Summer is almost over. Your child is getting ready to go back to school. The books are in place and the school supplies are ready. Even the doctor’s visit is done, but what about a visit to the dentist? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 40% of the kids who are yet to begin kindergarten have tooth decay. Catching decay early and teaching healthy habits can not only prevent cavities, but it can keep your child in class more, and at the dentist office facing fillings (or even worse, crowns!) less.

Sometimes your child’s teeth may look just fine to you, and you may not feel the need to visit a dentist. There may not be any apparent symptoms, but underlying problems may flare up and lead to severe conditions later. Some tooth problems cannot be detected at home. A timely visit to the dentist will help detect even minor problems, and prevent them from developing into serious conditions.

Ways to maintain dental hygiene Apart from periodic dental check-ups, there are certain basic rules you can follow to ensure that your child’s teeth are clean and free from cavities:

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• Regular brushing and flossing
• Feed them healthy snacks that are tooth-friendly: vegetables, fruits and cheese
• Cut down on junk food – avoid giving sugary foods that attract bacteria and develop cavities.
• Chewing of gum is considered to be good (especially after a meal) as it helps to clean the teeth, but opt for a sugar-free variety!

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