Start Your Child’s School Year Off Right with a Dental Checkup

Start Your Child’s School Year Off Right with a Dental Checkup

dentist DatapointYour list of to-dos for the new school year probably includes buying clothes and school supplies, planning quick, healthy lunches and perhaps scheduling a physical or an eye exam. It’s important to fit in an appointment with your child’s dentist among those tasks, as well. Your child’s oral health can have a major impact on classroom performance and emotional well-being during the academic year.

Children need to see the dentist every six months just like their parents do. This helps your child’s smile stay as healthy as possible.

Did you know that dental problems, such as pain due to tooth decay, are among the most common reasons that children miss days of school? When your child sees a dentist in the late summer, any cavities can be diagnosed and treated promptly, minimizing the possibility that they’ll cause trouble during the school year. Any concerns about the development of your child’s smile can also be addressed at this time. For example, an orthodontic evaluation may be recommended.

Additionally, your child will benefit from the professional cleaning that is administered at these routine check-up appointments. To thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup, a hygienist can reach areas of the smile that it’s difficult for your child to reach on his or her own. For younger children who are still getting the hang of brushing and flossing their teeth, the preventive cleanings are essential to minimizing the presence of oral bacteria and reducing the risk of various oral diseases.

If your child struggles with anxiety about dental appointments, reassure them that a check-up and cleaning will not cause them any discomfort. You can also be a good role model by keeping your own appointments every six months, reinforcing the idea that professional dental care is a regular part of life and nothing to be afraid of.

Don’t delay your child’s dental exam and teeth cleaning. Call our office today at Aesthetic Dental Partners to schedule an appointment before the school year begins.