Dr. Medianick Explains
It is easy to get frazzled by the MANY things to do and remember in the weeks leading up to the start of the school year. I have three school-aged children with very busy schedules and it is often difficult to keep track of it all. Can you relate? That being said, we don’t want you to forget one of the most important things–the oral health of your child. That is why I’d like to take the time to review the importance of back-to-school dental visits and why they are an essential part of your back-to-school check list.
Why are back-to-school dental visits important? At a back-to-school dental visit, I evaluate the overall health of your child’s mouth including all of the below:
- Cavities – I evaluate your child for any existing or potential cavities and then advise you as to how to best address them.
- Abscesses – I evaluate your child for infections, many times seen in swelling or pain in the mouth, and then advise as to how to best address the issue.
- Gum Health – I will evaluate your child for any potential gum infections or pathologies.
- Sealants – I will check to see if sealants have been placed over 6-year and 12-year-old molars (the first place where cavities tend to appear on adult teeth in children). Sealants help prevent cavities in the grooves of these teeth.
- Orthodontic Issues – I will evaluate to make sure your child does not have any major functional issues that will impact their bite or ability to chew. If needed, I will recommend an orthodontist or oral surgeon at this time.
- Toothbrush Condition – Your child’s toothbrush should be changed at least every 3 months. This visit is a great time for you to check the condition of your child’s toothbrush and get them a new one if it needs to be replaced.
When are back-to-school dental visits REQUIRED? Back-to-school dental visits are required by schools for both third and seventh graders, and schools do mandate that forms be filled out by your dentist to verify the examination and report on the health of your child’s mouth. That said, I recommend that every child and teen be regularly evaluated (every 6 months) to be sure they are prepared for the next school year and that any outstanding oral health issues are taken care of in time before the start of school. Just because your child is not in pain does not mean that they don’t have oral health issues!
How does Boulevard Dental cater to kids? I strive to cater to kids in order to make your child’s back-to-school dental visit a pleasant one both for them and you. There is a T.V. in every room so that your child can watch their favorite show during their examination. Nitrous gas (laughing gas) is also offered if necessary. In addition, Boulevard Dental has a long history of caring for kids in this community via school dental exams and school sponsorships. I would love to see you and your child at their back-to-school dental visit this year!
Dr. Medianick, DMD, FICOI