Dental TipsFamily DentistryOral Health |4 min read

Backpack Ready? Make Sure Their Oral Health Is, Too!

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Smile Supplies: What to Pack in Your Backpack for Better Oral Health at School

“As both a dentist and a mom, I know how hectic the school year can get. Packing a few simple oral health essentials can make a big difference in helping kids stay on track with their dental routine—whether they’re in class, at practice, or heading to a sleepover.” — Dr. Mimi Long

Smile Supplies: What to Pack in Your Backpack for Better Oral Health at School

As the school year kicks off in Lincoln, it’s not just pencils and notebooks that should make your student’s supply list—oral health essentials belong in the backpack, too. At Star City Dental, we’re here to help students of all ages protect their smiles from morning bell to final period.

Whether your child wears braces/clear aligners, plays sports, or just needs a little encouragement to brush and floss daily, these “smile supplies” make it easy to keep their dental routine on track during the busy school day.

Must-Have Smile Supplies for Students

1. Travel Toothbrush + Toothpaste: Great for kids with orthodontics or lunchtime breath worries. A quick brush after meals keeps plaque at bay—especially when braces are involved.

2. Floss Picks or Orthodontic Flossers: Compact and easy to use, floss picks are great for cleaning between teeth after snacks or lunch. For braces, floss threaders or orthodontic flossers are a must.

3. Orthodontic Wax: Braces wearers know the struggle—irritated cheeks and lips can ruin a day. Keep wax on hand for fast comfort.

4. Mouthguard for Athletes: If your child is active in sports, a custom mouthguard helps protect their teeth from injury. Star City Dental offers custom-fit options for added safety and comfort.

5. Water Bottle (Preferably Refillable): Staying hydrated is not only good for the body but also helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids between brushes.

6. Sugar-Free Gum or Mints: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps stimulate saliva and prevent cavities. Look for options with xylitol for added benefits.

Smile-Friendly Snacks for Lunchboxes

What goes in their backpack matters—but so does what goes in their lunchbox. Skip the sugary treats and opt for tooth-friendly options like:

  • Cheese sticks (neutralize acid)
  • Apple slices (natural toothbrush effect)
  • Baby carrots or celery (crunchy and cleaning)
  • Yogurt with no added sugar
  • Whole grain crackers

Add a Dental Checkup to Your Back-to-School Checklist

The beginning of the school year is a perfect time to schedule your child’s routine dental cleaning and exam. Getting ahead of cavities, sealant needs, or orthodontic evaluations can make the school year a lot smoother—for both parents and students.

👉 Book your appointment now with Dr. Mimi Long or Dr. Mariah Allen at Star City Dental in Lincoln! We’re currently welcoming new patients and offer family appointments to make it easy to get everyone in at once.

Pro Tips to Keep Kids Cavity-Free All Year

  • Brush twice a day for two minutes
  • Floss once daily (or use floss picks for convenience)
  • Avoid sticky, sugary snacks
  • Visit the dentist every six months
  • Celebrate clean checkups—our team loves to cheer kids on!

📍 Local Tip from Star City Dental

If you’re picking up school supplies in Lincoln, don’t forget to add a few dental items to your cart too! Stores like Target, Walgreens, Russ’s Market and Hy-Vee often carry travel-sized dental kits perfect for backpacks.

📚 Give Books, Get Smiles: Join Us for WORDSTOCK!

We’re proud to support WORDSTOCK, Linked2Literacy’s annual book-swap event in Lincoln! This free, family-friendly festival brings the community together to celebrate reading with:

    • A massive book exchange
    • Local vendors and entertainment
    • Activities that encourage a lifelong love of literacy

📍 Star City Dental is volunteering on August 22 & 23 to help organize books for the event—and we need your help! We’re collecting new or gently used books in our office starting July 1 through August 15. Whether it’s a well-loved children’s book or a novel waiting for a new home, your donation will help spread joy to families all across Lincoln. Drop off your books during your next dental visit or swing by during office hours!

Start the school year with confidence, fresh breath, and a bright smile!

Schedule your child’s visit with Star City Dental today and make dental health part of your family’s back-to-school routine.

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