Here’s something we’re all guilty of: visiting the dentist only when there’s something wrong with our teeth and gums that’s already too painful to endure. Regular dental visits, not just for you but for your little ones as well, are a must all year-round. But, perhaps the most important one is that back-to-school checkup.
Every parent should schedule a back-to-school checkup for their children. This plays a crucial role in preventing cavities, which are the most common oral chronic disease among school-age children. According to records, young students miss more than 51 million hours at school every year because of their dental problems.
So, a pediatric dentist in Riverton highly suggests doing this type of checkup to spot and take care of any dental issues early to make sure your children won’t have to miss any of their classes when the term officially starts.
This is also the perfect opportunity for your kids to get back on track with their oral health routine that may have fallen away during their breaks. After all, when kids are off school, their regular routines go out the window when there are more sugary treats around.
So, as parents and guardians, it’s important to understand your role in the prevention and early detection of any oral health problem your child may have. By taking the proper steps, you’ll help your kids avoid the pain, eating issues, speech problems, and school absences that come with these problems.
When you visit a pediatric dentist in Riverton, here are some of the questions you should ask:
What’s the condition of my child’s overall dental health?
A qualified pediatric dentist will not just check your child’s teeth, but also the rest of your child’s mouth, including their gums. They can check if your child’s bite is in the right shape and that their growing teeth are lining up nicely.
They’ll also be on the lookout for any oral health-related problems that may show up when your child is a little bit older. Pediatric dentists are responsible for making sure their baby teeth are heading properly to the Tooth Fairy.
Should my child get an oral cleaning today?
Even if you’ve been monitoring your child’s brushing habits, regular oral cleaning will always be a must. Brushing your teeth twice daily is commendable, but it’s still not enough to completely remove all the bacteria that can cause cavities.
Sometimes, when your child is away from you – like when they’re off to a camp – they can just drop their routine without you knowing it. That’s why it’s highly important that your children get professional cleaning often. This can help get rid of the cavity-causing bacteria that brushing alone won’t remove.
In addition, it helps remove teeth staining while keeping the gum tissue healthy.
Should my child get sealants?
While sealants won’t work as an alternative to brushing and flossing, they’re effective in preventing cavities from developing. By having sealants on your child’s molars, you can help them lower their risks of developing cavities by 80%.
So, once your child’s permanent molars start developing, ask your pediatric dentist if they recommend getting sealants.
