FIVE REASONS TO GET A BACK TO SCHOOL DENTAL CHECKUP

In getting ready for a new school year, most parents end up with a long back-to-school list.  While buying school supplies and clothes is something Mom or Dad can do on their own; if you want to get a back to school dental checkup, you will need to schedule it for your child before their schedules fill up with homework, sports and other after school activities.

1. Dental Problems Are The Number One Reason Kids Miss School
Did you know that more than 51 million school hours are lost annually because of illnesses related to dental problems?  Childhood tooth decay, is the #1 chronic childhood illness? Pediatric dental disease is 7x more common than hay fever and 5x more common than asthma.

Data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported:

•  41% of children aged 2 to 11 years had cavities  in their primary teeth
•  42% of those aged 6 to 19 years had cavities in their permanent teeth

2. Your Dentist Can Catch Problems Early

When you get a cleaning scheduled, as part of the visit, your dentist will do an exam to check your child’s teeth for any issues. If you catch problems early, it may prevent your child from missing school because of a tooth ache. Early detection also almost always means less costly treatments.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommend that parents make dental exams a regular part of their children’s back-to-school routine.

3. A Visit to the Dentist Can Help Your Child with Home Care

Remember that tooth decay is preventable. But children, especially younger ones need instruction on proper brushing and flossing.  Your hygienist can use tools in the office to show how to make sure your child is reaching his back teeth and behind the front teeth, areas that can be susceptible to decay.

4. Start the School Year with a Properly Fitted Sports Mouth Guard

Dental injuries are some of the most common sports injuries for kids, teens and college students.  While you can buy sports mouth guards at sporting goods stores and drug stores, these are not custom fitted. Your dentist can provide a sports mouth guard that is designed specifically for your child’s mouth. It may cost more than a store bought one, but it will provide superior protection.
 
5. Oral Health Problems Can Affect Your Child’s Overall Health
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When untreated, childhood tooth decay can have consequences beyond what is seen in the dental chair. Extensive decay can lead to malnourishment and bacterial infections. Pain and infection from problem teeth can lead to problems with eating, speaking and concentrating in class.

Call us today to schedule your back to school dental checkup 905-934-0235.

Or book an appointment online here.

Source: Sage Dental