This is a good time to schedule your child’s dental visit because some schools require a back-to-school dental exam. In order to prevent your child from missing classes once school starts, a back-to-school dental visit will help identify and address any dental issues. Refocusing on your child’s dental habits, which may have slipped over the summer, is also a good idea at this time.
When your child has a dental appointment, ask them the following questions:
How is the general dental health of my child?
The dentist will examine your child’s entire mouth, including the gums and teeth. In addition to making sure the child’s bite is healthy and the teeth are aligned properly, the dentist will also look for any potential orthodontic problems.
Is My Child Going to Get Cleaned Today?
To make up for the times your kids may have neglected to use their toothbrush while occupied with summer camps and other activities, back-to-school is a great time to give them a cleaning. However, regardless of how well your child brushes, a professional cleaning is a must. Not all of the bacteria that can cause cavities can be eliminated by brushing twice a day. Professional cleaning is therefore very beneficial. It keeps your smile bright, helps maintain healthy gum tissues, and helps expel more bacteria that cause cavities.
Is an X-ray necessary for my child?
Your dentist can make sure the tooth roots are healthy and gain insight into how your child’s teeth are developing with the use of X-rays. They are also used to determine whether the child’s teeth are decayed. The sooner the decay process is detected, the better, because it can progress rapidly.
Could you look at my kid’s mouthguard?
Bring your child’s mouthguard if they participate in sports so the dentist can inspect it for fit and wear. The mouthguard may need to be replaced if the child is experiencing a growth spurt, losing teeth, and growing new ones.
Does My Child Need Sealants? What Are They?
Although sealants are not a substitute for consistent brushing and flossing, they can be an additional strategy to prevent cavities in your child. Your dentist can apply a sealant, a thin protective layer composed of safe dental materials, to the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth, also known as molars. Once applied, sealants prevent food particles and bacteria that cause cavities from getting into crevices that are inaccessible to your child’s toothbrush. This keeps cavities from developing and stops small decay spots from getting worse.
Your permanent molars have an 80% lower chance of developing cavities if you have sealants applied. When your child’s permanent molars erupt through their gums, which is typically around age 6 and then again around age 12, it is best to have sealants applied. Parents should inquire as to whether sealants are advised when permanent molars begin to erupt. At each routine checkup, the child’s dentist will ensure that the sealants are still in place, as most of them last for years.