Back-to-School Dental Checklist for Kids: What Parents Should Know

The start of a new school year is a blur of supply lists, packed lunches, and getting everyone back on a schedule. But in between the bus routes and school shoes, there’s one essential that often gets overlooked: your child’s dental health.

At Smiles One Family Dentistry in Pittsburgh, we believe healthy smiles start young. Here’s a practical checklist to help your child head back to school with a confident, cavity-free smile.

Start with a professional cleaning and exam
Even if your child hasn’t had any complaints, a checkup before the school year starts is a smart move. We can catch small issues before they become distractions in class and make sure your child gets off to a healthy start.

Ask about fluoride and sealants
If it’s been a while since your child received fluoride or sealants, this might be the perfect time to refresh. These treatments help protect growing teeth from cavities, especially during sugar-snack-heavy school days.

Get any school forms or dental records updated
Some schools require proof of a recent dental visit for enrollment, especially in kindergarten or when transferring. If you need dental records or a signed form, just let us know. We’ll make it easy.

Reset those brushing and flossing habits
Back-to-school is a great time to reestablish healthy routines. Make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily. A new toothbrush or toothpaste with their favorite character can help make it stick.

Rethink the lunchbox
Swap sugary snacks and sticky treats for smile-friendly options like apple slices, cheese cubes, yogurt, or nut butters. These choices support healthy teeth and help prevent mid-day sugar crashes too.

Consider a custom mouthguard for sports
If your child plays contact sports, talk to us about a custom-fitted mouthguard. It protects their teeth and braces from injury and fits better than anything you’ll find at the store.

Know what dental symptoms to watch for
Let your child know it’s okay to speak up if they feel tooth sensitivity, soreness, or pain while chewing or brushing. The sooner we know, the easier it is to treat.

Let’s Get Your Child School-Year Ready

At Smiles One, we’re here to make dental care easy and stress-free for kids and parents alike. Whether it’s a routine exam or a little extra TLC before the first day of school, we’re ready when you are.

📅 Schedule your child’s back-to-school visit today and send them off with a healthy, confident smile.

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