If you have school-aged children, you’re probably thinking about your back-to-school to-do list. But once you’ve bought clothes, books, and school supplies for the upcoming year, there may be one more thing you’ve forgotten about: scheduling a checkup with a dentist in Evergreen. By scheduling this appointment before the first day of classes, you’ll make sure your child has good oral health now so they can avoid unexpected trips to the dentist later. Keep reading to learn about the 5 ways a checkup will keep your child’s smile healthy the whole year!
1. Prevent Dental Emergencies
Whether it’s an untreated cavity that turns into a severe toothache or a knocked-out tooth after baseball practice, dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. By scheduling a checkup before school starts, you’ll have the peace of mind that any issues your child has are addressed now, rather than later.
2. Improve At-Home Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene habits are essential for your child’s dental health, but many parents struggle to get their kids to brush and floss consistently. Oftentimes, simply hearing about the importance of good oral hygiene from a dentist and getting personalized tips to use at home is a big help in motivating kids to do better.
3. Protect the Back Teeth With Sealants
Unfortunately, even perfect brushing habits can’t prevent the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from getting cavities. The deep pits and grooves on these teeth collect plaque and microscopic bacteria, and toothbrush bristles are too large to fit into them. Sealants are thin, clear coatings that seal over these surfaces, keeping them clean and cavity-free. A dentist will evaluate whether your child could benefit from sealants during their checkup.
4. Minimize the Risk of Injury With a Sportsguard
According to the American Dental Association, an estimated 200,000 injuries are prevented each year by wearing sports guards. These custom-made appliances do more than prevent knocked-out teeth; they also prevent concussions as well. Having said that, it’s important to note that store-bought varieties aren’t as effective because they’re made of thinner material and don’t fit as well as custom-made sportsguards.
5. Prevent Cavities With a Fluoride Treatment
It’s important for kids to use fluoridated toothpaste at home each day, but it’s also very beneficial to get a fluoride treatment at their 6-month checkups. These treatments can be done in just a couple of minutes after their cleaning and will greatly strengthen their enamel to prevent cavities.
Remember, a checkup and cleaning is a proactive way to keep your child’s smile healthy and make the upcoming year a little smoother, so make sure it’s on your back-to-school to-do list!