FYI

There’s always a million things to do when back-to-school season rolls around. Even if you don’t have kids of your own that need new clothes, books and supplies, you can still help your younger patients get ready for a new school year.

1. Talk about mouth guards.

For kids who play on school sports teams or participate in other physical activities, a mouth guard is an essential piece of equipment. Even if schools don’t require mouth guards or provide them as part of standard equipment, you should encourage kids and parents to make use of them. Patients who are sensitive to how they’re perceived by their peers may view mouth guards as uncool and be reluctant to wear them. When talking with these patients, it can help to familiarize yourself with professional athletes who wear them and who find ways to make them more stylish. If your patients or their parents find it helpful to have resources they can refer to when choosing a mouth guard, you can share the Delta Dental Wellness Library with them.
 

2. Discuss healthy food and drink choices.

For kids who purchase lunch at school or attend schools that offer snacks in vending machines, there can be plenty of temptation to choose sweet treats over healthier options. Instead of trying to provide comprehensive lists of foods that are “good” and foods that are “bad,” speak with parents and patients about how to identify what makes some choices healthier than others. Use this opportunity to educate patients on the effects of sugary and acidic food on their teeth and offer suggestions for tasty alternatives. When it comes to packing a healthy lunch, there are resources in the Wellness Library that can help.
 

3. Schedule future check-ups and major appointments.

Once the school year gets rolling, it can be easy for kids’ schedules to fill up with social events, after-school activities, sports, studying and more. It’s always a good idea to schedule dental check-ups ahead of time, but for patients with busy schedules that they can’t fully control, this can be especially important. Ask patients and parents to share their school calendar as soon as possible. Encourage patients to schedule more involved appointments, such as those around braces or wisdom teeth removal, during extended breaks when there will be more time for recovery or adjustment.