Why going back to school is the right time to teach children to smile

September is the month of new beginnings: it’s back to school, daily commitments and activities resume, and, along with the routine, good intentions return too. Among these is looking after one’s smile – a daily habit that concerns not only teeth, but the overall wellbeing of children and young people.
In fact, oral health affects physical, psychological and social wellbeing, and establishing a proper routine from an early age means investing in habits that can support growth well into later years.
According to the World Health Organisation, oral health conditions affect around 3.5 billion people worldwide and are among the most common non-communicable diseases. For this reason, in addition to daily oral hygiene, early orthodontic check-ups also play an important role: the early detection of any malocclusions or functional abnormalities allows for the monitoring of children’s and adolescents’ development and, where necessary, enables intervention at the most appropriate time with a personalised treatment plan.
During adolescence, however, a smile also takes on a different significance. It forms part of one’s self-image, the confidence with which one interacts with others, and the way in which one presents oneself, including through social media, photographs and videos. This constant exposure can lead to comparisons with unrealistic aesthetic ideals and prompt many young people to seek answers online, relying on information that is not always accurate rather than consulting a specialist.
The message to convey is simple: looking after your smile does not mean chasing an aesthetic ideal, but making an informed choice for your own wellbeing. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment are part of a clinical pathway based on scientific evidence, guided by the orthodontist and shared with the family.
Even amidst the hustle and bustle of school days, small steps can make a big difference: brushing your teeth regularly, paying attention to what you eat throughout the day and limiting the frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Returning to a routine can thus become an opportunity to help children and teenagers develop greater independence and learn to look after their smiles, even amidst lessons, training sessions and extracurricular activities.
The family’s role is fundamental in this process. Rather than micromanaging every action, parents can support their children in establishing a simple and sustainable routine, setting a good example and helping them understand why consistency is so important.
As Align Technology highlights, the relationship with the orthodontist is also a key element in the treatment of Growing Patients. This is what is known as the ‘triad of the alliance’: the dentist guides the treatment journey, the parent supports and encourages, whilst the young patient participates actively and consciously. Clear and ongoing communication builds trust, keeps motivation high and promotes adherence to treatment; conversely, conflicting messages or an overly directive approach can reduce engagement.
Involving children and adolescents in decision-making means valuing their autonomy without placing clinical responsibility on them. At the same time, parents seek, above all, reassurance, effectiveness and predictability. An open dialogue about the treatment plan therefore helps to build trust and reach shared decisions, whilst keeping motivation high over time.
In striking this balance, technology can also offer practical support, helping to integrate orthodontic treatment into everyday life. One example is clear aligners: removable, comfortable and easy to manage, they integrate naturally into teenagers’ daily routines, minimising the impact on school, sporting and social activities. Furthermore, thanks to their discreet appearance, they can encourage greater acceptance of the treatment, helping patients to experience their orthodontic journey with greater peace of mind.
Between school, sport and new daily routines, the start of the new term can therefore be the perfect time to rediscover or establish habits that help children and teenagers look after their smile every day.