Summer’s almost over, and that means it’s time to start preparing your child for classes again. This of course means getting all the right supplies – pencils, notebooks, binders and so on – but you should also ensure that your child is in good health before school starts taking up most of their time and makes scheduling appointments more difficult. That’s why no back-to-school checklist is complete without a visit to the family dentist.
Why Regular Dental Visits are Important
Young or old, everyone with teeth is at risk for cavities. As you probably know, eating too many sugary or starchy foods can encourage plaque buildup on your teeth as the bacteria in your mouth secrete acids that can eat through enamel. If plaque isn’t removed in time, the decay will reach the more vulnerable inner layers of the tooth, causing an infection. Your child might need a root canal or even an extraction to relieve the pain.
Naturally, brushing and flossing can go a long way towards protecting your child from cavities, but sometimes they might not be enough on their own. There are a lot of nooks and crannies in the mouth that can be difficult to reach; young children especially tend to have trouble cleaning the molars in the back of the mouth. Unfortunately, if plaque is allowed to harden, it becomes tartar and can no longer be removed without specific dental tools.
Taking your child to the dentist is the best way to protect them from cavities. The dentist can clean their mouths more thoroughly than they could on their own, which is essential for getting plaque and tartar under control. These visits also increase the chance that cavities will be found early on when they can still be treated with simple procedures such as a filling.
The Benefits of Getting an Appointment Before School Starts
Most dental practices are open on weekdays while school is in session, which can make it harder to find a convenient time to bring your child in. By having the appointment done before school starts, it creates a lot less hassle for everybody – no need to worry about pulling your child out of class! Less stress can also mean a more pleasant visit overall.
An end-of-summer dental visit could be especially important if your child indulged in a lot of ice cream, soda and candy during their vacation; it could be the best opportunity to find and fill cavities before more extensive damage is done.
Your child should have an appointment at least twice a year, or once every six months. If it’s been a while since their last visit, call your family dentist as soon as possible; you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to protecting your little one’s smile!
About the Practice
At Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry in Orange Park, Drs. Steven Crovatto and Megan Edwards put patient experience above everything else, making sure children and adults alike have enjoyable, comfortable appointments to help them feel at ease while their teeth are cleaned. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (904) 272-0800.