This is a wonderful time to schedule your child’s dental checkup because some schools require a back-to-school dental exam. In order to prevent your kid from missing classes once school starts, a back-to-school dental visit will assist identify and address any dental concerns. Refocusing on your child’s oral habits, which may have slipped during the summer, is also a smart idea at this time.
When your child has a dentist appointment, ask them the following questions:
How is the general dental health of my child?
The dentist will examine your child’s whole 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 fantastic opportunity to give them a cleaning. However, regardless of how well your child brushes, a professional cleaning is a must. Not all of the microorganisms that might cause cavities can be eliminated by brushing twice a day. Professional cleaning is therefore quite beneficial. It keeps your smile bright, helps maintain healthy gum tissues, and helps expel more germs 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 may inspect it for fit and use. The mouthguard may need to be updated if the youngster 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 kid. Your dentist can apply a sealant, a thin protective layer composed of safe dental materials, on the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth, often known as molars. Once applied, sealants prevent food particles and germs that cause cavities from getting into crevices that are inaccessible to your child’s toothbrush. This keeps cavities from developing and stops little decay patches from growing worse.
Your permanent teeth 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 often around age 6 and then again around age 12, it is recommended to have sealants applied. Parents should enquire as to whether sealants are advised when permanent teeth 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.