10 Oct There’s Still Time for Back-to-School Dental Checkups
Back-to-school is always a busy time, with shopping for new clothes, shoes, and school supplies, plus meetings with teachers and visits to the doctor for vaccinations. But if you forgot to schedule your kids’ back-to-school dental checkups, it’s not too late!
Dental exams and cleanings are a very important part of preparing for a successful school year. If your child has a painful cavity, the toothache can make it difficult for them to concentrate on their lessons. Dental problems can also cause speech impediments and other issues that inhibit children’s learning ability.
We explain why dental checkups are so important for kids, and share a few back-to-school tips that will help your child get an A+ on their next dental exam.
How Often Do Children Need Dental Checkups?
Just like adults, kids also need dental checkups twice a year. If it’s been more than six months since your child’s last dental appointment, then it’s time to schedule their next one.
Regular checkups help prevent cavities, gingivitis, and teeth grinding. They also allow your pediatric dentist to note any changes in your child’s dental development, check on the alignment of their teeth, and offer preventive treatments like dental sealants.
Professional teeth cleanings are also an important part of good dental health. Kids aren’t always very thorough when it comes to brushing and flossing. Their dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar buildup that cause cavities and gum disease, and polish their teeth so they can smile confidently.
Back-to-School Dental Tips
1: Establish a Firm Routine
Brushing their teeth probably isn’t your kid’s favorite thing to do. But making sure their teeth are clean before they leave for school and before they go to bed at night will help them develop healthy habits that last into adulthood.
2: Encourage Healthy Snacks
Sadly, many of the food products that are marketed toward kids are not very good for their teeth. Try to avoid things that cause cavities, like overly sweetened yogurts and starchy snack crackers. And even if your kid doesn’t always eat them, make sure they have healthy snacks available.
3: Pack a Travel Dental Kit
Send your kid to school with a compact toothcare kit that they can keep in their backpack or locker. That way, if they ever get something stuck in their teeth, they’ll have some dental floss on hand. Or if they want to freshen up their breath during the day, they can brush their teeth between classes.
Dental Exams for Kids in Prescott, Arizona
If your dental insurance policy covers two exams per year for your kids, you should take advantage of it! Schedule an appointment at Prescott Dentistry for an exam and cleaning before the year ends. Give us a call at 928-445-1660 or send us a message online today. We’ll help you keep your kids’ teeth and gums healthy, from preschool and kindergarten to high school graduation and beyond.
Photo by Lesli Whitecotton on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 10/7/24.