Whether you’ve had a lazy, relaxing summer or one packed full of activities, back-to-school time is right around the corner. Unfortunately, the back-to-school list of preparations gets longer every year. While you can put off buying new school clothes until the weather changes, scheduling an appointment to address your kids’ dental health is an essential back-to-school task. Why?
Here are 5 reasons why back-to-school dental checkups are essential:
An exam strengthens good oral care skills.
Your child’s dentist or hygienist will discuss your child’s oral hygiene and recommend good brushing and flossing techniques. In particular, they can identify commonly missed areas and provide tips for addressing them. Other areas of discussion may include your child’s diet and preventive care, such as avoiding thumb-sucking or teenage alcohol and tobacco use.
Regularly scheduled cleanings are a must!
Even with a great oral care routine at home, there is just no substitute for professional cleaning. Bacteria in your mouth is always hard at work creating harmful plaque. Plaque can build up on teeth and gums, causing inflammation and cavities. Scheduling regular, professional cleanings with our specialized tools is the best way to remove plaque and prevent decay.
Regular exams can reveal overall dental health and indicate changes.
After the cleaning, the dentist will survey your child’s overall dental health. They will check your child’s bite and make a list of which teeth have come in or are ready to fall out. Your dentist will also identify any areas of concern and take X-rays to help reveal any additional problems that are not yet visible to the naked eye.
We can perform preventative care that saves you money by utilizing measures that can keep your child’s mouth healthy.
Along with the current state of your child’s dental health, your dentist will be able to assess whether there are any future dental or orthodontic issues imminent. Your child may receive sealants on their permanent molars to prevent future cavities. Also, fluoride treatments are another option to help keep the enamel strong. Such measures are a crucial part of regular dental visits and can prevent the need for more in-depth procedures down the road.
Kids should see a dentist bi-annually.
The back-to-school period is a good time of year to schedule one of those regular visits. Additionally, some schools require yearly back-to-school exams. Whichever the case, keeping the back-to-school exam a regular part of your seasonal checklist helps parents remember to schedule at least one crucial visit and keeps kids as up-to-date as possible.