What You Need to Know About Back-to-School Dental Basics

It’s back-to-school season! Is your family prepared for the shift in schedules? A lot goes into getting ready for school, from buying backpacks to planning out logistics like who’s picking who up.

While you’re starting off your school year, make sure that you’re including a dental exam in your list of to-dos. Believe it or not, dental exams are crucial to your child’s success at school. That’s why our team put together a list of what you need to know about dental health before you settle into the school groove.

The Importance of an Exam

It might not seem like it at first, but dental health can make or break your child’s school experience.

Cavities affect children more than any other infectious disease, which means that tooth decay is a serious problem. Plus, the pain caused by tooth decay can be distracting, and worst case, it can prevent kids from going to school. That’s time that they’re missing out on learning, all because of tooth decay.

Exams can find cavities and other problems that parents and even the child themselves might not be able to find. Once they’re found, these can be treated before they become a larger problem, which lets kids get back to learning.

Preventative Measures

The back-to-school season also brings the start of sports season. If your child is active, make sure to mention this when they visit the dentist.

Your dentist will be able to recommend the proper precautions to take during practice and games. That might include a mouth guard or other protective equipment.

When you receive your child’s equipment, make sure to explain to them how important it is. Many kids don’t want to wear protective dental wear during sports, but if they understand how essential it is, they can be more willing to comply. You might even want to ask the dentist for a duplicate, so you can keep one with their sports equipment and one on hand in case they forget theirs or lose it.

The Right Tools

Dental health doesn’t stop when you leave the dentist. Once your child is done with their visit, you’ll need to make sure they have everything they need to be successful for the coming year.

Take your child to a local store so they can pick out a toothbrush they love. When kids have a fun toothbrush, it makes brushing their teeth more enjoyable.

While you’re at the store, you might want to invest in a little timer. Make a habit out of setting it for two minutes every time your child starts brushing their teeth. That way, they can see the progress they’re making as they work.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re setting your child up for success. While you’re at it, make sure to schedule a dental appointment for yourself, and to pick up dental care supplies that you can easily work into your day-to-day life. After all, your children will follow your example, so be sure to practice great dental care.