Back-to-school season is here!

With back-to-school time rapidly approaching, you’ve surely got plenty on your plate, and a dental checkup is likely last on your priority list. However, it’s important not to overlook your child’s oral health during this busy period. In today’s article, let’s take a closer look at how a back-to-school dental checkup in New York can prepare your child for a good year ahead and lasting oral health.

Preventive care stops problems in their tracks.

A routine dental visit is one of the most important aspects of your child’s preventive care. As you likely already know, it’s recommended that your child visit the dentist once every six months, which can be difficult to fit in during the school year. A back-to-school dental checkup from your Williamsville family dentist can allow you to take care of this appointment early and avoid any scheduling difficulties.

It’s vital not to overlook these routine dental visits. They’re essential in safeguarding your child’s oral health and supporting their development overall. Without this routine care, your child may be at risk of developing a variety of oral health issues that can lead to serious long-term complications.

A routine dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing can’t. These deposits allow bacteria to thrive and grow, which leads to both tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. Even if your child keeps up with a good oral hygiene regimen, professional dental cleanings are still necessary.

Routine dental visits are also a great way to tackle multiple preventive treatments at the same time. For example, your child can receive a fluoride treatment that works to remineralize their teeth’s enamel and protect them against cavities. You can also opt for dental sealants, which are a composite resin applied on the chewing surface of the molars to provide lasting protection to those powerful teeth. With cavities being so prevalent in children, these treatments are a proactive way to ensure your child maintains optimal oral health.

Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Alongside routine dental care, establishing good oral hygiene at home is essential as well. Your child’s daily oral hygiene routine plays a major role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, among other potential oral health issues.

Maintaining routine dental visits, such as a back-to-school dental checkup, can help keep your child on track. Your child’s dentist will be able to evaluate their smile to determine where and how their oral health may be lacking. From there, they can provide personalized advice on how to improve their at-home oral hygiene routine.

Routine visits also keep oral health fresh in your child’s mind. The more they stay aware of their oral health and development, the more likely they’ll stick to brushing and flossing regularly at home. Similarly, it’s important that your child is able to gain clear insight into any developing issues, as they might have simply been unaware that any problems existed.

Additionally, establishing a good oral hygiene routine before the school year starts is crucial in lessening your child’s stress as they work to manage their time with schoolwork and various extracurricular activities. Already having the routine established makes them less likely to skip it once things get hectic.

Depending on your child’s age, their dentist can also provide you, the parent, with practical advice. Ensuring that your child follows a proper oral hygiene routine can be difficult, but a dentist can provide effective tips to promote good oral hygiene at home, along with informing you and your child of proper techniques and oral hygiene products.

Addressing Dental Issues

When your child comes in for a back-to-school dental checkup, they’ll receive both professional teeth cleaning and a thorough examination, which serves to identify potential dental issues early, before they get out of hand.

If they are spotted early enough, your child can sometimes successfully address these issues with small changes to your oral hygiene, diet, and other lifestyle factors. In other cases, your child can avoid more serious treatment in the future by getting less invasive treatment now. For instance, a cavity that might need a dental filling today could require a root canal or even an extraction later if left untreated.

Scheduling your child’s dental checkup before going back to school can also make scheduling any necessary follow-up appointments much easier. If they need fillings, more extensive treatment, or even orthodontic care, it’s best to get appointments out of the way while their schedule is more open.

Finally, treating cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues before the school year begins can help set your child up for a successful year. Getting these procedures out of the way early can help your child avoid the distractions that come with tooth sensitivity and pain, allowing them to focus on their schoolwork more easily and put their best foot forward.

Start the school year off right with a back-to-school dental checkup.

A back-to-school dental checkup can provide a solid foundation for your child’s oral health, helping them get the care they need before the busy school year kicks off. The right dentist can ensure your child’s oral health is in tip-top shape for the upcoming school year and beyond. Kathleen Balthasar, DDS, is your friendly and affordable dentist in Williamsville for routine visits and a full range of treatment options. Schedule your child’s back-to-school dental checkup today.