Top 5 Tips for a Successful Back to School Dental Visit
It’s almost that time of the year- the kids are headed back to school! You’ve checked off school clothes, backpacks, notebooks, office supplies and more from your seemingly never-ending shopping list. However, getting a pediatric dental checkup is just as important for maintaining your child’s oral health and preventive dental care! Read on for five tips for a successful back to school dental checkup for your child.
Key Takeaways: Essential Back to School Dental Care Tips
- Lewis Estates Dental recommends scheduling dental checkups before school starts to ensure optimal oral health.
- Regular brushing and flossing routines help prevent tooth decay and maintain healthy dental hygiene habits.
- Dental care apps and musical timers make dental hygiene engaging and effective for children.
- Custom-fitted mouth guards provide essential protection for children participating in school sports.
- Early dental visits and role-playing help reduce dental anxiety in children.
- Professional dental examinations can identify and address potential oral health issues before school begins.
- School boards often require dental examination reports for student enrollment.
Make Brushing and Flossing Part of Your Daily Dental Routine
Dental hygiene routines often get pushed aside during the summer when long nights and late rising times for the kids take over and vacations come around. Most households get back into a steady routine when school starts, so this is the perfect time to remind your children that their dental health is a big part of their everyday routine. Remember, your child should maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before they leave for school, right before bed, and any time after a snack.
Download Interactive Dental Care Applications
There are many different pediatric dental apps available through Google Play and the App Store that you can download to help your child with their brushing and flossing times. These types of apps will teach your child good brushing techniques and can even time them to make sure they brush for the full two minutes. Many come with music and motivational tips that will really help your child develop proper dental hygiene habits! Check out the popular dental hygiene app Brush DJ which is free and available on iTunes.
Alternately, if you would prefer, help your young child find a song of about three minutes length, and have them brush for the entire duration of the song. They can do a great service to their dental health and enjoy a favourite song at the same time.
Protective Mouth Guards for School Sports
Fall sports will be starting up and many times practice begins weeks before classes even start. A custom fitted mouth guard is essential for preventing dental trauma and keeping your child’s teeth protected from a stray ball or hard tackle on the field. If you are unsure of what type of protective mouth guard is needed, consult your family dentistry professional for recommendations.
Schedule Your Child’s Back to School Dental Examination
We know the weeks leading up to the start of school can be hectic. However, it’s crucial to schedule a comprehensive dental checkup appointment with your dentist to ensure that your child starts school with optimal oral health. You may even want to check with your school board, as many require a professional dental examination report on your child before they can be enrolled. Your pediatric dentist will be able to pinpoint any dental problems and take care of them so your child starts off their school year with a terrific smile!
Managing Dental Anxiety Through Role-play
If this is your child’s first visit to the dental clinic, it is understandable that they may experience dental anxiety. First, explain to them what will happen during their preventive dental care visit. Make sure to address any fears they have and never make them feel bad about being worried. If you have a younger child, try role-playing the dental visit with them. Playing pretend will help alleviate any of their fears and get them excited about going to the dentist for a check-up or cleaning.
If you still need to schedule a comprehensive back to school dental examination or have any questions about children’s oral health, please reach out to our dental clinic team and we will be sure to answer any questions you may have.
Important Information about Back to School Dental Care
- Children should visit their dentist for checkups every six months during the school year to maintain optimal oral health.
- A pediatric dental cleaning typically includes plaque removal, fluoride treatment, and a thorough examination of teeth and gums.
- Dental x-rays are usually recommended for children starting around age 5 or 6, depending on their individual oral health needs.
- Parents can help reduce dental anxiety by discussing the visit beforehand, using positive language, and choosing a child-friendly dental office.
- The most common dental problems in school-aged children include cavities, gum inflammation, and misaligned teeth.
- A typical pediatric dental visit usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes for a routine checkup and cleaning.
- Dentists recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants for cavity prevention in school-aged children.
- Children can start flossing independently around age 7, but should be supervised until age 10.
- Statistics show that school-aged children get an average of 1-2 cavities per year without proper dental care.
- Approximately 20% of school-aged children experience some form of dental anxiety before age 12.
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