For many kids across the country, in the next few weeks school will be starting again. In between shopping for new clothes and supplies, don’t forget about their smiles! In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how to help children get ready for a new school with a preventive checkup visit.
A Back-To-School Visit
Now is an excellent time for a back-to-school dental checkup! Our team will ask your child about their oral health habits and then take a close look at their teeth and gums with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, so we can make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy. If we discover common issues like tooth decay, we can offer treatment with a lifelike dental filling. In the same visit, we will also clean the teeth, completely removing the layers of plaque and tartar to help lower the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and gingivitis.
Preventing Cavities
In the same appointment, we can also offer preventive treatments to help kids avoid the onset of tooth decay. For example, our team can apply fluoride to the teeth in a varnish form, which coats and strengthens the enamel to make cavities less likely. Since children often have a difficult time reaching the rear teeth when they brush and floss, food and drink particles can become trapped there and the risk of cavities will rise. But we can coat these teeth in dental sealants, which prevents food and drink particles from being trapped there. Sealants can even stay in place for up to ten years! With both options application only takes seconds, and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour as the materials cure.
Improving Homecare Routines
Our team can also discuss proper oral hygiene habits with you and your kids. During the school year, kids should start the day by brushing their teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and then they should do the same before going to bed. We also urge kids to floss every evening before they brush that second time to remove the food and drink particles that a toothbrush cannot reach. Try to limit how much sugar and starch is in their diet too!
If you have any questions about our approach to children’s dentistry, or if you would like to schedule their back-to-school dental exam, then contact our team today to get started.
Dental Impressions Provides Children’s Dentistry
We want to provide treatment to help children start a new year with bright and healthy smiles. To schedule your appointment for your child’s visit, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230. We want your little ones to enjoy optimal oral health!
