4 Reasons for Your Child to See a Dentist in Arlington Before the New School Year

Whether your child is excited or bummed about the new school year starting, the reality is that it’s almost here, and it’s time to say goodbye to summer afternoons at the pool. You’ve bought school supplies, new clothes, and necessary food items for school lunches, but in all the rush, have you made time to ensure their smile is ready for the new year? Good oral hygiene will not only give your child beautiful teeth and gums, but it will also put them on the right track for more time spent in school and less time in the dentist office. Find out why a dentist in Arlington recommends you should schedule an appointment for your child before the school year begins.  

Your Child and Their Teeth: The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene

If you want to set your child up for success, then making sure they practice good oral hygiene habits at home is a great way to start. Of course, brushing, flossing, and rinsing at home isn’t enough, which is why you should plan for one of their two annual appointments to coincide with the new school year.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a back-to-school dental appointment should be just as important as making sure your child has had their immunizations and booster shots. Children in the United States are prone to tooth decay and cavities simply because they are still learning how to develop good oral habits. If your child isn’t brushing for a full two minutes or flossing their teeth at least once a day, it is likely they will develop some sort of dental pain that requires more time spent outside the classroom and in a dentist chair.

If you want to avoid missed school days, make sure they’re not only taking care of their oral health at home but that they’re also seeing their dentist for a thorough checkup and cleaning.

Back to School: 4 Reasons Your Child Should See a Dentist

We understand that amid all the hustle and bustle that comes with going back to school, it can be hard finding the time to schedule a dentist appointment. However, if you want to save yourself time in the future and ensure your child is learning more and, in less pain, here are 4 reasons to schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist.

1. You Have More Time: While it might not seem like it, you probably have more time right now than after school starts back. Before long, PTA meetings, sports, and daily obligations will have you running out the door. Take advantage of the time you (and your child) have now.
2. More Time Spent in Class: Your child will most likely miss a few school days because of sickness throughout the year. If you want to make sure those days spent at home aren’t the result of poor oral hygiene, take them to see a dentist before school starts.
3. Healthier Teeth from the Start: Your child will have more confidence in the way they look and feel if their teeth and gums are healthy from the start. Your dentist can provide fluoride treatments and dental sealants to strengthen tooth enamel and offer added protection from tooth decay.
4. Establishing a Routine: Each time your child visits their dentist, you both can expect to receive a few tips to achieving good oral health. By helping your child settle into a regular routine of morning and nightly dental care, as well as expecting an annual back-to-school dentist appointment, they’ll not only set themselves up for a great school year but a happy and healthy smile each day.

In order to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy, make sure they are eating a healthy lunch and snacks throughout the day, wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste each morning and night as well as flossing. Following these steps, in addition to regular dental checkups and cleanings, will have your kid ready for a new school year.

About the Author
Dr. James Gray has been practicing in the field of dentistry for more than 30 years. Earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Texas, he went on to graduate from the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio. Dr. Gray and his team provide the highest quality care for patients of all ages, and with the use of state-of-the-art equipment, they make it their promise to offer beneficial treatments that meet you and your family’s dental needs. For questions about our services, visit our website or call (817) 460-4131.