Back-to-School Dental Reminders

It’s September, and the kids are going back to school. Whether yours are kindergartners or collegians, good oral health habits can help keep them academically alert.

Pack healthy lunches and snacks for their oral health. That means focusing on foods from the five major food groups, and minimizing foods with lots of sugar, which promote caries. Childhood caries is a major cause of school absenteeism. More than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness. Oral health problems can impact a child’s self-esteem, and lead to problems eating, speaking and attending to learning. Good food choices include dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), meat, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (such as breads and cereals). For more information, see “Eating Right for Your Dental Health.”

Show elementary-school kids how to make wise oral-health choices. A fun way to do this is by sitting down with them and playing Dental Defenders, an online game developed by Delta Dental to teach kids about their oral health. Players embark on action-packed adventures where brushing, flossing, and healthy eating help them win. Kids see immediately how their decisions can affect oral health. Play Dental Defenders for a unique learning experience that your kids won't soon forget!

Remind college students to make regular dental visits. Ongoing preventive care such as dental visits and cleanings can help prevent costly and painful dental problems. If you’re kids are full-time college students, make sure to submit Delta Dental’s student documentation verification form this fall to ensure uninterrupted benefits coverage and minimize claim processing delays. You can find it on our Web site at www.deltadentalnj.com; click “forms” on the navigation bar on the left.