Head Back to School with Healthy SmilesThe first day of school is just around the corner, now, and with it comes a great deal of excitement and a little anxiousness, no doubt, at what the year will hold. Before your kids don their backpacks and board their school buses, though, there is one more thing you can do to help ensure they have happy and healthy experiences. That is, you can schedule their routine dental checkups and cleanings! Kids of all ages need to visit the dentist regularly, in order to keep plaque buildup under control, and to prevent cavities and other dental problems. So help your kids maintain healthy smiles, by making sure they visit the children’s dentist at least twice a year for essential preventive care!

Don’t Skip Out on Dental Checkups

Twice annual checkups and cleanings are considered standard, however it is important to keep in mind that some kids (and adults) may actually require more frequent visits to adequately prevent cavities and other common oral health problems, such as gum disease. Genetic and dietary factors, as well as underlying medical conditions, can all contribute to oral health problems.

At their next dental appointment, speak with your children’s dentist about whether or not their smiles are remaining healthy between visits. If they do have cavities, the dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings, or the use of fluoride treatments to better protect their teeth against decay.

Follow-up Their Cleanings with Excellent Hygiene

Of course, after their dental visit, one of the best things you can do to protect your kids’ oral health is insisting they take excellent care of their teeth and gums through daily dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily, can reduce a patient’s risk of developing cavities, and they can also help avoid gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

Keep in mind that young kids should be supervised during dental hygiene, while older kids may be able to brush and floss their teeth alone. Just make sure they’re actually doing so with proper technique, to ensure the maximum benefits of their hygiene routine!