The classrooms with the best smile

Dr. Arabella Michelén

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Summer is generally the time of year chosen by parents to take their children to the pediatric dentist, to begin orthodontic treatments; in the case of adolescents and young people, to plan and perform extractions of third molars; vacations and oral health are combined, excellent news.

Visiting the dentist every six months is of utmost importance for the healthy development of the child. Vital functions such as chewing and phonation are closely linked to the correct functioning of the stomatognathic system; the same applies to the smile and therefore to aesthetics. Therefore, preventive measures are of vital importance and should be taken at home, at school, as well as in extracurricular activity centers.

It should be noted that, while it is true that during the dental consultation, the doctor proceeds to perform prophylaxis, apply preventive treatments, such as the application of fluoride and pit and fissure sealants, eliminate any existing infectious process; the measures taken at home make a difference in oral health.

When the school year begins, family dynamics undergo a drastic change, everything becomes faster, schedules must be kept... None of this is a valid excuse to neglect the two basic aspects of prevention in terms of oral health: healthy eating and proper oral hygiene.

These two measures are closely related to:

– Provide the student with an oral hygiene kit that includes, at the very least, a toothbrush and toothpaste. Knowing that floss and any other accessories that your dentist has recommended should be included in your home routine.
-Reinforce the importance of brushing your teeth after eating, including snacks, and explain to your child and adolescent that if brushing becomes difficult, they should rinse their mouth with enough water suitable for human consumption.
⁃ Prepare a healthy snack. Avoid eating sticky foods and foods based on refined sugars. Cheese, fruit, and water are excellent to include in lunch boxes.
⁃ If you are going to do outdoor activities, use lip balm. This will prevent tissue injuries, which if repeated can become malignant.
⁃ When practicing contact sports and activities, wear a mouthguard. These are customized and must be made and supervised by an oral health professional. Their main function is to prevent trauma and fractures.
⁃ Stay hydrated, especially in our climate. Water is life and is part of every organ in the body.
⁃ Discuss what measures to take in the event of dental or oral tissue trauma. As well as the importance of not sharing or exchanging cutlery, glasses and other utensils with classmates, as this prevents the spread of diseases.
⁃ It is important to finish dental treatments that have been started in the summer, those that require follow-up for a period, for example, orthodontic treatments, and not to neglect them when school commitments begin.

The other pillar of prevention in terms of oral health is the regular visit to the dentist, these three:

1- Correct hygiene.
2- Healthy eating.
3- Visit to the dentist.

They significantly help our population to be free of dental caries and periodontal disease, both of which are closely related to general health and human well-being.

When purchasing uniforms and school supplies, don't forget to bring an oral hygiene kit for each of your children, for their health and that of your entire family.