It’s that time of year again; you’re busy running last-minute errands to help your child prepare for the start of school. While it may seem that your schedule is already tight, your dentist in Soldotna says don’t forget about setting a dental appointment for your child. Why is this so important, though? Furthermore, what do you and your child stand to gain? As you read on, these questions are answered, and you’ll also discover why there’s no time like the present to develop excellent oral health!
Why are Dental Visits So Important?
In addition to eating healthier foods and vegetables, drinking plenty of water and performing consistent and proper oral hygiene, it’s critical that your child visits his or her dentist on a regular basis. That’s because the latter serves as your family’s primary ally in the fight against dental maladies.
By visiting every six months for cleanings and checkups, your dentist can identify any developments in your child’s oral health and address them before a more serious condition can emerge. Therefore, you can have the peace-of-mind of knowing that your child is as protected as possible.
Why Visit Before School Starts?
You may be wondering why such an emphasis is placed on visiting your dentist before school starts. There are several benefits to taking such a proactive effort, which include:
- Aids in positive habit setting for your child
- Saves you money by decreasing the chances of needing complex dental care
- Allows your child to begin the school year with a fresh new start to his or her oral health
- Prevents school absences by visiting in the summer and six months later during winter break
What to Expect at a Dental Visit
Typically, at your child’s first visit, X-ray photos are taken to establish a baseline for his or her oral health. Next, a dental hygienist will provide a thorough cleaning to remove any accumulated plaque and tartar. Then, your child’s dentist will perform a careful examination of the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw. Therefore, if any abnormalities are discovered, a plan of action can swiftly be implemented to restore your child’s oral health to normal.
The visit will conclude with you and your child sitting down with the dentist for a consultation, at which time the professional will answer any questions and provide some expert advice that will be helpful moving forward.
With a better understanding of how important a dental visit is before school starts, the only thing left to do is to take action by reaching out to your local dentist to schedule an appointment. Your proactive efforts coupled with the knowledge and experience of your dentist, will amount to your child enjoying the best in oral health this upcoming school year!
About the Author
Dr. Craig O’Donoghue has been providing comprehensive and compassionate care for nearly two decades. A graduate of the University of Iowa, he has not wavered in his commitment to excellence since entering the dental field. Thus, Dr. O’Donoghue has completed over 2,000 hours of continuing education. He helps young patients enjoy the best in oral health by providing preventive care at Soldotna Dental Arts, and he can be reached for more information through his website.