SMILES THAT MAKE THE GRADE

Dr. Maggie Grothe shares essential tips that every parent should know.

With backpacks packed and pencils sharpened, there’s one back-to-school essential many parents overlook: a dental check-up. These visits help keep kids’ smiles bright, but they’re also often required, as many schools ask for proof of a dental exam when kids enter certain grades.

Maggie Grothe, D.M.D., dentist and owner of Root Dental, helps make the grade, ensuring that as kids settle into their school routines, oral health habits are a priority, too.

“Nearly 46% of children in the United States have cavities, or caries,” says Dr. Grothe. “This is consistent worldwide, making tooth decay the most common chronic illness in children and adults.”

Traditionally, cavities are thought to result from not brushing or flossing enough, or from eating too much candy. But Dr. Grothe advises it’s more than that. “The risk for dental decay increases with poor diet, mouth breathing, lack of flossing, insufficient or poorly timed brushing, sleep issues, nutritional deficiencies, and even stress levels,” explains Dr. Grothe.

Starting healthy habits begins with parents through education, encouragement, and by setting the example. “Try to feed your kids minimally processed foods—real food, ideally without a label!” she says. “Also, establish the habit of brushing after breakfast and again before bed, and avoid rinsing with water afterward.” Instead, Grothe advises spitting out the excess toothpaste and waiting at least 30 minutes before drinking anything, which allows the teeth time to remineralize.

At Root Dental, all patients and families have access to nutritional counseling. To prevent oral health issues from recurring, Dr. Grothe focuses on getting to the root cause. “We do a deep dive into what our patients are eating and drinking,” she says. “There are many foods we think are healthy for our bodies that can actually wreak havoc on our mouths.”

Beyond nutritional counseling, Root Dental offers longer appointment times than most dental offices, ensuring each patient receives thorough, personalized care. “This allows for screening for lifestyle-related issues such as sleep apnea, airway issues, and stress management,” says Dr. Grothe. “This is so important because if we don’t figure out what’s causing oral health issues, then we’re bound to keep having the same problems over and over.”

Spotting oral health issues early is crucial to optimizing overall health. Root Dental is offering a back-to-school special for all ages, now through September 30. Check out their social media or give them a call to learn more.

Root Dental is located at 1 N. Main Street, Suite A, in Algonquin, 224-333-2063, rootdental.net, @gorootdental.