As summer vacation ends and you are making your list of to-dos before school starts, do not forget to add scheduling a preventive dental appointment for your child! While there may be a lot of uncertainties surrounding your child’s upcoming year, one thing you can be certain of is the status of their dental health. Back-to-school appointments are the perfect opportunity to catch any underlying dental conditions and help your child let their best smile shine all year.
Why Are Back-To-School Appointments Important?
The start of the school year is full of changes and opportunities. Between school lunches, sugary vending machine snacks, and busy schedules to distract from oral hygiene routines, there are countless occasions for tooth decay to sneak into your child’s smile. At your child’s dental visit, we identify any areas that may be more vulnerable to tooth decay. Then, our team can create a plan to help your child restore their smile to full health and prevent tooth decay.
A professional dental cleaning allows your child to start the new school year with a clean slate. Their hygienist diligently removes any tartar that accumulated on your child’s smile during the summer. Eliminating tartar buildup every six months prevents tooth decay and other dental conditions from developing.
What Happens At A Preventive Dental Appointment?
It is recommended that children receive two professional cleanings and one exam annually. If your child is due for a dental exam, we will take a series of X-rays to get a closer look at their teeth. Your child’s dentist will review these images and perform a visual exam of their mouth. They will discuss their findings and work with you to design a custom treatment plan that restores your child’s smile to full health and prevents future cavities.
At your child’s back-to-school visit, they will receive a professional dental cleaning either before or after their exam. During the cleaning, your child’s hygienist will remove tartar buildup from the teeth and gently polish them to remove surface stains. If fluoride is part of your child’s treatment plan, the hygienist will then administer the fluoride treatment to give your child extra protection against cavities this school year.
Questions To Ask Your Child’s Dentist
Take full advantage of your child’s visit by preparing a few questions in advance. Asking the right questions will allow you to play an active role in improving your child’s oral health this year. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking during their next visit.
How Can My Child Improve Their Oral Hygiene?
Dental professionals can identify areas with significant plaque and tartar buildup. Then, they can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to coach your child on how to tackle hard-to-reach areas.
Are There Any Elective Treatments That Would Reduce My Child’s Risk Of Cavities?
From sealants to fluoride, there are various preventive treatments that are proven to reduce the risk of childhood cavities. We can help determine which treatments would benefit your child’s smile the most.
Does My Child Need Any Specialty Treatments This Year?
Children may require specialty dental services to maintain optimal oral health, such as wisdom teeth removal and orthodontic treatment. Depending on your child’s specific needs, certain procedures can be carried out at their regular dental office. However, if necessary, we may refer you to one of our trusted colleagues who specializes in these treatments.
Call us to schedule a back-to-school appointment for your child! We are eager to help your child let their best smile shine this upcoming school year.
