Back to School Dental Appointments

It's that time of year again -- summer is winding down and the beginning of a new school year is on the horizon. Preparing your child to go back to school is a big job, and registration, new clothes and shoes and school supplies are just the tip of the iceberg. The one thing that tends to fall by the wayside is dental care.

Why Back to School Dental Care Is Important

Regardless of your child's age, dental care should be a priority. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), around one in five (20 percent) of children between the ages of five and 11 have at least one untreated, decaying tooth. One in seven (approximately 13 percent) kids between 12 and 19 suffer from the same problem.

In many cases, they don't even know something is wrong; pain from a damaged tooth doesn't start until the nerve is affected, meaning a tooth or teeth can have problems that go undetected for years. Unfortunately, by the time this happens, expensive and painful dental work may be required, or the tooth may need to be removed. This can also mean missed school time for treatment appointments.

Once school is in full swing, it can be difficult to find time to get your kids to regular, preventive appointments. This makes the end of summer an ideal opportunity to schedule their dental exams.

Making the Commitment

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your kids see the dentist every six months. If you time it right, you can have your kids' six-month check-ups fall at the end of the summer and during spring break.

What Happens at a Children's Dental Exam?

At the dentist, your child will receive a comprehensive exam. This entails a full visual inspection of the teeth and gums, checking alignment and identifying any potential problems. Depending on findings, X-rays may be done to identify tooth decay and ensure adult teeth are growing in correctly.

After the exam, your child will receive a cleaning. Regardless of how often they brush, bacteria can still lurk in unreachable areas. The hygienist will be able to identify areas that need more attention and teach your child the correct brushing methods to reach these spots.

Once a cleaning has been completed, sealants may be applied to the surfaces of your child's teeth. These help to protect the enamel from wear and tear and provide a barrier against invasion from bacteria.

Devoting a small amount of time now can save missed classes and expensive dental work in the future. At Hintz and Oakley Family Dentistry, we understand how important good dental health is for your child. Make an appointment today to put your child on the path to lifelong oral health!