The Importance of the Back to School Dental Appointment

The 2020 school year is looking far different than previous years. While COVID-19 is forcing teachers and administrators to rethink the way they deliver lessons, parents are trying their best to determine whether to physically send their children back to school or keep them at home to pursue virtual learning. No matter which method you choose, you’re likely in the process of planning for what they will need when the first day arrives. Before you let the remaining summer days slip by, a dentist suggests making sure you schedule a dental appointment for your little one. Read on to learn why this visit will prove beneficial, especially for the 2020-2021 school year.

The Benefits of a Back to School Dentist’s Appointment

It doesn’t matter if your child is attending classes in an actual school building or opening their laptop at the kitchen table to learn this coming year, you want to make sure they are getting as much instruction as possible and not missing important information, right?

Since the 2020-2021 school year will likely come with a substantial learning curve for students, teachers, administrators, and parents, you will find it most worth of your time and beneficial to schedule your child’s dentist appointment before the summer is over. Here’s why:

1. Time: You have the available time right now to get them in to see your family dentist. Once school starts, you’ll be back in full educational mode and making sure they are dedicating their time to learning, studying, and engaging with their teachers and peers.
2. Successful Start: With COVID-19 causing everyone to wonder what the next steps will be, the last thing your child needs to worry about is their smile. By getting them in for a regular checkup and cleaning before school begins, you are helping to set them up for a successful start to the new year. This time can be used to address any problems they might be experiencing and get them taken care of before the end of summer break. Not to mention, they’ll be starting the school year with a healthier smile.
3. Keeping Them in a Routine: Children often need a gentle reminder to keep practicing good oral habits at home. Whether they’ve slacked off during the summer months on brushing and flossing, a back to school visit can help to positively encourage them to pick up on this important routine so their smile will be ready for the day.

The Importance of Starting at an Early Age

No matter the age of your child, good oral hygiene is important. Whether you have an infant or a child in preschool, grade school, or high school, regular brushing and flossing are key to avoiding cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. But the reason there is so much emphasis on starting early is that young children have the most difficulty in avoiding common dental problems.

Their teeth are growing and developing quickly and because of their novice hygiene techniques, they may be unable to properly brush and floss like they should, resulting in certain areas of their mouth being neglected.

With the help of your family dentist, you can encourage your child to get excited about oral hygiene through the use of games, music, and helpful techniques to make their routine fun and enjoyable. You can also inquire about beneficial preventive services like fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help better protect their teeth from decay.

If you are ready to mark one more thing off your back-to-school to-do list, speak to a member of your child’s dental team today to find out when you can bring them in for a routine checkup and cleaning.

About the Practice
At Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we believe in providing high-quality dental care to everyone in your family. From you, the adult, to your children, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to avoiding many of the most common dental problems (i.e. tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, bad breath). Offering regular dental checkups and cleanings to both kids and their parents, we can ensure your little one is ready to start the school year on the right foot by giving them a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile. If you are looking to put your child’s oral health on the right path, contact us via our website or by calling (308) 382-4440.