Back to school isn’t just about shopping or the physical at your kids’ primary care physician’s office. It’s also an excellent time to schedule dental check-ups for your kids if you haven’t already.
Here in Illinois, the State Board of Education requires all students in kindergarten and second, sixth and ninth grades to have an oral health exam.
Dental Check-Ups for Kids Who Still Have Baby Teeth
Just because they’re going to fall out eventually doesn’t mean we don’t care for our baby teeth.
Teaching children healthy habits when they’re young will last them a lifetime. Teaching them how to brush and floss their teeth, even their baby teeth, will ensure they have the proper hygiene when their adult teeth come in.
According to the Center for Pediatric Dentistry, “The sooner children begin getting regular dental check-ups, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives.”
Regular check-ups are beneficial to your child because they:
- Prevent cavities that cause your child pain
- Ensure your child has healthy teeth which means they chew food better
- Help ensure their adult teeth come in properly just by monitoring the development of their baby teeth
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in children but it’s also preventable.
Teens and Dental Check-Ups
Teenagers tend to care quite a bit about their looks, so you can use this to your advantage if your teen isn’t excited about taking time out of their busy schedule for their next dental exam. Let them know how important good hygiene is; otherwise, they could have teeth stains, bad breath, missing teeth, or other dental issues.
Your kids should brush their teeth twice daily for about two minutes each time. Then, make sure they’re flossing at least once a day. If they skip the flossing, it could cause their teeth to be yellow as tartar builds up.
Talk to Your Kids About Sugar
Medical professionals from all fields agree that kids (and adults!) should limit their sugar intake. Too much sugar can cause cavities.
For the younger kids, consider watering down any juices you may give them. And for kids of all ages, consider keeping your house stocked with sugar-free snacks. Of course, there will always be special occasions where sugar is a part of the festivities, such as Halloween or the Holiday season. So this is a good time to talk to your kids about moderation. Yes, you’ll indulge, but do so mindfully. And brush your teeth afterward!
Be a Role Model
Now, let’s talk about you! When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? Kids learn quite a bit from their parents. Show them how good oral hygiene is a must, not just when they’re young, and make sure to schedule yourself a dental visit if you haven’t done so already.
To schedule your next visit, complete our contact form or call our office at 815-886-0875.
