How to Smile for School Pictures: Give Them the Perfect Smile

Before the big day, try these tips on how to smile for school pictures to help your child feel at ease in front of the camera:

1. Practice beforehand. Grab the camera phone and have a mini photoshoot with your kid. They’ll be able to see how different smiles and angles translate in photos and work out any awkward expressions before photo day. Make it a fun activity with the whole family, trying funny faces and wearing different accessories, too.

2. Think of something funny. A fake smile stands out from a mile. Have your child share their funniest stories with you and tell them to think of these stories when they’re posing for their school picture. This will trigger a natural smile that will light up their photo. 

3. Encourage them to be themselves. Photo day can be a little intimidating for some children, especially if they’re self-conscious. Assure your kid that as long as they’re smiling and having fun, then there’s no such thing as a bad photo! 

A beautiful smile is a healthy one! Just like adults, children's teeth should be brushed twice a day and flossed once a day. At least initially, children should have an adult help them with brushing and flossing to ensure they are doing it properly. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your children's teeth until they are coordinated enough to tie their own shoes without assistance - usually around age six. It's important to brush for a full two minutes each time, and follow that up with flossing. Interdental cleaners are often easier for children to navigate than dental floss.

Take your child to the dentist for a cleaning and exam every six months. The dentist will give you feedback on the health of your child's teeth and gums and give instructions on how to brush and floss more effectively if needed. They will also analyze your child's bite, alignment and jaw structure to make sure they are developing properly. Since your child will also receive a thorough cleaning, it might be a good idea to schedule the appointment the week of school photos. This way your child will have the whitest smile possible.

According to the Mayo Clinic, children begin losing their teeth at around six years of age. Baby teeth continue to fall out until around age 12. This means you are bound to get at least one year in which your child has a toothless grin in their school photo. Embrace it! It's one of the adorable parts of childhood that flies by so fast. Before too long, you'll be looking back on those photos of your child with the missing teeth and wondering where the years went.

So your child knows how to smile for school pictures and their teeth are squeaky-clean. What else can you do to guarantee a great school picture?

• Pick out an outfit together. When your child feels good in their outfit, their confidence will show through in front of the camera. Help them to pick out a favorite outfit, or even plan a fun shopping trip together to pick out a new one.  

• Get a good night’s sleep. Dark under-eye circles and tired pouts are not what you want on photo day! Make sure your kiddo gets plenty of sleep the night before so they’re looking and feeling fresh for the camera. 

• Take off the pressure. Kids may feel pressure to give you a “good” photo. Before photo day, remind your child how much you love their beautiful smile and assure them that you’ll adore any photo they bring home.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.