Let’s start with horses. Did you know that horses have teeth that continuously grow throughout their lifetime?

1. Stick to a routine: Establishing a regular oral care routine is crucial in maintaining good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning before school and again before bed. Don’t forget to floss daily as well. Set a reminder on your phone or keep a small dental kit handy in your school bag to ensure that you never miss a brushing or flossing session.

2. Pack dental essentials: Have a dental kit with you at all times. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a small mouthwash bottle. These essentials will allow you to maintain your oral care routine throughout the day, especially if you eat lunch at school. After lunch, simply excuse yourself to the restroom and give your teeth a quick brush. This will help remove any food particles and keep your breath fresh.

3. Choose tooth-friendly snacks: Starchy and sugary snacks can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. When packing your school snacks, opt for tooth-friendly options like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and nuts. These not only nourish your body but also help maintain good oral health by stimulating saliva production, which neutralizes acids and fights harmful bacteria in your mouth.

4. Drink water throughout the day: Water is essential for staying hydrated but also acts as a natural rinse for your teeth. Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth moist, reducing the risk of bacteria build-up and bad breath. Make it a habit to carry a reusable water bottle with you and take sips regularly.

5. Avoid sharing personal items: Back to school often means interacting with many people, including friends and classmates. While it’s great to be social, it’s important to avoid sharing personal items like toothbrushes, floss, or water bottles. Sharing these items can transfer harmful bacteria from one mouth to another, increasing the risk of oral health issues.

6. Wear a mouthguard during sports: If you participate in sports or physical education classes, wearing a mouthguard is crucial. Mouthguards protect your teeth from potential injuries caused by falls, collisions, or contact with sports equipment. Even non-contact sports can lead to accidents, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

7. Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. Schedule a dental appointment before the school year begins to ensure your teeth and gums are in good condition. Your dentist can provide routine cleanings, check for any potential issues, and offer personalized advice on specific oral care practices.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is just as important as keeping up with your studies. By following these back-to-school tips, you can ensure that your smile stays healthy throughout the school year. Remember, a healthy mouth is a happy mouth!

As a group of dentists, we have the privilege of working on teeth of all shapes and sizes. But have you ever wondered about the teeth of animals? Specifically, horses, cows, and tusked animals? Well, hold onto your hats because we’ve got some fun facts for you!

Let’s start with horses. Did you know that horses have teeth that continuously grow throughout their lifetime?[1] That’s right! Because horses are grazing animals who munch on tough grasses all day, their teeth are designed to wear down quickly. So, to keep up with their daily eating habits, their teeth must grow continuously to replace the worn-down bits.

Moving on to cows – did you know that cows have a very complex digestive system and their stomach contains 4 unique compartments to help digest their food! [2] In addition, cows have a powerful set of molars and premolars that allow them to break down tough plant fibers and extract all the nutrients they need.

But what about tusked animals? The tusk of a narwhal is actually a tooth that has grown to be up to ten feet long. Narwhals are sometimes called “unicorns of the sea” because of their long, spiraling tusks! [3]

In conclusion, while we may focus on human teeth in our daily practice, it’s always fun to learn about the unique teeth of animals. Next time you find yourself looking at a horse, cow or bull, take a moment to appreciate the incredible teeth that allow them to thrive in their natural habitats. And always remember – keep those teeth healthy, no matter what species you belong to!

References:
[1] https://learninghorses.com/horses-teeth-never-stop-growing/
[2] https://animalagalliance.org/do-cows-really-have-four-stomachs/
[3] https://animalcorner.org/blog/animals-with-tusks/

Dentists have a wealth of knowledge about oral health, but it can be hard for them to get that knowledge across to their patients. Here are five things dentists wish more patients knew that could help them maintain better oral health:

1. The Power of a Story

Children love stories. Why not make them informative and educational as well? Create a fun story about your child’s teeth, with the protagonist being a bright and shiny tooth. Explain how food and drinks can cause the tooth to turn dull and eventually lead to cavities. End the story with some tips on how to keep their teeth clean by brushing, flossing, and eating healthy foods.

2. Use a Timer

Brushing for a full two minutes can seem like an eternity to a child. Make it a fun game by using a timer. You can use a physical sand timer, a YouTube video that counts down two minutes, or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer. The key is to make brushing time a fun activity and something that the child looks forward to and feels proud about.

3. Make Brushing a Family Affair

Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits when they see their parents following the same routine. Make brushing and flossing a family activity and a time for bonding. Create a “brushing station” in the bathroom where everyone can brush their teeth together. You can also sing a song or narrate a story while brushing, adding an extra element of fun.

4. Let the Child Choose Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Giving your child a choice in the type of toothbrush and toothpaste they use can go a long way in making brushing time more enjoyable. You can even take them to the store and let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste within a set budget. Remind your child that they are responsible for taking care of their teeth and that they need to choose wisely.

5. Make Healthy Food Fun

Food is a significant contributor to dental health. Encourage your child to choose healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and cheese over sugary snacks. Use cookie cutters to cut fruits and veggies into fun shapes or add food coloring to yogurt to make it more fun to eat. A creative food presentation can make healthy eating a fun activity for kids.

By incorporating these easy and creative ways into your child’s daily routine, cavity prevention can become a fun and enjoyable activity for your child. Remember that early dental care can lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.