Between school supply shopping and schedule planning, it's easy for dental checkups to slip through the cracks. Here's a simple checklist to make sure your kids head back to school with healthy, cavity-free smiles.

1. Schedule a Checkup and Cleanings

Summer schedules (and summer treats) can throw off routines. A pre-school-year cleaning and exam helps catch any cavitis or issues early, before they turn into a mid-semester emergency that pulls your child out of class.

2. Ask About Sealants

If your child has permanent molars coming in, dental sealants are a quick, painless way to protect those deep grooves from tapping food and bactiera which is one of the most common places cavities develop in school-age kids.

3. Check Fluoride Needs

Depending on your child's cavity risk and your local water supply, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen enamel heading into the school year.

4. Stock Up on the Right Supplies

• A soft-bristled, appropriately sized toothbrush (replace every 3 months, or sooner if bristles fray)
• Fluoride toothpaste appropriate for their age
• Floss or floss picks that are easy for kids to use independently
• A refillable ewater bottle to encourage water over sugary drinks during the school day

5. Get a Mouthguard for Sports

If your child is playing fall sports, a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the best ways to prevent chipped, crackes, or knocked-out teeth. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist offer better protection and comfort than generic store-bought versions.

6. Pack Tooth-Friendly Lunches

• Choose whole fruits over driend fruit or fruit snacks, which are sticky and cling to teeth
• Swap juice boxes for water when possible
• Pack cheese or yogurt, which can help neutralize acids in the mouth
• Limit sticky, sugary snacks that linger in the mouth between brushing

7. Set a Morning and Evening Routine

Busy school mornings can mean brushing gets rushed or skipped. setting a consistent routine by brushing after breakfast, brush and floss before bed helps make good habits automatic, even on hectic days.

8. Talk to Your Dentist About Orthodontic Timing

If your child is around age 7, it's a good time to ask about an orthodontic evaluation. Early evaluations can catch developing bite or spacing issues while there's still time to guide growth, even if treatment isn't needed yet.

Start the School Year Off Right

A quick checkup now can prevent a lot of hassle (and missed school day) later. It's one of the easiest things to check off your back-to-school list.

Ready to schedule your child's back-to-school checkup? Book an appointment with Forest Family Dentistry at one of our Austin or Round Rock locations today.