Thinking about getting your kids ready to go back to school after the long, fun summer can be challenging. However, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier. Children and their parents are both much busier once the school year begins, so this is a great time to handle taking care of your children’s dental needs for the school year while the schedule is a little more relaxed.
Although your children may be brushing and flossing regularly, it is vital to have a checkup and professional cleaning every six months. Doing so will not only keep their smiles looking great, increase their comfort with the dental routines and their dental professionals, but can save them from unnecessary discomfort and save you unneeded future dental expenses.
A dental examination is as important as immunizations and booster shots according to the American Dental Association as part of back to school preparations. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control report that tooth decay affects children in the U.S. more than any other chronic infectious disease.
Further, these statistics indicate that nearly one in five children between the ages of two and nineteen have untreated tooth decay, which can lead to pain or difficulty in eating or speaking, as well as playing and learning. Dental x-rays can diagnose early or noticed problems, and today, simple fluoride treatments or sealants can help to prevent decay.
Many children participate in sports, PE or other physical activities. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during participation can save your child’s teeth. During your back to school dental visit, your dentist can advise you and your child on the options available, and importantly, how to clean and care for them also.
This visit can give the dentist an opportunity to look at the development and placement of your child’s teeth. Although straightening and realigning crooked teeth is often considered on a cosmetic basis, there are many other reasons why it may be important for much more than aesthetics. In fact, studies have found that misaligned teeth can affect both dental and overall health in many ways.
Of course, your child will want to have a smile that they can be proud to show. It can increase their self-confidence, self-esteem, happiness and overall mental health. In fact, when your child feels like they have a great smile, it can increase the amount they smile, which can not only lower stress, but can improve cognitive ability.
If you are interested in getting your child ready with his back to school dental preparations, Dr. Heidi Finkelstein and her caring staff at My Plantation Dentist can help. To schedule your appointment, please contact us today at 954-584-1030.
