Discover the essential secrets to ensure a successful back-to-school dental checkup and protect your child's oral health throughout the school year
Ready for a new school year? Don't forget to add a dental checkup to your back-to-school checklist! While regular dental visits are crucial throughout the year, a check-up before school starts is especially important in combating cavities, the most common chronic disease among school-age children. Shockingly, dental problems lead to over 51 million missed school hours annually. Even though the return to school may look a bit different this year, scheduling a back-to-school dental appointment for your child remains essential.
Prevention and early detection are key to avoiding dental pain, eating difficulties, speech problems, and school absences. According to Dr. Mary Hayes, a pediatric dentist, and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, it's crucial to include dental checkups when preparing your kids for school. She advises, "When people are getting their children's pediatric check-ups to ensure they are ready for school, they should also make sure their teeth are part of it."
To help you out, here are six insider tips for a successful back-to-school dental check-up:
Plan Ahead
Amidst summer activities and family fun, school can sneak up on you. Avoid the August rush by making a habit of scheduling the appointment when your child receives their spring report card. Dr. Hayes suggests, "Planning ahead is good. If families want to avoid the rush to go back to school in August, then plan on getting appointments for the beginning of the summer."
Encourage Age-Appropriate Dental Habits at Home
The best checkup is a cavity-free checkup. Parents can play a crucial role by encouraging their kids to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Dr. Hayes offers the following advice for different age groups:
- Ages 6 and Under: Let your child start brushing on their own, but be ready to assist when needed. Their brushing technique may not adapt to their growing mouth and new molars.
- Ages 7-12: At this stage, children know what to do but might need continued encouragement. Be prepared to step in and guide them when necessary.
- Ages 12-18: This is a critical period for dental health. Teenagers may neglect their oral care as they may not have experienced cavities before. Support them in understanding the importance of dental hygiene for long-term health.
Timing Is Everything
Consider the time of day when scheduling your child's appointment. Avoid naptime for young children and refrain from booking right after a tiring day at camp or school for older kids. Fatigue may hinder their ability to go through the appointment successfully.
Make One Child a Model
If you have multiple children with back-to-back appointments, choose the child who has had the most positive dental experiences to go first. This way, the other children can witness a smooth and successful visit, which can ease their own anxieties.
A Hungry Child Is Not a Happy Patient
Ensure your child has a light meal before the appointment to keep them comfortable and in a good mood. Avoid feeding them in the waiting room to prevent food debris from interfering with the checkup. Additionally, a light meal is beneficial for children with a sensitive gag reflex.
Leave Your Anxiety at the Door
Children can sense their parents' anxiety, especially at a young age. It's important to be mindful of how you communicate with them. Avoid projecting your fears onto your child's experience. Instead, encourage them to ask the dentist any questions they may have and maintain a positive atmosphere surrounding dental visits.