As you get your child ready for the start of a new school year and shop for supplies, backpacks, and clothes, be sure to also schedule your child for a back-to-school dental exam! When your child visits the dentist, we examine not just their teeth, but entire oral health. We also make sure their teeth are growing correctly, that their bite isn’t misaligned, and keep an eye out for any potential concerns.

Schedule Your Child’s Back to School Exam

Tooth decay is the most common dental concern among children. Fortunately, it can be treated when caught early. When you bring your child in for their back-to-school dental exam, we will look for any signs of cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease. We may also perform x-rays to see if there are any concerns that may not be visible as well as check to see how well their teeth and jawbones are developing and make sure they are healthy. Sealants are another treatment we can offer during these back-to-school exams. Sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to teeth and work to reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria by creating a barrier around your teeth.

Hygiene

Besides x-rays and examinations, we will also clean your child’s teeth professionally. Even if your child brushes twice a day for two minutes each time and flosses daily as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), there can still be some missed areas. Using our expertise, we can remove buildup and tartar from areas that a toothbrush and floss can’t reach, allowing your child to have a bright and fresh smile for the new school year

Sports

If your child wants to play sports, ask about mouthguards and possibly having one custom-made for your child. Mouthguards are essential for every athlete and are cushioning oral appliances made of flexible material that fits snugly over your teeth to help protect against injuries to the teeth and mouth. They also prevent the jaws from coming together fully, reducing the risk of jaw joint injuries and concussion. If your child already has one, we can examine it for wear and tear. We recommend purchasing a new mouthguard every season or every time your child goes through a growth spurt.
Make sure to rinse it before and after every use and to dry it and store it properly when not in use.

By having your child attend routine exams every six months, we can keep an eye on your child’s oral health and hope to identify and treat any issues early on before they progress. It’s important to us that your child starts this year with a happy, healthy, and bright smile. For more information on your child’s back-to-school dental exam or to schedule an appointment, contact Tooth + Tusk Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today.