It is that time of year again! The school year is just around the corner, bringing with it busy schedules and opportunities for tooth decay to sneak into your little one’s smile. Back-to-school checkups are an ideal time to catch any dental issues and start the school year with a healthy smile. Don’t let any aspect of your child’s dental health get overlooked. Here are five must-ask questions to bring up at your child’s upcoming checkup.  

How Is My Child’s Overall Oral Health? 

Back-to-school checkups give your child’s dentist a full view of their oral health status. They will thoroughly assess your child’s mouth, examining teeth, gums, and soft tissues. This evaluation helps determine if your child’s current oral hygiene routine is effective and if any areas of their smile need professional attention. By posing this question, parents can proactively address oral health concerns and receive tailored guidance to help their child achieve optimal dental health. 

Would Any Specific Oral Hygiene Tools Benefit My Child’s Smile? 

With supermarket shelves stocked with a comprehensive selection of oral health products, choosing the right ones for your child’s needs can be daunting. Whether you are deciding between a manual or electric toothbrush or considering fluoride toothpaste, seek expert guidance to make informed choices. Our team of dental professionals can provide tailored recommendations for products that will benefit your child’s smile the most. By following our recommendations, you can rest assured that your child uses products that are most effective for their smile.  

Are There Any Areas of Their Smile That Need Extra Attention? 

Tooth decay does not occur overnight; it often develops over time in areas frequently missed during daily brushing and flossing. Your child’s dentist or hygienist will look for places with significant plaque and tartar buildup. By identifying areas that may need extra attention, you can adjust your child’s oral care routine to better target these spots. 

Brushing and flossing teeth thoroughly can be a real challenge for little hands. While children can begin brushing their teeth independently by age 7, they should still be monitored until at least age 10. Since flossing requires more dexterity, parents should provide assistance with this task until age 10.

Are There Any Preventive Treatments You Recommend? 

46% of children aged 2-19 have untreated or restored cavities in at least one tooth. Electing preventive dental treatments not only supports your child’s oral health but also reduces the likelihood of invasive dental work down the road.  

There are various preventive treatments available that are shown to reduce the risk of childhood tooth decay, such as: 

• Dental Sealants: Thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth that prevent  80% of cavities.  

• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride applications strengthen enamel and prevent decay. 

• Orthodontic Treatment: An aligned smile has fewer spots for plaque and tartar to hide. 

Asking about these optional preventive treatments during your child’s checkup can help you and your child’s dentist create a customized treatment plan to keep their smile cavity-free. 

Should My Child Use an Athletic Mouthguard? 

Each year, between 3-5 million teeth are lost due to sport-related injuries, many during activities where participants are advised to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards can shield teeth during contact sports to prevent dental injuries, including knocked out, chipped, or cracked teeth. Custom mouthguards from the dental office offer superior protection compared to the standard boil-and-bite style sold at sporting goods stores.  Ask your child’s dentist if your little athlete would benefit from using a custom mouthguard on the court or field.  

 

 

As the new school year approaches, prepare your child’s smile for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Schedule their back-to-school checkup today and ask these important questions to ensure their smile stays in A+ condition!