At Boulevard Dental, we are all parents, and we get the back-to-school rush! There is so much to think of with the start of a new school year. Add to that the emotions of it all, and it can feel downright overwhelming! We would like to make this year’s transition a bit easier for you by breaking down what you need to know for child’s back-to-school dental visit. We’ve got you covered!
Why are back-to-school dental visits important?
At a back-to-school dental visit, Dr. Medianick evaluates the overall health of your child’s mouth, including all of the below:
- Cavities – He evaluates your child for any existing or potential cavities and then advises you as to how to best address them.
- Abscesses – He evaluates your child for infections, many times seen in swelling or pain in the mouth, and then advises as to how to best address the issue.
- Gum Health – He will evaluate your child for any potential gum infections or pathologies.
- Sealants – He 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 – He 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, he will recommend an orthodontist or oral surgeon at this time.
- Toothbrush Condition – Your child’s toothbrush should be changed at least every three 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?
Dr. Medianick explains that 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 to report on the health of your child’s mouth. That said, Dr. Medianick recommends 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 to decrease stress at back-to-school checkups:
The ADA Mouth Healthy online article, “8 Secrets to a Successful Back-to-School Dental Checkup,” lists several things you can do as a parent to decrease stress at your child’s back-to-school appointment for them and for you:
- Make one child a model
- Feed your child ahead of time
- Leave your parent anxiety at the door
- Keep cool if your child won’t cooperate
Back-to-school dental visits allow us to evaluate the overall dental health of your child, and to also fulfill school requirements. In short, these visits allow us to identify dental issues your child might have before they become problems. The good news is—these visits don’t have to be stressful. Following the simple, stress-relieving steps above can actually make them pleasant. After all, who needs more stress at the start of the school year!
References:
8 Secrets to a Successful Back-to-School Dental Checkup. ADA MouthHealthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/back-to-school. Accessed August 13, 2024.