Keys to a Great Back-to-School Dental Checkup

Keys to a Great Back-to-School Dental Checkup

Back-to-school means busy schedules, tons of activities and lots to keep track of. You make sure your child has their backpack, lunch, and school supplies ready for the first day of school, but have you scheduled their back-to-school dental checkup?

It’s important to regularly visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings year round, but scheduling a back-to-school checkup is one key way to help fight cavities- the most common chronic disease in children. Children miss more than 50 million hours of school each year dealing with dental disease issues. These issues include pain, absences from school, and difficulty eating or speaking. As you think about scheduling medical checkups, it is important to make sure you consider dental health too. It’s time to schedule a back-to-school checkup now!

When Should I Schedule Dental Appointments During the School Year?

August is one of the busiest months for most dental offices. As you plan your summer activities make sure to find time to schedule checkups and cleanings before the August back-to-school rush arrives. One easy way to make sure you have enough time for an appointment is to think about scheduling at the beginning of summer. This means appointments will be finished long before the craziness of back-to-school time arrives. 

What’s the Best Time for a Dentist Appointment?

Keep in mind that during the summer and school year your child is very busy. It is important to remember that children who have an appointment after summer camp or a full school day may be feeling fatigued and may not have the energy to successfully complete an appointment. Try to avoid scheduling appointments during nap or rest times too. Consider scheduling in the morning when a child is alert and energized, or on a day that has not been full of other activities. 

Should My Child Eat Before Their Dental Checkup?

Hungry people are cranky people and children are no exception. Consider having your child eat a light meal before their appointment to ward off any feelings of hunger. Try to have your child eat before they arrive in the waiting room so their meal is no longer in their mouth as they open for their dentist. It’s also a great idea to brush teeth before an appointment.

How Do I Keep My Child from Feeling Nervous at the Dentist?

Being nervous is very normal, but there are ways you can help. If YOU are feeling anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist’s office your child can almost certainly tell. Be aware of how you communicate with your child about their upcoming visit. Use positive phrases and encourage your child to ask questions. If you can’t or don’t want to answer, let your child know it is okay to ask their dentist any questions they may have. Remind your child that by visiting the dentist they are helping to keep their teeth healthy and strong.

What if My Child Won’t Cooperate at the Dentist?

If your child becomes upset, it is important to allow them to stay and complete the visit. Leaving in the middle of a visit will make the next visit much more difficult. Try to assess why your child is upset: is it genuine fear or are they simply testing out a new situation? Many younger children may be worried that they will not know what to do during their appointment. You can help by talking about the upcoming visit at home and breaking down each part of the appointment into simple steps. If your child is still having difficulties, you can ask the dental team to help out. Allow the dentist to talk through the procedures and teach your child about what they are doing. Give your child and their dentist an opportunity to build a positive relationship together that will make future visits run more smoothly.

How Can I Start Good Dental Habits at Home?

Every parent hopes for a cavity free checkup. You can help make this a reality by encouraging your children to create good dental habits at home. Brushing for two minutes at least twice a day and flossing once a day are essential to keeping cavities at bay. Follow these tips to help your child brush their best:

Dental Hygiene for Kids Under 6 Years Old

Children of this age are excited to do everything themselves, including brushing their teeth. While your child may show enthusiasm for the task, they may not have the necessary skills to effectively clean their teeth. Let your child begin the brushing but make sure to assist them as needed. Children’s mouths change drastically during these ages, and it is important to take new molars and growing teeth into consideration when brushing and flossing.

Dental Hygiene for 7-12 Year-Olds

Continue to encourage healthy dental habits, even when your child pushes back against them. Your child may know how to effectively brush and floss but may not understand the importance of it yet. Be aware of your child’s dental routines and step in when necessary to promote and develop good habits.

Dental Hygiene for 12-18 Year-Olds

Don’t let your teen’s dental habits fall out of sight. Cavities most often appear in young children, but another critical time for cavity prevention is during the teenage years. Many teens that have never had a cavity do not realize the importance of continuing good dental hygiene as a preventative measure. Remember that the habits your child has a teen will likely carry on into adulthood. 

How Can I Prepare for a Dental Emergency?

When you leave your appointment be sure to grab a few business cards on your way out. Accidents can happen anytime, so it is good to be prepared. Make sure your child’s teachers and coaches each have a card so they will have all the necessary information in case of an emergency. It’s also helpful to keep a card in your child’s backpack, their personal file at school and in your own wallet.

Have you scheduled your back-to-school checkups yet?

We specialize in delivering quality periodontic and orthodontic care from a modern, state-of-the-art office. We use the most up-to-date methods and innovative technologies to protect the smiles you love most. We also offer flexible scheduling to meet the needs of your busy family. 

Ready to schedule your back-to-school appointments? Call Dentist of Torrance at (310) 651-7660 today!

WHY CHOOSE US?

CALL (310) 651-7660
OR
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW!

Request Appointment