Back-to-School Dental Checklist for Kids and Teens

Back-to-school season is always a busy time for families. Between school supplies, sports tryouts, and new schedules, oral health can sometimes take a back seat. But starting the school year with a healthy smile is just as important as a new backpack or pair of sneakers. Good dental health impacts more than appearances—it affects confidence, focus, and even academic performance.

At WDF Dental, we know how important it is for parents to feel confident that their children’s smiles are cared for. That’s why we’ve created this back-to-school dental checklist for kids and teens. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into their senior year, these steps will help set them up for a successful school year with strong teeth and healthy habits.

Why Oral Health Matters During the School Year

Before diving into the checklist, it’s worth highlighting why dental health is so critical for kids and teens in school:

• Fewer absences – Toothaches and dental infections are one of the leading reasons kids miss school.

• Better focus in class – It’s hard to concentrate when dealing with pain or discomfort.

• Improved self-confidence – A healthy smile can make kids feel more comfortable participating in class or socializing with peers.

• Long-term habits – The routines built now will carry into adulthood, protecting lifelong oral health.

Preventative care and healthy daily habits are the foundation of school success. That’s where this checklist comes in.

1. Schedule a Back-to-School Dental Checkup

The first and most important step is scheduling a preventive dental exam. Just like an annual physical before sports, kids need regular dental visits to catch small problems before they become big ones.

At WDF Dental, our Preventative Dentistry services include:

• Professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar

• Comprehensive exams to check for cavities, gum health, and bite issues

• X-rays (if needed) to see what’s happening below the surface

• Fluoride treatments or sealants for extra protection

We recommend children and teens come in every six months. Back-to-school time is a perfect reminder to get it done before schedules get hectic.

2. Update Sports Mouthguards

If your child plays contact sports—football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, or even cheerleading—a mouthguard is a must. Dental injuries are common in young athletes, but a properly fitted mouthguard dramatically reduces the risk of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.

Our dental team can provide custom-fit mouthguards that are more comfortable and protective than store-bought versions. This not only safeguards teeth but also helps prevent jaw injuries.

Tip: Remind your teen to clean their mouthguard regularly and keep it in a ventilated case.

3. Stock Up on Smile-Friendly Snacks

Busy school days mean kids often grab snacks on the go. Unfortunately, chips, sticky candy, and soda can increase the risk of cavities. Instead, stock the pantry and lunchboxes with smile-friendly options:

• Cheese sticks or yogurt (calcium-rich for strong teeth)

• Crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery (help clean teeth naturally)

• Nuts and seeds (packed with minerals)

• Water instead of sugary sports drinks or sodas

Encouraging healthy snack habits helps reduce the risk of cavities and keeps energy levels steady throughout the day.

4. Refresh Toothbrushes and Supplies

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to check your child’s dental supplies. Replace toothbrushes every 3–4 months (or sooner if bristles are frayed). For teens with braces, consider special orthodontic brushes or water flossers.

Back-to-school shopping list for oral care:

• Soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush

• Fluoride toothpaste

• Floss picks or water flosser

• Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste for after lunch (especially for teens with braces)

Consistency at home matters just as much as checkups at the dentist.

5. Review Brushing and Flossing Habits

Younger kids may still need reminders (or supervision) to brush thoroughly for two minutes, twice daily. Teens, on the other hand, may brush quickly or skip flossing altogether.

Here’s a quick refresher to share with your child:

• Brush in circles, covering all tooth surfaces and along the gumline.

• Use fluoride toothpaste—about a pea-sized amount for kids over 6.

• Floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque between teeth.

• Rinse with water after eating if brushing isn’t possible at school.

A fun way to encourage younger children is to use brushing apps or songs that time the two minutes.

6. Consider Preventive Treatments: Sealants & Fluoride

Certain treatments provide an extra layer of protection against cavities, especially during the cavity-prone school years:

• Sealants: Thin protective coatings applied to the grooves of molars, where food and bacteria often hide. These can reduce cavities by up to 80%.

• Fluoride treatments: Strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.

Ask our team during your child’s visit if sealants or fluoride would be a good fit.

