Back to School Dental Checkup
As the new school year begins, it’s important that kids and teenagers have their regular back-to-school dental checkup. Even if their teeth seem otherwise healthy, a dental checkup allows your dentist to monitor their teeth development, provide a thorough cleaning to combat decay and apply dental sealants to protect their teeth from cavities.
The most common chronic disease found in school-age children is cavities. Prevention and early detection can help avoid pain, trouble eating, difficulty speaking and school absences.
5 Questions to ask at Your Child’s Back-to-School Dental Checkup
- How is my child’s overall dental health? Your dentist will be looking at the big picture in your child’s mouth, including teeth and gums. They will check to make sure their teeth are lining up correctly, your child’s bite is in good shape, and to keep an eye out for any orthodontic issues that may show up later.
- Will my child get a cleaning today? This is a must, no matter how well your child brushes. It is not possible to get rid of all the bacteria that can lead to cavities. A professional cleaning will help remove more cavity-causing bacteria, help keep gum tissue healthy and remove most stains from teeth.
- Does my child need an x-ray? X-rays help your dentist see how your child’s teeth are developing and make sure the tooth roots are healthy. They are also used to see if there is any tooth decay between your child’s teeth. Your child will not need an x-ray at every visit.
- Can you check my child’s mouthguard? If your child plays sports, make sure you bring his or her mouthguard to your appointment so the dentist can check for wear and fit, especially if they are still losing, or have recently lost teeth.
- What are sealants? Sealants can be another way to keep your child from getting cavities, but they’re no substitute for brushing and flossing. A sealant is a thin protective coating that your dentist can place on the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth (called molars). Once they’re on, sealants work to keep cavity-causing bacteria and bits of food from settling into the nooks and crannies your child’s toothbrush can’t reach. This helps keep cavities from forming and tiny existing spots of decay from getting worse. In fact, having sealants on your permanent molars reduces the risk of cavities by 80%. It’s best to get sealants as soon as your child’s permanent molars come through their gums (usually at age 6 and then again at age 12).
Here are a few extra tips to help you prepare for a successful back-to-school check-up:
- Plan Ahead. Schedules book up quickly, especially once school starts.
- Encourage Good Dental Habits at Home. The best kind of check-up is a cavity-free one! Encourage your children to brush twice a day for 2 minutes.
- Timing is Everything. Time of day can make or break your child’s appointment. Consider nap times and other activities which might cause them to be tired or restless.
- A Hungry Child is not a Happy Patient. Feed your child a light meal or snack before the appointment so they are comfortable and then brush those teeth one more time.
- Leave Your Anxiety at the Door. If your heart races at the thought of the dentist, your child can probably tell. The younger your kids are, the more you need to be aware of how you are communicating with them. Stay positive and help them feel like they have accomplished a good visit.
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