Let’s imagine, for a moment, that Mill Valley had its very own sinkhole. Not the kind that makes headlines, but a small, sneaky one—just big enough to throw off your morning commute or swallow a misplaced water bottle near the high school.
While this sinkhole is purely fictional (don’t worry, your parking spot is safe—for now), it got me thinking: cavities are a lot like sinkholes. They start small. Invisible, even. But give them a little time, a little pressure, and maybe a few sticky snacks, and before you know it—you’re in deep.
As Mill Valley kids head back to school and settle into the rhythm of backpacks, bell schedules, and lunchboxes, let’s talk about how to avoid oral “sinkholes” this fall.
Sinkholes & Cavities: Small Cracks, Big Trouble
Sinkholes and cavities have more in common than you’d think:
- They’re hidden at first. Cavities start quietly—demineralization you can’t see or feel. Just like tiny shifts underground.
- They grow when ignored. Add in sugar, missed brushing, and time, and a tiny spot becomes a problem.
- They’re preventable. With early checks and smart habits, you can stop either one before it causes serious damage.
School’s In—So Is Sugar
Let’s be honest: back-to-school season can turn even the most well-balanced family into snack-reliant survivalists. Between tight morning timelines, after-school activities, and the ever-tempting vending machines, our kids are exposed to more processed foods, sugar, and acidic drinks than they are during those breezy summer months.
Lunchables, granola bars, fruit snacks, flavored waters, sports drinks—they’re all marketed as “kid-friendly,” but most of them are cavity conspirators in disguise.
Add in limited opportunities to brush during the school day, and those sugars get cozy in your child’s mouth all afternoon. Cue the enamel breakdown.
Back-to-School Hygiene Tips (That Won’t Make You Uncool)
Even small changes can go a long way:
1. Pack a water bottle—not a sports drink
Water is the best defense against sugar, acid, and dry mouth.
2. Include crunchy, fiber-rich snacks
Apples, carrots, or celery help scrub teeth naturally (and they’re locker-proof).
3. Backpack flossers = game-changer
Toss a couple of disposable flossers into your child’s pencil pouch. No, they probably won’t use them daily. But once a week is better than never.
4. Consider a “post-lunch brush” challenge at home
Make it a game after dinner. Whoever brushed (or flossed) after lunch during the week gets bragging rights—or chooses Friday’s movie.
Book That Cleaning Now (Before Fall Fills Up)
September is like the Wednesday of the year—still early enough to course-correct, but fast moving. That’s why now is the perfect time to schedule a back-to-school cleaning or checkup.
Catch small issues early, reset hygiene habits, and give your child the confidence of a clean, healthy smile—before class photos, holiday treats, and college visits kick into high gear.
Bonus? Our appointments are a lot less scary than a surprise sinkhole in the drop-off lane.
Teens, Tech, and Invisalign: One More Thing…
If your teen is using Invisalign (or thinking about it), back-to-school is also a smart time to reassess compliance. Are they wearing them 20–22 hours a day? Swapping trays on schedule? Avoiding chewy gum or soda?
You’d be amazed how many aligners end up wrapped in napkins during lunch and never make it home. Let’s stay ahead of that sinkhole too.
Mill Valley Smiles Run Deep (Let’s Keep It That Way)
Back-to-school season is a beautiful, chaotic blend of new beginnings and rushed mornings. It’s easy to overlook little things—like plaque. Or snack attacks. Or cavities that don’t hurt (yet).
But just like we take care of the trails and trees that surround our town, we can care for our smiles with small, steady habits.
Let’s keep things clean, clear, and well-supported—from sidewalks to smiles.
Call my office for an appointment at (415) 383-0824
See you soon,
Dr. Frances H. Yankie, DDS