7. Manage Orthodontic Care

If your teen has braces or clear aligners, back-to-school prep includes a few extra steps:

• Pack a “braces kit” for school: orthodontic wax, small mirror, floss picks, and extra rubber bands.

• Remind them to brush after lunch or at least rinse with water.

• Avoid hard, sticky foods that can damage brackets and wires.

For those finishing treatment soon, this is also a great time to talk about Cosmetic Dentistry options like whitening to enhance their new smile.

8. Prioritize Hydration

Dehydration is common during long school days and after sports practice, but sipping on juice or soda can expose teeth to sugar for hours. Encourage your child to bring a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Water not only prevents dry mouth but also helps wash away food particles.

9. Create a Nighttime Routine

With homework, extracurriculars, and late nights, brushing before bed is often skipped. Unfortunately, this is the most important brushing session of the day, since saliva production slows at night and bacteria can grow unchecked.

Tips for success:

• Set a family “brush before bed” rule.

• Keep toothbrushes visible as a reminder.

• For teens, tie it into their skin-care or nighttime routine.

10. Know What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Accidents happen—whether it’s a chipped tooth at recess or a knocked-out tooth during practice. Preparing your child (and yourself) helps reduce panic.

Quick tips:

• If a permanent tooth is knocked out, place it in milk or saliva and call us immediately.

• For chipped teeth, save the piece if possible and schedule a visit.

• For mouth injuries, rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress.

Save our Contact page in your phone so you can quickly reach our team in an emergency.

11. Set Dental Health Goals Together

Kids are more likely to stick with routines when they feel involved. Consider setting fun, age-appropriate goals:

• A sticker chart for younger kids who brush and floss daily.

• Small rewards (non-food related) for consistency.

• Encouragement for teens to take ownership of their oral health as part of growing independence.

These small motivators can turn dental care from a chore into a habit.

12. Address Teen Confidence and Appearance

Middle and high school years come with new pressures around appearance. If your teen feels self-conscious about their smile, it may be time to discuss options such as:

• Teeth Whitening for a brighter smile (ideal after braces are removed).

• Orthodontic evaluations for alignment.

• Cosmetic treatments like bonding or minor reshaping for chipped or uneven teeth.

Boosting your teen’s confidence can help them feel more comfortable smiling in photos, giving presentations, or simply interacting with friends.

13. Review Healthy Daily Habits

Oral health isn’t just about brushing—it’s a lifestyle. Encourage your child to:

• Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or ice.

• Wear a mouthguard during sports and physical activities.

• Limit sticky or sugary snacks between meals.

• Practice good posture and avoid grinding teeth (common in stressed teens).

Building awareness now reduces the risk of long-term dental issues.

14. Plan Financially for the Year Ahead

We know back-to-school time comes with many expenses. At WDF Dental, we offer flexible Payment Options so families can prioritize dental care without added stress. Whether it’s routine exams, sealants, or orthodontic care, we’ll help you find a plan that works for your budget.

Back-to-School Dental Checklist Recap

Here’s a quick summary of what to include on your back-to-school dental checklist:

1. Schedule dental exam and cleaning

2. Update sports mouthguards

3. Pack smile-friendly snacks

4. Replace toothbrushes and oral care supplies

5. Review brushing and flossing techniques

6. Ask about sealants and fluoride

7. Prepare orthodontic care kits

8. Encourage hydration with water

9. Reinforce nighttime brushing

10. Learn emergency dental steps

11. Set oral health goals with your child

12. Consider cosmetic options for teens

13. Encourage healthy daily habits

14. Plan ahead with flexible payment options

Give Your Child the Confidence to Smile This School Year

A healthy smile sets the tone for a confident, successful school year. From kindergarteners showing off their first teeth to teens preparing for senior portraits, dental health is an investment in your child’s well-being.

At WDF Dental, we’re here to support your family every step of the way with compassionate care, advanced treatments, and a welcoming environment.

📍 Learn more about our Raleigh, NC location or explore our New Patient Information page if you’re visiting us for the first time.

👉 Ready to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental visit? Contact us today and let’s make sure their smile is ready for the year ahead.