6 Best Answers for Back-to-School Dental Visits
School is back in session, which means back-to-school dental visits are starting up. If you have children or are a student yourself, it’s good to know what the dentist expects of you during your dental visit back. With this blog post, we will go over some tips that can help make your back-to-school dental visit more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone involved!
1. Why do your children need back-to-school dental check-ups?
There are several reasons why your children need to have Dental screenings before going back to school.
1. You can find out if your kids need dental care by getting a check-up. They might have problems, and you’ll want to know about them.
2. Your children might not be able to learn well due to oral diseases.
3. Your children might miss school days because of oral diseases like tooth decay and pain.
4. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases among American children.
5. If your children get early detection and treatment of dental problems, they don’t have more severe problems. You don’t have to spend more money on your children’s dental treatment.
Also, it is important to teach kids about how oral health is essential in daily life, and that’s why we recommend a dentist visit before school starts.
Be sure that you know any special instructions needed back at home after your child’s back-to-school dental visit!
2. What should I expect from back to school dental visit?
During your children’s Back to School Dental Appointment, they get to meet with the family dentists.
First of all, our family dentists will check for your children’s teeth. At a dental exam, the dentist will check your teeth and mouth. Also, they might take an x-ray of your children’s teeth to see any problems such as tooth cavities and pains. When they might find issues with your teeth and suggest ways to solve them.
In addition to the exam, you can get your children’s teeth cleaned to help prevent future issues. Then family dentists might tell them how good/bad their brushing habits have been lately and what kind of toothpaste they use.
Next comes some instruction on taking care of their teeth at home, like flossing every night before bedtime and drinking lots of water throughout the day so that bacteria don’t stick to their teeth.
Also, your children might be given some fluoride supplements if they don’t drink too much water during the day, or they can’t get fluoride while drinking tap water.
These preventive services are often covered at 100% by dental plans. So, please check with your dental plan carrier if you have questions.
3. What treatment options are available?
If our family dentists find a problem, we can create a treatment plan that considers your child’s oral health. Prime Dental Group uses advanced dental technology. This makes any needed procedures fast and comfortable.
1) Dental Cleaning
In most cases, back-to-school dental appointments can also include teeth cleaning. Teeth cleanings help remove the plaque and tartar that have built up on your children’s back of their front teeth (this is why you brush).
2) Dental Sealant
One of the treatments we recommend is dental sealants. We put a protective coating on your molars to keep them healthy. Dental sealants prevent cavities. They keep bacteria and food from settling into places that a toothbrush cannot reach.
3) Mouthguard/Occlusal Guard
Also, for school-aged children who play sports, it is essential to protect their teeth with a mouthguard. A mouth guard will prevent injuries to teeth.
4) Braces
Braces are also a prevalent treatment for Back-to-School. Although, it depends on your dentist and orthodontist. The ideal age for braces is between 10 and 14 years old. If your child needs braces, they will meet the orthodontist and talk about their treatment options.
5. Should I come back for additional dental appointments?
At the end of your back-to-school dental visit, Prime Dental Group will help you schedule any follow-up appointments that your child needs. For example, if your child has tooth decay, they might need to come back for a dental filling appointment.
Also, if you want to have braces, you will need to make another appointment with our orthodontist, Dr. Lee.
6. What do you recommend for my children’s back-to-school smile?
There are easy ways to keep your children’s teeth healthy.
- Brush and floss your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day (morning and before bedtime).
- Drink lots of water. Water is good for your brain and body, as well as your teeth.
- Choose snacks that are healthy and low in sugar. It is important to not have snacks that will stick to teeth. (sorry, gummy bear)
- Rinse with water when you can’t brush your teeth. It helps to prevent food and drinks from attacking them.
- Don’t chew on pens or pencils because they could hurt your teeth.
- Get regular dental cleanings and check-ups every six months.
Finally, we advise that parents keep track of their efforts in case they need assistance, as most kids can clean their teeth independently.
If you have concerns about your children’s oral health and teeth, the dentist can help. Our family dentists know the right way to brush them. We may offer tips and tricks that will help you brush your teeth.
Schedule Back-to-School Dental Visit Appointment
It is a good idea to take your children to the dentist before they go back to school. This way, they can make sure there are no problems with their teeth. Also, if you find cavities and other issues early, your children will spend less time in the dental chair.
Prime Dental Group wants all kids to have a good experience going to the dentist. Our family dentists want to make people happy when they come to the dentist. We want your children to have a good time and then go home with a healthy smile.
If you have any questions, please contact us at Bellevue Prime Dental Group (425) 605-3575 or Lynnwood Prime Dental Group (425) 251-0707.
We are also available online with our easy appointment request form on our website. Fill out the information, and one of our staff will respond back to you as soon as possible! Our family dentists look forward to seeing back-to-school smiles this year!