School is fast approaching and with it comes the obligatory school supply and clothes shopping, haircuts, doctors’ appointments to catch up on shots and physicals, and vision tests. So, why would you skip your pediatric dental checkup and cleaning?
It is recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning to ensure that your dental health is good, and you are staying on the right path to ensure that your smile remains bright and sparkling.
Checkups to Combat Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that children face, and these regular checkups are important when it comes to catching this problem early before the decay can get any worse.
When you choose the path of prevention and detection for your child, you are setting them up for a more positive dental hygiene record, and you can help them avoid any problems or tooth pain in the future due to these issues that could have been found and solved if they went to their regular checkup.
Tips for a Successful Back to School Dental Checkup
If you follow these tips, you are sure to have a much better dental checkup and skip all the hassle and headache of trying to accomplish everything at the last minute.
Plan Ahead
It is always recommended that you plan ahead for this appointment. Summers fill up fast with parents trying to get their children in for checkups and procedures prior to school starting, so they don’t have to miss any school days.
Armed with this information, you should call early and schedule your appointment, so you are sure to get in and be seen without having to worry about the dentist offices packed schedule.
Follow Good Hygiene at Home
In between appointments, it is important that you instill good dental hygiene habits. Your child should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Also, depending on the age of the child, you should be prepared to have to take a more active role when it comes to their oral health.
If your child is younger, than you may need to brush their teeth yourself or supervise them a bit more closely to ensure that they are learning how to brush and floss properly.
As the children grow older and enter their teen years, however, self-care is easier to handle, and you will not have to watch them as closely.
Time Your Visit
Finally, when you schedule your appointment, make sure you keep the child’s needs and behavior in mind. For example, if they don’t do well in the morning, then you should consider an appointment in the afternoon after they have had time to wake up and eat something.
Following these simple tips will help you ease into the school year a bit easier and ensure that your child’s oral health is in tip-top shape and their smile shines for those school pictures.
