New supplies? Check. Sports Physical? Check. Dental check-up…uh oh.
Preparing for the new school year can be a stressful process and you have plenty on your plate to ensure your child or teenager is prepared to take on the semester. We suggest that you add one more vital task to your back-to-school list – scheduling a dental check-up. It is advised that children have a dental cleaning at least once a year and what better time than before the school year begins?
Why is it important?
Even if your child’s teeth and oral care may be seemingly flawless, it is important for them to have an annual cleaning, an exam to check tooth development and apply tooth sealants to prevent cavities. Here are a few reasons to consider a back-to-school check-up:
Reinforce Oral Care Routine
Once the school year begins, busy schedules tend to negatively impact routines. School lunches, sugary beverages, delayed brushing, and vending machine snacks create a breeding ground for bacteria. Starting off the year with a dental visit demonstrates the importance of oral care and boosts confidence in their smile.
Avoid School Absences
Cavities can cause severe pain in children and can lead to infections and school absences. Fortunately, cavities can be easily avoided with proper oral care routines and checkups. Every year, over fifty-four million hours of school are missed due to dental procedures and problems. Preventive annual visits and daily oral care are your first line of defense to protecting your child’s teeth.
Protects Overall Health
Untreated tooth decay can lead to malnutrition and infections. When you maintain your child’s dental appointments, potential oral issues can be detected and treated early.
What Should You Expect?
As the days creep closer to the first day of school, you can expect it to be more difficult to book an appointment. We suggest that you book your appointment at the beginning of the summer to avoid the rush. If your children are younger, explain to them the importance of going to the dentist and possibly role play with a parent being the dentist and the child being the patient so that they know what to expect when they go.
Unless there are oral issues that need to be addressed, the dental visit will consist of cleaning the teeth to remove and prevent plaque build-up, an application of fluoride in the form of gel, solution, or foam brushed on the teeth, and a sealant applied on the back molars. In addition, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth for any cavities or developmental issues and consult with you about their dental growth plan.
Prepare To Go Back To School With Our Help
Healthy oral care starts at home and paired with our amazing services your children will be ready to flash their smiles on their first day. We offer adult and children’s dentistry to fit all your oral care needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for the whole family.