A smiling child holding his books | children's dentist

How to Maintain a Healthy Smile as You Head Back to School

August 15, 2023
|
Posted By: Dr. Jason Justison
A group of children racing to school | pediatric dentistry

As summer winds to a close, it’s time to think about your kids returning to school. This time of year is full of learning new routines and juggling activities, social events, and appointments. With so much going on, maintaining the best oral hygiene habits may be difficult for you and your kids. So, here are a few tips to help keep a healthy mouth during this busy time of the year.

Maintaining a Healthy Smile During the School Year

Following these tips can help you balance the demands of the school year while maintaining your oral hygiene:

1. Visit the dentist regularly – Even though the school year is busy, it’s essential to keep up with your regular visits to your family dentist. Your pediatric dentist in Wilmington can perform routine cleanings and examinations to help spot any dental issues early and keep your teeth clean and beautiful.

2. Follow your orthodontic treatment schedule – If your child wears braces or retainers, they need to visit our dental office for regular adjustments to keep their treatment plan on schedule and avoid any issues.

3. Pack healthy snacks – Packing foods such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt for your child to eat while they’re at school can help them avoid sugary snacks while they are away from home. Also, please encourage your child to drink as much water as possible during the day to rinse away any food particles on their teeth.

4. Make dental care a routine – With so many activities going on during the school year, consider setting an alarm each day so your children get used to brushing and flossing in the morning and evening at a designated time. Creating these routines early in the school year can help your kids maintain their oral health.

5. Prevent dental accidents – It’s always best to be proactive regarding dental injuries, so consider having your children wear mouthguards to protect their teeth while they play sports or participate in other physical activities.

Do You Need a Children’s Dentist in Wilmington, DE?

If you are looking for a dental team who wants to help you and your children achieve a beautiful smile and oral health, look no further than Justison and Gladnick Family Dentistry. Whether it’s the beginning of the school year or any other time, we want to be your choice for dental care. You can contact us at (302) 994-2660 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Related Blog Posts
January 23, 2026
Start 2026 Off Right with Your First Cleaning and Checkup

Because keeping a healthy smile in 2026 is one of your goals, starting 2026 with a professional dental cleaning and checkup sets a solid foundation for long-term oral health. Prioritizing your dental health now can help safeguard your smile, bite, and overall well-being for the rest of the year, and ...

January 4, 2026
How to Break Bad Dental Habits in the New Year
A father and daughter brushing their teeth in the mirror | wilmington dentist

How are those New Year’s resolutions going? Was one of them to improve your overall health? While exercise and diet often top the list, your oral health deserves equal attention, and the new year is the perfect opportunity to address bad dental habits.

4 Bad Dental Habits and How to Address ...

October 16, 2025
Your First Dental Visit at Drs. Justison and Gladnick: What to Expect
woman laying in dentist exam chair | dental offices in wilmington de

Updated October 2025

Your first dental visit may be a little nerve-wracking, especially if you haven’t had a checkup in a while, but there is no reason to worry. Our team at Drs. Justison and Gladnick is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality dental care so your smile can stay healthy and strong throughout ...