Back to school tips and tricks!

With just a few weeks remaining until the school bells ring again, it's time to start thinking about back to school lists. For most parents, the list gets more lengthy every year. A few more composition books, then a gadget shows up on the list... before you know it they'll need their own laptops and tablets for college. Never fear, our back to school tips and tricks aren't pricey, and they'll help keep your kids healthy, too!

Pack or prepare after school snacks like popcorn. They're
sugarless, taste great and can be strung for out of
class time projects!

Your child's teacher will be the one influencing much of her day, but your presence can be felt in other ways. We love little post-its in lunch boxes, and handwritten notes from home on napkins. They go a long way in making your child smile. But also consider the foods in your lunch from home. Fruit rolls and raisins are popular additions to the mid-day meal, but they aren't the most tooth friendly. Because of the gummy texture, fruit rolls, raisins and similar type foods can stick in the "nooks and crannies" of the teeth and cause cavities. Instead, consider fresh fruits. Fresh fruits are a more instant source of energy for your child. Fruits like apples and bananas are best because they are not acidic and require little effort for your child to chow down!

Instead of a juice box or mini can of soda, consider sending a bottled water and flavor packet. Check the sugar content of the flavoring first as there are no-sugar and no artificial sweetener versions available. Juices are yummy, but should be limited to 8 ounces a day. Additionally, the high sugar content is not only poor nutrition but also can again, lead to cavities! Chances are your child needs to replenish her water stores from gym class or recess anyway!

Ask your child's elementary school teacher if dental health is part of any lesson planned for the year. You might consider scheduling your child's dental appointment around that time to help drive the lesson home. If not, our website is full of resources that can help you instruct your child on proper techniques and overall good oral hygiene!

Finally, if your child is one of the very few who will brush at school, fantastic! Reward her, she's doing great! But don't forget to encourage everyone else to brush after that after school snack. Any time we brush after meals we're doing our mouths a favor.

Enjoy this new school year! Your lesson for today is over :)