Back-to-school season is here! It’s on your list to shop for school supplies, books, and new clothes. But is your child’s smile ready for school? Dental care is important to your child’s health and future, so here’s a checklist to make sure!

Back-to-School Dental Exam

Answering the question, “Is your child’s smile ready for school?” is an easy one when you know what to do to get them ready — and your dentist can help with that! It’s never too soon to schedule a dental exam before your child heads back to school. Schedules can get busy, including your dentist’s appointment schedule, so making the appointment as soon as possible is best.

Regular dental exams are important to catch issues early before they turn into more serious problems. Your dentist can check for signs of plaque build up or irritated gums before they turn into cavities or gum disease and recommend any treatment or changes to your child’s dental care routine that might be needed. This can help to save your child from discomfort in the long run.

Back-to-School Dental Cleaning

When you schedule your child’s back-to-school exam, make sure to let them know you want a dental cleaning, too! Dental cleanings are also important to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.

It’s easy to miss difficult-to-clean areas such as between teeth or in the crevices of molars, especially because your child’s mouth is constantly changing as they grow. A professional cleaning by a dental hygienist can help to get those problem areas clean and free of the bacteria and plaque that lead to cavities and gum disease.

Back-to-School Dental Routine

At-home dental care is a big deal, too, so make sure to encourage your child to stick to their routine as their mornings get busier when school starts. Dentists recommend flossing daily and brushing 3 times a day or after each meal with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. A new toothbrush featuring a favorite character or floss picks with flavors designed specifically for kids can help make brushing extra fun so it’s something your child will look forward to each day.

Ready, Set, Go!

Is your child’s smile ready for school? Hopefully these tips are helpful so you can answer “yes!” with confidence! If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to call and ask us! We’re here to help you ensure that your child’s teeth stay strong and healthy as they grow.

Call our Avondale, Gilbert or Mesa dental office, to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.