School Photos Ahead: 5 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Smile Confidence
“As a dad of two and a dentist, I know firsthand how busy the back-to-school season gets—but a healthy smile should never be left off the checklist. A simple dental visit now can prevent bigger issues later and help your child step into the school year feeling confident, strong, and ready to shine—especially for picture day.” Dr. Blake Ridgway, Neighborhood Dental 41st
Help Your Child’s Smile Shine for Back-to-School Picture Day
Between school supply shopping and sports tryouts, don’t forget what shines in those back-to-school photos—your child’s smile. Whether it’s their first day of kindergarten or their final yearbook portrait, here are five simple tips to help boost your child’s smile confidence this school year:
#1 Establish a Winning Routine
The best smiles start with consistency. Encourage brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Make it fun with a chart, stickers, or even a brushing app—whatever motivates your child to stay on track. You can ask our teams for additional resources at your appointment. And remember: brushing harder doesn’t mean brushing better. Teach gentle, thorough strokes to protect those growing gums and enamel.
#2 Protect the Retainer!
Lunchroom mistake #1? Wrapping your retainer in a napkin. It’s one of the most common reasons they get accidentally tossed. Teach your child to always store their retainer in its case—not beside their apple slices. It’s a small habit that saves big bucks and a lot of frustration.
#3 Snack Smarter for a Brighter Smile
Swap sticky sweets for smile-friendly snacks. Cheese, apples, and crunchy veggies help naturally clean teeth and keep breath fresh, perfect for picture day. Avoid staining treats like red juice, dark berries, or soda if you want their pearly whites to pop.
#4 Don’t Forget the Sports Guard for your Child’s Smile
Sports season is full of excitement, but one misstep on the field can lead to a chipped or knocked-out tooth. That’s where a custom mouthguard comes in.
As your local dentists, our custom mouthguard process is simple, quick, and designed with your child’s comfort in mind:
- We start with an impression – A painless mold of your child’s upper teeth is taken in just minutes. This helps us capture the exact shape of their bite for a snug, secure fit.
- The lab crafts the guard – Using high-quality, durable materials, a dental lab creates a personalized mouthguard that cushions your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw from impact.
- Fitted and ready to go – Once the mouthguard is ready, we’ll make sure it fits comfortably and make any small adjustments needed. Because it’s custom-made, it’s far more protective (and comfortable!) than over-the-counter options.
Bonus: Kids are more likely to wear their mouthguard when it feels good and looks cool, so let them pick a favorite color or add their jersey number! A professionally made mouthguard can be the difference between a win and a dental emergency—and that’s a game-changer.
#5 Book a Pre-Photo Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning does more than polish—our hygienists remove plaque and buildup that a toothbrush can’t reach. Your child will walk into school with a sparkling smile and an extra dose of confidence. Our teams may recommend dental sealants as a preventive measure that will protect your child’s teeth for years to come, saving a trip to our local dentists by avoiding fillings and other related treatments. A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that our dentists apply on the grooves of your child’s back teeth to protect them from plaque and bacterial attacks.
Additionally, scheduling a back-to-school cleaning is a great way to identify and address potential issues early.
Time to turn school supplies into SMILE supplies with our 
Back-to-School Supplies Drive 
Backpacks + binders
Scissors + rulers
Crayons + markers
& so much more!Looking for a Family Dentist in South Dakota?
At Neighborhood Dental, we understand that every age has different needs—whether it’s your toddler’s first visit or your teen’s orthodontic care with clear aligners. With eight convenient locations across South Dakota, we’re proud to partner with parents to build healthy habits for life.
📍 Find your neighborhood location and schedule today!
As your local best dentistThis link opens a new tab to The Local Best website in South Dakota, Neighborhood Dental has multiple locations for your convenience, including Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Brandon, Tea, Beresford, and Yankton. We happily welcome patients of all ages.
