critical to dental health. Water helps wash away food debris and prevents concerns such as bad breath and dry mouth. Reusable water bottles are all the rage on TikTok, so encourage your teen to take one to school and sip it throughout the day.
  • Avoid sugar: The sweet, sugary energy and soft drinks marketed to teens can be tempting but also wreak havoc on their smiles. Overindulging on sugar increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Instead, encourage teens to stick with H20!
  • Pack a healthy lunch: Remind your teen to limit junk food and fuel their bodies with healthy options instead. We recommend low-sugar yogurt, cheese sticks, nuts, carrots and sliced apples—they’re easy to pack and good for your smile.
  • Wear a mouthguard: Does your teen play a fall sport? A mouthguard can protect their teeth from potential injuries, especially during contact sports. Your dentist can also assist with a custom-fitted mouthguard.
  • Address wisdom teeth: Beginning at around age 17, jaw pain and tender gums may signal that it’s time to for wisdom teeth removal. Having wisdom teeth removed during the teen years is recommended because the procedure and recovery is more simple before long tooth roots fully develop.
  • Steer clear of tobacco: Most teens know that smoking is a bad habit. But they may not be aware of the damage that tobacco can do to their pearly whites, including gum disease, tooth staining, tooth loss and even mouth cancer.
  • Visit your dentist: Not only does Dr. E love connecting with teen patients, but their bi-annual cleanings and visits help ensure that we keep dental health on track by deep cleaning the teeth, checking for tooth decay or gum disease, monitoring wisdom teeth and more. Make sure your busy teens keep their appointments with us!

As the back-to-school-season approaches, we encourage you to help teens prioritize good dental habits that will help them smile brightly and confidently throughout the school year… and their lifetime!

Are your teens headed back-to-school soon? We look forward to caring for their smiles! Contact us today: 480-494-2435