It’s back-to-school time!

Sometimes it feels as though schedules change the moment you get used to the previous one. Summer break can feel busy at times, but the back-to-school chaos is an entirely different animal. There are last-minute doctor’s appointments  to make, clothes to buy, and school supplies to acquire. With all of this running around, it’s not a big surprise that a dental exam sometimes get forgotten.

Dentist time!

Right before school begins is an excellent time to get your children in for their regular dental cleanings. This can help you get it in the schedule before life becomes too frantic, or simply give you the peace of mind that it’s done. If you make it a habit to get your kids in around the time school starts every year, it can be easy to remember that it’s coming up!

Getting the appointment scheduled and out of the way can help your child with their self-confidence as well. If their teeth are shining and bright, they are less likely to feel self-conscious about their smile. It’ll also ensure that their smile is ready for picture day whenever it arrives.

What does the dental exam include?

A back-to-school dentist appointment is a great way to prevent issues from forming later on. The dentist will typically take X-rays of your child’s teeth to check on the growth of those adult teeth, as well as keep an eye out for any problems. After that, they will clean their teeth as normal, and then do a fluoride treatment. If needed, the dentist will recommend their molars be treated with sealants to help prevent cavities from forming.

Don’t skip it!

Even when life becomes crazy, it is important not to skip any of those dental visits. It’s common for children to miss some spots when brushing, which inevitably leads to bacteria build-up and cavities. Many children have cavities, and they won’t always tell us parents about the discomfort—no matter how much we wish they would! Keeping those regular appointments will ensure that any potential problems are caught early on.

But isn’t it just a baby tooth?

It is commonly thought that we don’t have to worry about baby teeth as much because they will just fall out anyway. When plaque is able to build up on your child’s teeth, the bacteria gets right to work. This creates cavities, which can then make it hard to eat, affect the way your child speaks, or even damage their jaw. Any of these issues can follow them for the rest of their lives.

What if my child is nervous?

Unfortunately, dental anxiety is a common problem in people of all ages. Though this makes it a lot easier to skip the appointments, it’s truly a reason not to. The more your child is exposed to good experiences at the dentist, the more likely they will begin to relax. If any issues are caught before they become a real problem, they can be fixed without any real discomfort.

It’s not uncommon for a parent to be nervous about their child’s upcoming dentist appointment. Your child might be ready to go, but some part of you just worries. If this is the case, know you are not alone! If it helps you, don’t be afraid to read up on what to expect at your child’s dentist appointment. 

But how do you get your kid to the dentist if they are scared?

We wish we had a foolproof answer for you here. In reality, every child is different. Reading books about dentistry can help some children grow used to the idea. For other children, YouTube videos tend to be more effective. Don’t be afraid to ask us for a consultation before your visit. This way, the dentist and team can show your child around the practice and help them grow used to their surroundings.

If your child eats up facts like they’re half-starved, why not find some fun dental facts for them? To get you started, we have 10 facts about your teeth!

It’s important!

Remember that getting your child in for a cleaning twice a year is important for many reasons—even if they still only have their baby teeth. It’ll help freshen their breath, keep you aware of anything that might be going on with their dental health, and set them up for success with those adult teeth.

Here at Bloomington Modern Dentistry, the care doesn’t stop at dental cleanings. If any of your family needs further treatment and care, we’ve got you covered! If you need to get your child’s biannual appointment in the books, you can request an appointment online, or give us a call!