Back To School. Continue to Care For Your Teeth

Get them ready for back to school.

A month ago my neighbor was telling me her plans for making the 2015-16 school year the best year for all her children. I listened carefully and thought, “Whatever.”

I accept my neighbor is just trying to be a good parent. But, like a lot of women who secretly would like to be recognized as mother-of-the-year, she’s wacko.

Who else would spend a week having their children practice getting up for school? It’s not school, yet. Let them sleep. I’d be much more inclined to practice my vacation schedule. Or let’s say my retirement schedule, if that ever happens, schedule. But practicing your school schedule, why punish yourself?

“I wanted to make sure they were all back on schedule and organized,” she explained about setting the alarm, getting dressed and having breakfast as a family.

“Really? Scheduled and organized? I thought children were synonymous with chaos and disorganization.  In this case, practice isn’t like the main event. During school practice, there are no spelling tests someone forgot, there are no forms you have to sign saying you were notified that someone in the classroom had lice. There is no kid sneaking into the pantry for a box of Jell-O to share with her friends at lunch. Which solves the mystery of the orange index finger every night after school.

There is, however, one school activity my children practiced before school started–backpack wearing. In the store, they sling a shoulder strap over one shoulder and walk in front of the full-length mirrors. Then they would find another backpack and sling one strap over one shoulder and practice again. In yet another store they chose another backpack and looked around for mirrors.

“Stop practicing!” I finally yell. “It’s a backpack for Pete sakes. What’s the big deal?”

They shake their heads sadly recognizing I am even more foolish than my neighbor, the lady making practice sack lunches.

However, I know one thing. If you don’t want to going to bed early and waking up early, then you should buy your children the backpack which looks best as the prance in front of the store mirror. They will be so excited you won’t have to coerce them to get ready that first day.  They’ll hop out of bed, rush through the morning routine and arrive 15 minutes early. That evening they will be so tired, they’ll fall asleep before you have to make any threats.

Bam. You’re back on schedule. No practice. No hassle.

If your student is wearing braces, there are some things you should have in that backpack.

Having these few items on hand will keep your teeth and braces healthy and your mouth comfortable at school.

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste– Yes, we know this is a little bit of a hassle but make sure you brush and floss after lunch to keep your smile healthy. Oral hygiene is always important but it’s ESPECIALLY important when you have braces.
• Floss Picks– Keep a bag of these on hand in case you need them after lunch.
• Mirror– We recommend keeping a compact mirror in your locker and/or backpack so you can check out your braces if something feels funny.
• Wax– Keep a case of wax in your backpack in case you have a pokey wire or any cheek irritation.
• Rubber Bands– Don’t get behind on your treatment! Make sure you have spare rubber bands in case one breaks at school and to replace after lunch.
• Retainer Case– We see it ALL the time…Where did my retainer go? I had it on my lunch tray…Whoops! It’s in the trash! Avoid having to dig through trash and the added expenses of new retainers. Keep your retainer in a retainer case whenever it’s not in your mouth!
• Mouth Guard– If you play contact sports, make sure you wear your mouth guard to protect your teeth and braces. Studies have shown that athletes are 60 times more likely to damage teeth when NOT wearing a mouth guard!

We can help you with all of those questions and concerns, so come in and see us at one of our three southwest Washington locations, or give us a call at 360-883-3800. Click here to learn more about Dr. Croft.