Why Your Child Should See a Dentist Before They Go Back to School

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for most kids. Yes, they’re sad to leave behind the fun-filled days of summer but making new friends and meeting their teacher is often enough to have them ready to show off their new backpack and run to get in the car. Before they head out of the door for their first day, while they may be equipped with new clothes, a new bookbag, and a freshly made lunch, what about their smile? Find out why it’s beneficial to schedule a dentist appointment before your child starts a new school year.

Why Schedule a Dentist Appointment Before the New School Year?

Throughout the summer, your child has probably enjoyed sleeping in, staying up late, playing in the pool, or out riding their bike with a friend down the street. They’ve most likely consumed too much sugar, snacked on more than a few crunchy chips, and if we’re honest, probably skipped a few brushing and flossing sessions before they went to bed.

Whether your child has spent all summer deprogramming the repetitive habits they are responsible for throughout the school year or they happily stuck to the routine you’ve helped them set, it’s best to make sure their oral health is on track before they return to school. Why? The reasons are many and beneficial to both you and your child.

1. Going to Class = Learning: When your child is out of school due to sickness or a problem with their dental health, this causes them to miss important information at school. By addressing problems before they head back to school, you can help them avoid missing class.
2. Summer = More Time: The start of a new school year means diving back into the world of athletic practices and games, PTA meetings, and more. Scheduling their dentist appointment before the hectic and busy schedules begin to take over.
3. Routine = Healthy Mouth: Make sure to encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. Help them make it a routine to brush their teeth every morning and night, as well as floss at least once a day. It will also help if they come to expect one of their annual dentist’s appointments to be scheduled right before they go back to school.

Why Is Good Oral Hygiene Important at a Young Age?

Having good oral hygiene isn’t always just about age. No matter how old you are, you should keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Just because you grow older doesn’t mean you can slack off on your brushing and flossing routine, or your dental appointments for that matter.

The reason it is so important for young mouths is because they are much more prone to developing tooth decay and cavities. If you’re wondering why it is because children are still developing oral habits. Many are still trying to brush their teeth on their own and trying to maneuver dental floss in a way that is effective but not damaging to their gums. As a result, decay begins to develop and turns into cavities.

Making sure you schedule a dentist appointment before school starts will not only give your family dentist a chance to thoroughly clean your child’s teeth, removing any plaque and tartar build-up, but it will also allow them to address any problems ahead of time, so your child spends more time in school than in the dentist chair.

If you’re just days away from school starting, make sure to give your child’s teeth and gums the attention they need and deserve. Set your child up for a successful year by helping them obtain a healthy mouth.

About the Practice
At Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we want to make sure you and your family’s dental needs are met! Patient comfort is of the utmost importance, which is why we’ve invested in new technologies to make your experience as comfortable as possible each time you visit. You can also expect a team of dental experts who enjoy getting to know our patients. This allows us to create personalized treatment plans based on your needs. Have a little one who is anxious about the dentist? Not to worry! Our dental professionals will take great care to ensure they have a wonderful experience. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (308) 382-4440.