School will be back in session before you know it. Send your child off to class with a new bookbag, fresh pencils, and a healthy smile.
It’s always a good time of year to schedule one of your child’s regular visits. A dental visit can help us spot any issues and resolve them so no school is missed when school begins. It’s also a great time to help get back on track if some of your child’s dental habits fell away during summer when normal routines can go out the window and when there can be a lot more treats around.
Here are a few questions to ask at your child’s appointment:
How Is My Child’s Overall Dental Health?
The dentist will be looking at the big picture of your child’s mouth, including teeth and gums. We will check to make sure teeth are lining up correctly, your child’s bite is in good shape and to keep an eye out for any [orthodontic] issues that may show up later. We’re also making sure baby teeth are going to the Tooth Fairy as they should.
Will My Child Get a Cleaning Today?
This is a must, no matter how well your child brushes. Even if your child—or you, for that matter—brush twice a day, it’s not possible to get rid of all the bacteria that can lead to cavities. On the other hand, you may have a child who goes off to camp and never opens their toothbrush from their toiletry kit.
That’s why professional cleaning goes a long way. It removes more of the cavity-causing bacteria and helps to keep gum tissue healthy. It can also remove most or many stains from teeth.
Does My Child Need an X-Ray?
X-rays help your dentist see how your child’s teeth are developing and make sure the tooth roots are healthy. They also are used to see if there is any tooth decay between your child’s teeth. The decay process can move very, very fast, so the earlier we can catch it, the better.
Your child won’t need an x-ray at every visit. We do them only when necessary.
Can You Check My Child’s Mouthguard?
If your child plays sports year-round, make sure you bring his or her mouthguard along so we can check for wear, tear and fit. If your child is having a growth spurt, losing teeth and getting new ones, the mouthguard might need to be redone.
What Are Sealants?
Sealants can be another way to keep your child from getting cavities, but they’re no substitute for brushing and flossing. A sealant is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that your dentist can place on the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth (called molars). Once they’re on, sealants work to keep cavity-causing bacteria and bits of food from settling into the nooks and crannies your child’s toothbrush can’t reach. This helps keep cavities from forming and tiny existing spots of decay from getting worse.
We can’t wait to see you! Call today and let’s get your children, and the rest of your family, into Capstone-Dental today! 714.415.2568