Back to School: The Dental Checklist Every Canadian Parent Needs
The end of summer means new backpacks, fresh school supplies, and busy morning routines. Amid all the back to school preparation, one important item often gets overlooked: your child's dental health. Booking a checkup before the school year begins sets your kids up for a healthy, cavity-free year ahead.
Why Back to School Is the Best Time for a Checkup
The transition from summer to school is an ideal moment for a dental visit. Summer schedules are more flexible than the busy months ahead, and catching any issues early means fewer missed school days for emergency appointments later. It also helps establish healthy routines right as the structured school year begins.
Your Back to School Dental Checklist
- Book a checkup and cleaning - A professional exam catches cavities and other issues before they become painful problems.
- Replace old toothbrushes - A new school year is a great reminder to swap out worn toothbrushes, which should be replaced every three to four months.
- Restock dental supplies - Make sure you have enough fluoride toothpaste and floss for the whole family.
- Pack a tooth-friendly lunch - Plan lunches and snacks that support dental health rather than sugary options that feed cavity-causing bacteria.
- Get a mouthguard for sports - If your child plays fall sports like hockey, soccer, or football, a custom mouthguard protects against dental injuries.
- Review the morning and bedtime routine - Reinforce twice daily brushing and nightly flossing before the school rush sets in.
Tooth-Friendly Lunchbox Ideas
What your child eats during the school day has a big impact on their teeth. Try to include:
- Cheese and yogurt, which are rich in calcium and help neutralize acids
- Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery that help clean teeth naturally
- Water instead of juice or sugary drinks
- Whole fruits rather than fruit snacks or dried fruit that stick to teeth
Try to limit sugary treats, candy, and juice boxes, which can contribute to tooth decay when consumed throughout the day.
Do Not Forget About CDCP Coverage
The Canadian Dental Care Plan helps eligible families cover the cost of dental care for their children. If your family qualifies, back to school season is a great time to take advantage of covered preventive services like exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. Check your eligibility and find a participating clinic before the busy season begins.
Building Lifelong Habits
The routines children build now will follow them for life. By making dental care a normal part of the back to school routine, you are teaching your kids that their oral health matters. Lead by example, make brushing fun for younger children, and celebrate cavity-free checkups.
Find a Family-Friendly Dentist on DrGreat
Ready to book that back to school checkup? DrGreat makes it easy to find a family-friendly dental clinic near you. Search by location, filter by CDCP acceptance, languages spoken, and accessibility features, and find a clinic that welcomes your whole family. Start the school year with healthy smiles all around.
