Promote Academic Success with a Healthy Smile

Children around the country are getting ready to head back to the classroom. As you shop for the perfect supplies to ensure they have everything they need to succeed, is a healthy smile on their back-to-school list? Dental problems account for 2 million missed school days each year, many of which could have been avoided through preventive dental care. Here’s how a cleaning and checkup with a children’s dentist can stop a toothache from keeping your little one out of the classroom. 

Common Dental Problems for Children

Baby teeth are only in place for a few short years, but they are crucial for your child’s development. They also act as placeholders for their permanent teeth. The biggest threat to your child’s oral health is tooth decay. Although it’s preventable, it’s the most chronic condition affecting American children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of children 5 to 11 years old and 13% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have at least one untreated cavity. 

A filling is a quick fix for tooth decay; however, if your child doesn’t visit the dentist regularly, the cavity can go undetected until it turns into a big problem, like an infection. Initially, your child may have some sensitivity, but their pain can worsen to a throbbing toothache that will require a trip to an emergency dentist. You can save your child from oral pain and keep them out of the dental chair by scheduling a cleaning and check before the new school year.

Power of Preventive Dentistry

The American Dental Association recommends everyone over the age of 2 has a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Preventive dentistry stops common oral health issues from occurring in the first place, like tooth decay.

Although brushing and flossing are your child’s first lines of defense against cavities, they can’t clean everywhere in their mouth. A dental cleaning removes any buildup left behind by their toothbrush and floss. Their dentist will conduct an examination to look for anything concerning, like weakened enamel. As a result, they can intervene quickly to prevent it from worsening. 

In addition to brushing and flossing, your children’s dentist may recommend additional preventive steps to lessen your child’s risk of decay, like a fluoride varnish. Fluoride strengthens enamel naturally, making it more resistant to cavity-causing bacteria. The dentist may also suggest dental sealants on their molars. The thin coating creates a barrier to prevent decay in the back teeth. 

Start the School Year Off Right

You can ensure your child has everything they need for academic success by scheduling a cleaning and checkup. If they will play school sports, don’t forget to ask their dentist for an athletic mouthguard.

About Dr. Allen Pearson

Dr. Pearson earned his dental degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry and continued his education to earn his Pediatric Dental Specialty Certificate. He provides compassionate care for young smiles in the Wylie community. If your child needs a preventive appointment before school starts, contact our office today.