Children spend the majority of their day at school. This makes it difficult for you to ensure they are eating snacks and meals that are beneficial to their teeth and gums. At Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, they not only provide dental exams and teeth cleanings for children, but they also help parents develop a dental care plan that can be used to help take care of their child's teeth while they are away from home.

3 FAQs Parents Have About Protecting Their Child's Teeth At School

1. What Can I Pack For Lunch?

Even though you cannot stop someone from giving your child an unhealthy snack or another food item while they are at school, you can be proactive about their lunch. The best foods for your child's teeth and gums include vegetables like broccoli and celery, which require a lot of chewing and scrape off plaque and other food particles around the gum line and on the teeth. Fruits with a high water content are also a good choice as they help to clean out the mouth. Foods packed with calcium, such as yogurt and cheese, contribute to making the teeth grow stronger while also increasing the saliva in the mouth, which helps to rid the mouth of bacteria and food particles.

2. How Do I Encourage My Child To Drink Water?

If your child's school gives them a selection of sugary drinks to choose from every day, it might make it difficult for them to want to drink water instead. The best way to accomplish this is to set an example for drinking water while they are at home. Doing this will help them to choose water while at school, which cleans their mouth of bacteria after they eat a snack or lunch. You might also give them a special cup in their lunchbox for water to make drinking the liquid more special.

3. Should I Send My Child To School With A Toothbrush?

If your child has ongoing dental care problems or if you just want to take preventative measures, there is nothing wrong with sending them to school with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Just think of it as another school supply. It might be necessary to speak with your child's teacher or the school to determine that this would be all right to do. 

If you have more dental care questions about the health of your child's teeth, contact Pediatric Dental Group today. To schedule a teeth cleaning and dental exam, call (808) 593-8828. You can also visit this pediatric dentist online to view their list of services and procedures. Also, for regular dental tips and updates, be sure to follow them on Facebook.