USC School Of Dentistry Shares Tips To Help Children Head Back To School With A Healthy Smile, USA

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 30 Aug 2007 - 1:00 PST

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The USC School of Dentistry joins back to school effort by offering parents tips that will allow students to start of the new school year with a healthy smile. Nationally tooth decay remains the most prevalent childhood disease that prevents children from succeeding in the classroom. It is five times more common than asthma, and can be just as debilitating and fatal. In Los Angeles, cavities and oral infection are the number one reason children are missing school.

Healthy Snacks

Pediatric dentists at the USCSD are available to discuss the difference between good and bad snacks and how parents can ensure their children ward off tooth decay. Did you know raisins, chocolate milk and granola could actually be eating away at your child's teeth?

Mouth Guards and School Sports

Mouth guards top the list of school essentials for back to school. USCSD and the American Dental Association recommend children participating in school sports or weekend sports activities wear the proper protective gear much like the custom made mouth guards made by the USC School of Dentistry for the USC Football Team. Buyers beware--when it's time to be fitted with a mouth guard. Is there a difference between the pieces sold online for $2.00 versus the custom-made product?

Mandatory Back to School Dental Exams

A new state law that took effect in January now makes a dental exam part of the mandatory health requirements for children entering kindergarten and first grade.

USC School of Dentistry