WV Executive

Between shopping for book bags to arranging carpools, the last thing on your mind is your child’s teeth. But, maybe that should be one of the first things you think of because going to school can wreck havoc on children’s teeth.

From sugary foods to lack of time to brush, going to school can actually mean spending more time at the dentist office.

“Many parents don’t realize that the snacks and lunch that their kids eat at school are full of sugar, which lies on the child’s teeth all day” says Robert Martino, D.D.S., C.E.O. of Wilson Martino Dental Associates, the largest dental organization in West Virginia. “Less than 1% of school children brush their teeth at school and that combined with the sugar they eat causes cavities. Last year over 51 million school hours were lost to dental disease in the United States.”

There are several things that parents can do to help prevent cavities while their children are at school.

1. Make sure kids brush after breakfast for at least two minutes.
2. Have them bring a travel toothbrush to keep in their locker.
3. Buy some finger brushes called Brush-Ups by Oral B. These are disposable and do a great job of getting food off of teeth.
4. If they can’t brush or use Brush-Ups, then have your child rinse with water for one minute to break up sticky food on his or her teeth.
5. Have your children brush their teeth as soon as they get home from school.

Dr. Martino has been in dentistry for over 20 years and his seven offices see thousands of children each year. He has been interviewed many times in magazines, newspapers, and on radio and television regarding various dental subjects. To set up interviews with Dr. Martino, please call 304-624-5250 and ask to speak with Wendy Boyce, Marketing Director.