BrightWork Dental: Planning for Back-to-School Dental Appointments
Schools are in session!
With summer dwindling to its final days, many parents are thinking about their back-to-school checklist. While school supplies, booster shots, and sports equipment may top the list, you should consider adding a back-to-school dental appointment.
Setting your children up early for regular dental appointments can help prevent missed school days, illness, and pain. Here are some helpful tips for your back-to-school dental appointment to help you check it off your list.
“Routine dental appointments allow children to create lifelong habits that create the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health habits and can contribute to overall well-being”
Book Early
With summer travel, sports tryouts, and more- scheduling your appointment early will guarantee you a spot. Our Richmond office often experiences a back-to-school rush, common for dental practices as parents try to get their children in before the school year starts. Booking your appointment early lets you get this necessary task done early so you can focus on all the fun back-to-school activities.
Focus on Age-Appropriate Dental Hygiene
As children grow, their dental hygiene habits will need to adapt. For example, fine motor skills, independence, and more will change, affecting how and when they brush. Also, as your children age, they may require braces or work on their wisdom teeth, affecting their dental hygiene routine.
Six and under
This group should get help brushing daily. Despite regular reminders, they may need more dexterity or awareness to brush as needed to ensure a clean mouth. Make sure to help them brush as required to keep their teeth clean and healthy.
7 to 12
By this age, your children should be brushing their teeth independently. However, this is a critical age because, by this point, they are caring for their adult teeth. It’s a vital time to teach good brushing and flossing habits and focus on building a consistent routine.
“An important part of a dental appointment is the feedback given by the dentist or hygienist. Think of it as a coaching session where kids are taught over time how best to maintain their dentition.”
12-18
This age range can experience many changes regarding dental health. This can be a tough age for dental health, from braces to wisdom tooth removal. Also, as their schedules become busier with social events, sports, and more, it’s crucial to maintain consistent dental habits. We recommend continuing with back-to-school and regular appointments between semesters if your children attend college. Building this dental health foundation will set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Other Tips for Your Appointment
Bringing children to the dentist can be trying, but our dental team is here to help. Here are some additional tips to help your appointment go smoothly:
Eat beforehand unless instructed otherwise. A hungry kid does not make a happy patient.
Keep your cool- we’re here to work with you and can help calm your children down.
Practice mindfulness- leaving your anxiety at the door will create a calming environment for you and your children.
Don’t schedule during nap time- if possible, work around your child’s routine to avoid disrupting their scheduled naps.
Our Richmond dental practice is built to keep patients of all ages calm and happy. We pride ourselves in making trips to the dentist's office as positive as possible for our patients and look forward to working with your family.