School supplies? Check. Backpack? Check. Dental visit? Check!
Dental visits are just as important as being up-to-date with your child’s booster shots and immunizations. A dental exam should be on your family’s back-to-school preparations list. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay affects children in the U.S. more than any other communicable disease. Furthermore, statistics reveal that nineteen percent of kids between ages two to nineteen years have unresolved tooth decay. Dental issues can lead to difficulty in speaking, learning, and eating, not to mention hours of missed school.
Now’s a great time to get back on track, especially if your some of your kid’s good oral habits fell away during summer. Below are some of the questions you can ask your Dallas dentist during your child’s appointment.
1. In general, how is my child’s dental health?
The dentist will take a look at your child’s overall dental health – and this includes the gums and teeth. She will check if the teeth are lined up correctly, and will be on the lookout for any dental concerns that may show up later on. She will also ask if your child’s baby teeth are going to the Tooth Fairy!
2. Will my child require an x-ray?
An x-ray will give your dentist a closer look at your child’s teeth. Are the roots healthy? Is there tooth decay between your child’s teeth? The earlier these things are detected, the better. An x-ray is not required at every dental visit.
3. Will my child get a cleaning?
No matter how well or how often your child brushes, regular dental cleaning is a must. The decay process can progress fast, and brushing will not eradicate all those cavity-causing bacteria. Yes, a professional dental cleaning goes a long way.
4. How about sealants?
Sealants are a wonderful way to protect your child’s teeth from getting cavities. It is a protective coating that your dentist can put on the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars, or back teeth. They work by keeping bits of food and bacteria from getting in the areas that your child’s toothbrush can’t reach. It is best to get them once your child’s permanent molars appear.
Your child wants to look their best as they go back to school. You can help by making an appointment with your Dallas dentist! Simple preventative dental visits can ward off tooth decay. The sooner you make this a priority, the better.
