Back-to-School Dental Checklist for Kids: Tips From Your Pediatric Dentist in Reno, Nevada
The school year is here. Backpacks are packed, lunches are made, and new routines are in motion. But one thing parents sometimes forget is a back-to-school dental checkup. Healthy teeth are more than just nice for school photos; they also affect your child’s focus, confidence, and attendance. Cavities remain the most common childhood illness, and dental problems are one of the leading reasons kids miss class.
At Wild About Smiles, our goal is to help Reno families start the school year with confidence, cavity-free smiles, and simple routines that last. Here is your complete back-to-school dental checklist, complete with tips you can use, whether you've already booked your child’s checkup or are catching up now.
Schedule a Back-to-School Dental Checkup (It’s Not Too Late)
If you did not squeeze in a dental visit before school started, it is not too late. Scheduling in August or September helps you avoid the holiday rush while still getting your child’s teeth cleaned and checked early in the school year.
A pediatric dental checkup includes:
• A thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
• A cavity screening to catch issues before they cause pain or school absences
• Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
• Growth and development checks for permanent teeth coming in
Booking now means your child will have a healthy smile for school pictures and the upcoming busy sports season.
Pack Tooth-Friendly Lunches and Snacks
Children consume nearly half of their daily calories during the school day, and the food they eat has a significant impact on their dental health. Sticky, sugary foods like fruit snacks or soda can linger on teeth, fueling bacteria that cause cavities.
Best snacks for kids’ teeth:
• Cheese sticks, yogurt, or milk for calcium and strong enamel
• Apple slices, celery, or carrots that help scrub teeth naturally
• Nuts, trail mix, or whole grain crackers for a filling, low-sugar option
• Turkey or ham roll-ups to add protein and keep kids satisfied
Snacks to limit:
• Gummy fruit snacks
• Sticky candies such as taffy or lollipops
• Sugary drinks such as soda, sports drinks, or juice boxes
A good tip is to add a reusable water bottle to your child’s lunchbox. Drinking water throughout the day washes away food particles and keeps them and their mouths hydrated.
Keep Brushing Routines Simple and Consistent
Mornings are hectic, and evenings can be just as busy with homework and activities. But brushing twice a day for two minutes is essential for cavity prevention.
Tips to make brushing easier for kids:
• Use a timer or play a two-minute song
• Let kids pick out a toothbrush with a favorite character
• Keep toothbrushes and toothpaste in sight and easy to reach
• Brush together so children can copy your example
• Reward consistency with a sticker chart or an extra story at bedtime
Many parents search online for “how to get kids to brush their teeth before school.” Keeping routines simple and making brushing fun can help make mornings less stressful.
Protect Smiles With Mouthguards for Sports
Fall sports are already underway, and dental injuries are more common than many parents realize. A mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to protect your child’s teeth, lips, and jaw during games and practices.
Types of mouthguards:
• Custom-fit mouthguards made by your pediatric dentist for maximum comfort and protection.
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards found in sporting goods stores are inexpensive but less reliable.
• Stock mouthguards that are one-size-fits-all and the least protective.
Remember: Children are much more likely to wear a mouthguard if it fits well.
Build Cavity-Free Habits for the Whole Year
Dental health is not just a once-a-year task. A few small daily habits make a big difference in preventing cavities and keeping smiles bright.
• Brush morning and night for two minutes
• Floss once a day, even for kids
• Swap sugary snacks for crunchy fruits and vegetables
• Keep regular dental checkups every six months
Starting the school year strong means more than new shoes and sharpened pencils. It also means a confident, healthy smile that lasts through every class photo, lunch period, and sports season.
Book your child’s back-to-school dental checkup at Wild About Smiles today. Our friendly team makes dental visits fun, comfortable, and stress-free for the whole family.
Call us at 775-331-9477 (Sparks, NV) or 775-423-9453 (Fallon) to schedule.