Regular dental care is important year-round, but when it’s time for the school bells to ring to welcome another year of school, dental care is especially important. While all kids want to go back-to-school with the latest gadgets, cool backpacks, and awesome clothes, they also appreciate a white, healthy smile just as much as it appreciates them. Make sure a dental exam is included on your back-to-school agenda.
Children miss more than 51 million hours of school every single year due to oral health concerns and toothaches. Apart from missing valuable time in school, many children suffer when they cannot focus due to oral discomfort and pain or simply remarks made by other kids if their teeth are yellow, stained, chipped or broken, or there are other concerns. A back-to-school dental exam is the best way to prevent and detect oral health concerns before they become problematic.
Plan Ahead
Summer is often filled with an abundance of activities to keep us entertained while school is out. End-of-season can sneak up on you before you know it. Don’t let this happen again this year and plan ahead for dental exams and appointments to avoid the rush.
Encourage Dental Care at Home
At-home dental care is pertinent to a healthy mouth. Parents should encourage their child to brush their teeth for two minutes, two times each day. Don’t forget to floss to remove dirt and debris trapped between the teeth. Help small children brush their teeth and watch older kids to ensure they’re brushing correctly.
Timing is Important
Make sure smaller children don’t arrive at the dentist before naptime to avoid crankiness and harder than normal visits with the dentist. Avoid breaking regular routines if the child is accustomed to taking a nap or eating lunch at a specific time. After School appointments are popular, but by the end of the day, many children are tired, cranky, and lack the energy to add more to their day.
Feed the Kids
You’re not yourself when you’re hungry, and neither are the children. Make sure the kids eat lunch before arriving at the dentist to further reduce fussiness and crankiness. A full stomach is one that has far more patience to see the dentist. Do keep in mind that since your child is visiting the dentist, the meal should be light to avoid particles getting stuck in the teeth. Brush before the visit to score extra brownie points with the dentist.
Don’t Let Anxiety in the Door at the Dentist’s Office
Your kids sense your Anxiety, and in turn, it causes them also to feel anxious about the appointment. Reassure your child before, during, and after the dental visits. Smaller children, such as those who are 5 or 6 years old, are especially vulnerable to dental phobias. Be mindful of the things that you say about the dentist and ensure Anxiety is left at the Door.