Is It Time for Your Child’s Back-to-School Dental Exam?
September is just around the corner, and for parents of elementary and secondary aged kids in Brampton and beyond, it is time for their young ones to go back to school for the 2023-2024 school year.
At Keshavarz Dentistry, we recommend year-round dental visits, but a back-to-school checkup for your child is key in fighting the most common chronic disease found in school-age children: cavities. To ensure your child avoids cavities, and to prevent other dental issues from occurring, what better time to ensure the oral health of your child than the start of the school year?
In Brampton, call 905-791-3867, or book an appointment online for your child’s teeth cleaning and dental check-up & treatment. You will be glad you did!
What to Expect at Your Child’s Back-to-School Dental Visit
As a provider of children’s dentistry in Brampton since 2014, we are well-versed in what to look for and questions to ask relating to your child’s overall oral health and hygiene, be it for back-to-school or anytime of the year.
So, as your child’s parent or guardian, we will ask the following questions to get a good understanding of your child’s specific dental health needs.
- How Is Your Child’s Overall Dental Health?
This question targets the overall condition of your child’s teeth and gums, ensuring that their teeth are in proper alignment, and the child’s oral health is on track. It also provides us with a 360-degree picture of your child’s oral hygiene. The dentist ensures:
- Your child’s teeth are lining up properly.
- That the bite is in good shape.
- All orthodontic concerns are noted.
- Will My Child Get a Cleaning Today?
A dental cleaning is crucial for removing bacteria and keeping the gums healthy. It is essential to know if the child will receive a dental cleaning during their visit. We will have a good idea of the situation following our initial conversation and assessment, making a recommendation shortly thereafter.
- Does My Child Need an X-Ray?
X-rays supply insight into the development of your child’s teeth and any potential issues lurking between them. Dental X-rays are not necessary at every visit, but ensuring your child/children are up to date is best for good dental hygiene. The frequency and necessity of X-rays will be discussed after a review of your child’s dental history.
- Can You Check My Child’s Mouthguard or Night Guard?
Is your child involved in sports? Do they wear a nightguard? If so, and especially for ‘contact sports’, it’s essential for children to ensure their mouthguards are in good condition and fit correctly. So, make sure to bring your child’s mouthguard and or sleep guard to the appointment so the dentist can check it for wear and tear. It is also important to ensure that the fit is correct as your child grows. If your child has lost teeth and new ones are growing, it could be time to get a new mouthguard or sleep guard.
- What Are Sealants?
If it is discovered during your child’s dental visit that they have cavities, then understanding the benefits of dental sealants can help parents make informed decisions about added preventive measures against cavities, as well as fixing any existing cavities that may exist.
In addition to these questions, parents might also consider asking about the best oral care routines, any recommendations for toothpaste or mouthwash for children, and how often they should schedule dental visits for their child.
Speaking of education, we provide you and your child oral hygiene instruction and best-practices starting with the first visit. This early education and awareness go a long way to teaching proper prevention of dental problems in kids. That said, children who visit the dentist early on in their lives have a greater chance of developing a good attitude about dentists and dental care.
Also, and as a big thank you for visiting our dental office, each child receives a FREE dental starter kit after their first and subsequent dental exam and cleaning, including:
- a toothbrush
- floss
- toothpaste
We want your young one’s first visit – and following visits to our dental office – to be positive. That is how we will pave the way for good dental hygiene and oral health into young adulthood and beyond.
Yours in Children’s Dentistry,
Dr. Keshavarz, DDS
