HELP YOUR CHILD FINISH THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG WITH THESE 3 TIPS We’re rapidly approaching the end of the school year, which can be challenging for many high school students. Some may have recently entered a spring slump (or succumbed to “senioritis”), where they grow bored or tired of school and now have their sights set on summer break. You may notice their grades slipping, which could signify skipping school or not trying on their
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT! Healthy Foods Aren’t Always Good for Your Teeth Food can impact us in so many ways. It can strengthen our bones and muscles, and provide us with the nutrients we need to create energy. Food is the fuel for our bodies! However, other foods can weigh us down and tire us out. So, the saying, “You are what you eat,” should be taken quite literally! What you eat daily can affect your entire body — especially your teeth and gums. We all know some foods and drinks are bad for your teeth and oral health. These items include sweets, candy, other sugary foods, pasta sauce, sodas, and coffee. But did you know some healthy foods can be detrimental to your teeth? Ironically, some foods that are perfectly healthy for you can damage the enamel on your teeth. Lemon water, for example, is a cool, refreshing drink that many people enjoy. But the beverage is so acidic, it can cause tooth decay. Likewise, foods high in antioxidants or acid, like dark-colored fruits, can stain your teeth due to their high pigmentation. Also, strawberries are great because they are a rich source of calcium but are high in sugar. You may be thinking, “everything is bad for my teeth!” But that’s not entirely the case. Like anything else, it’s all about moderation. You can eat anything you want, but don’t overindulge in a meal, snack, or beverage. However, there are also some oral health strategies you can use to help your smile stay bright, fresh, and clean. Always rinse with plain water after eating or drinking things other than water, and drink plenty of water to keep your saliva up — it neutralizes cavity- causing bacteria. Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating or drinking; acid in foods and drinks softens enamel, and brushing too soon will brush your enamel away. If you’re drinking anything other than milk or water, try to use a straw to help the liquid bypass your teeth on the way down. One of the best things you can do to care for your teeth and gums and ensure they are in the best condition is to visit your dentist at least twice a year for an oral health checkup. Your doctor and dental hygienist can examine your mouth and see if any issues need addressing. If you have any questions about your oral health, please don’t hesitate to call us! We will be happy to speak with you, create an appointment, or share strategies and resources to help you.
assignments. This can have extreme consequences for their future, like not qualifying to attend their college of choice or even
losing a potential scholarship if they’re in their senior year.
As their parent, you can help them avert a potential disaster. You might not be able to do the work for
them, but you can encourage them to do better. Here are a few ways to help your child avoid the spring slump.
CULTIVATE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Most children look to their parents as a primary example of how to act. If you consistently say negative things about school or your child’s teacher(s), they will emulate your feelings. Try to flip your perspective and view their schooling positively if you do struggle with feeling negative about it. Speaking positively about school will help your children enjoy the experience better and set them up for success in the future. PROVIDE MOTIVATION. What motivates your kids? Some kids perform better when rewarded for their actions, while others might need some form of discipline to encourage them to do better. Some kids don’t do well when encouragement comes from their parents, so you may need to find an outside source if your child does not respond appropriately to you. Every teen is motivated by something. If you can provide that motivation, they will do much better in all aspects of life. EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOOD GRADES. Sometimes, you just need to sit your kids down and have a conversation about the importance of keeping good grades and doing their assignments. But make this a discussion, not a lecture. If you try to dominate the conversation, it could adversely affect the situation. Explain the significance of grades and their potential impact on their future. Answer any questions they have and be honest in your responses.
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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