Back-to-school hygiene is essential as we prepare for schools in Oregon to start again. We want to remind all families about the importance of seeing your dentist before that first day of class. You probably have a list of errands to complete, such as buying school supplies and clothes.
However, consider adding family dental appointments to your list. Seeing a dentist before your child returns to school plays a crucial role in their overall health and well-being during the academic year.
Summer Dental Hygiene
There’s no better time for dental checkups than during summertime. With no school to miss and no extracurriculars to work around, you can check dental visits off your summer to-do list. Plus, your child can start the new school year with a healthy and bright smile.
Before School Starts
It’s a great idea for your child to spend an hour in the dentist’s chair before school starts. This appointment allows you to knock another task off your list and not worry about it for another six months. Preventive care can improve your child’s performance in school. What parent doesn’t want their kid’s school performance to be the best it can be?
Regular dental visits can reduce absences due to tooth pain. They also minimize distractions while studying and boost self-esteem, helping children build relationships with their peers.
The Impact of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. If your child experiences tooth pain, they will miss both school and work to address the issue. Children with tooth pain are four times more likely to have a below-average GPA because they struggle to sit in class and pay attention.
Start of the School Year
It’s especially important for your child to see a dentist before the new school year begins, especially if you have a little one entering kindergarten. In Oregon, children starting public school who are 7 years old or younger must have a dental screening beforehand.
Parents or guardians have 120 days after the start of the school year to submit proof of a screening done within the last 12 months. This requirement ensures that their child remains enrolled in class.
A dentist or dental hygienist can perform this screening. Since you’re already at the dentist, consider getting their teeth cleaned too. This way, we can conduct a thorough exam and cleaning to ensure their smile looks and feels its best.
Prevent Small Dental Issues
You may not think your child has any serious dental problems. However, one benefit of a dental checkup is preventing small issues from becoming bigger ones. Treating minor issues can save you and your child significant pain in the future and contribute to a better quality of life.
We know life can be busy, making it easy to forget about dental visits while managing other tasks. However, taking the time for a checkup is worth the hassle in the long run.
Early Signs of Gum Disease
During a dental checkup, expect your child’s teeth to be cleaned and their mouth examined for cavities or other potential issues. We can monitor concerns like toothaches or catch early signs of gum disease. Roughly one in five children has at least one decayed tooth that often goes untreated.
We also educate your child on maintaining good oral hygiene habits. This way, they learn something new before class even starts!
Another reason to have your child’s teeth examined now is that they may need additional treatment for preventive care. This could include braces or fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel or mouthguards if your child plans to participate in contact sports. A good mouthguard can reduce the risk of oral injury and dental emergencies.
At Slater Family Dental, we offer a new patient special if you haven’t visited us before. We guarantee that having your child get a dental checkup before school starts will provide you with peace of mind. We want you and your family to start the school year smiling, and we’re here to help with that! This version maintains clarity while addressing all specified issues!
It is our sincere desire that you will feel at home in our office setting. We make every effort to ensure your visits are as comfortable as possible.
We know you wish to receive dental care from a highly trained and caring staff. All new patients are welcome and promise that we will provide the same unwavering quality to your family members and friends as well.
