Back-to-School Smiles: 5 Things Parents Should Know About Kids' Oral Care
Back-to-School Smiles: 5 Things Parents Should Know About Kids' Oral Care
Back-to-School Smiles: 5 Things Parents Should Know About Kids' Oral Care
As summer winds down and backpacks come out, it's easy to focus on school supplies, new clothes, and class schedules. But there’s one essential part of the back-to-school routine that often gets overlooked: oral care.
Establishing strong dental habits at the start of the school year sets kids up for a healthy, confident smile all year long. Whether you have a kindergartener or a tween, here are five key things parents should keep in mind when it comes to their child’s oral health:
1. Routine is Everything
Kids thrive on structure, and the school year is a great time to reinforce daily brushing and flossing habits. Aim for brushing twice a day for two full minutes and flossing once a day. To make it more engaging, try a brushing chart, a fun timer, or let your child choose their own toothbrush.
Pro tip: Make oral care part of the “getting ready for school” and “getting ready for bed” checklist. Consistency is key!
2. Don’t Forget the Dentist
Busy schedules make it easy to skip dental check-ups, but back-to-school is the perfect time to schedule a cleaning. Dentists can spot small issues before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems, and kids start the year off with a fresh, clean smile.
If your child gets nervous about the dentist, remind them it's just like getting a check-up for their teeth. Positive language and a calming routine before the appointment can help ease anxiety.
3. Watch the Lunchbox Snacks
What your child eats has a big impact on their teeth. Sticky, sugary snacks like fruit gummies or chewy granola bars can linger on teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Instead, opt for whole fruits, cheese sticks, yogurt, and crunchy veggies that naturally help clean teeth.
If your child has a sweet treat, pair it with water to rinse away leftover sugar and acids.
4. Fluoride Isn’t the Only Option
Many parents are looking for safer, more effective alternatives to fluoride—especially for younger kids who might accidentally swallow toothpaste. One option gaining popularity among dentists and parents alike is nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), a biocompatible mineral that helps strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
At ELIMS, our toothpaste is formulated with 10% nano-hydroxyapatite and made with safe-to-swallow, food-grade ingredients — so parents can feel good about what’s going in their child’s mouth. Plus, our gentle flavors are designed to make brushing less of a battle and more of a moment of calm.
5. Be a Role Model
Kids learn by watching. When they see you brushing and flossing regularly, they’re more likely to do it too. Turn brushing time into a family activity, or let younger kids “help” you with your routine. Not only does it reinforce the habit, but it sends the message that oral care is something we do together and value as a family.
Start the School Year With a Smile
Oral health plays a big role in kids’ overall well-being—impacting everything from focus and confidence to long-term health. A strong start in oral care now can prevent bigger issues later and make those back-to-school smiles shine even brighter.
Stay tuned for the launch of our new kids’ line, crafted with care for little mouths (and busy parents). At ELIMS, we believe oral care should be safe, sustainable, and stress-free—for every member of the family.
Want more clean, science-backed oral care tips? Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram @elimsoralcare.
Back-to-School Smiles: 5 Things Parents Should Know About Kids' Oral Care
Back-to-School Smiles: 5 Things Parents Should Know About Kids' Oral Care
As summer winds down and backpacks come out, it's easy to focus on school supplies, new clothes, and class schedules. But there’s one essential part of the back-to-school routine that often gets overlooked: oral care.
Establishing strong dental habits at the start of the school year sets kids up for a healthy, confident smile all year long. Whether you have a kindergartener or a tween, here are five key things parents should keep in mind when it comes to their child’s oral health:
1. Routine is Everything
Kids thrive on structure, and the school year is a great time to reinforce daily brushing and flossing habits. Aim for brushing twice a day for two full minutes and flossing once a day. To make it more engaging, try a brushing chart, a fun timer, or let your child choose their own toothbrush.
Pro tip: Make oral care part of the “getting ready for school” and “getting ready for bed” checklist. Consistency is key!
2. Don’t Forget the Dentist
Busy schedules make it easy to skip dental check-ups, but back-to-school is the perfect time to schedule a cleaning. Dentists can spot small issues before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems, and kids start the year off with a fresh, clean smile.
If your child gets nervous about the dentist, remind them it's just like getting a check-up for their teeth. Positive language and a calming routine before the appointment can help ease anxiety.
3. Watch the Lunchbox Snacks
What your child eats has a big impact on their teeth. Sticky, sugary snacks like fruit gummies or chewy granola bars can linger on teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Instead, opt for whole fruits, cheese sticks, yogurt, and crunchy veggies that naturally help clean teeth.
If your child has a sweet treat, pair it with water to rinse away leftover sugar and acids.
4. Fluoride Isn’t the Only Option
Many parents are looking for safer, more effective alternatives to fluoride—especially for younger kids who might accidentally swallow toothpaste. One option gaining popularity among dentists and parents alike is nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), a biocompatible mineral that helps strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
At ELIMS, our toothpaste is formulated with 10% nano-hydroxyapatite and made with safe-to-swallow, food-grade ingredients — so parents can feel good about what’s going in their child’s mouth. Plus, our gentle flavors are designed to make brushing less of a battle and more of a moment of calm.
5. Be a Role Model
Kids learn by watching. When they see you brushing and flossing regularly, they’re more likely to do it too. Turn brushing time into a family activity, or let younger kids “help” you with your routine. Not only does it reinforce the habit, but it sends the message that oral care is something we do together and value as a family.
Start the School Year With a Smile
Oral health plays a big role in kids’ overall well-being—impacting everything from focus and confidence to long-term health. A strong start in oral care now can prevent bigger issues later and make those back-to-school smiles shine even brighter.
Stay tuned for the launch of our new kids’ line, crafted with care for little mouths (and busy parents). At ELIMS, we believe oral care should be safe, sustainable, and stress-free—for every member of the family.
Want more clean, science-backed oral care tips? Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram @elimsoralcare.