Our house has it, does yours? It’s “Back to Schoolitis”, you know, the change that is in the air once August hits and the return to school looms only a few weeks away. The college kids are counting the minutes until they are back on campus, the high school kids are bemoaning the start of early mornings, and the little ones are excited about new backpacks, notebooks and shoes! School marks yet another change to the routine of your family…here are some quick tips to keep your student’s smile healthy as they head back to school.

Brush at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Yes, I know those of you who hibernate when you sleep like to roll out of bed five minutes before you leave for school or class…but take a few minutes to brush your teeth AFTER you eat breakfast and BEFORE you leave for school. You need to get rid of the plaque that has built up on your teeth overnight, and no one wants to sit in class next to someone with morning breath. And remember to floss. All the cool kids are doing it!

Pack a healthy balanced lunch and snack. Too many carbohydrates can be as harmful to your teeth as candy..be sure to load up on lean proteins and healthy fruits and vegetables. Plan your lunches and snacks carefully…remember, many kids stay after school for sports and activities. They are ravenous when that final bell rings. If you haven’t provided a healthy snack for them, they will head to the vending machines. And we all know that not much good comes from a vending machine.

Stop the Pop! Soda pop and sugar laden sports drinks can contain an astounding amount of sticky sugar and acid. If your student is drinking a lot of pop or sports drinks, it will show in their teeth, often in the form of decay. Be a good role model, get the pop out of your house and out of your kids lunches. Provide them with sugar free, acid free drink alternatives.

Make your college student’s 6 month check up appointments NOW! We keep special days open in December and January for our college students, but they fill up fast! Set up your six month cleaning appointments for your busy college and high school students when they are on Christmas break…it is important to have regular professional cleanings to keep your teeth free from decay forming plaque and to take care of any dental concerns before they become big problems.

If you are in college, don’t forget to call your mom. Trust me on this one.

Back to Schoolitis is here! And whether you’re getting your PHD or starting preschool, here’s hoping you have a great school year, full of learning and fun and adventures. And smiles. Lots and lots of smiles.