Back-to-school is a busy and exciting time for parents and children. Planning ahead can make the process of returning to school a little easier. One great way to prepare your child for the new school year is to make sure you have scheduled cleanings and checkups with our family dentist.
If you’re in need of an easy-to-follow back-to-school checklist, consider the following tips.
Evaluate Your Child’s Oral Hygiene Routine
It’s a good idea to checkup on your child’s oral hygiene habits before school starts. Supervise their brushing and flossing for a few days to make sure he or she hasn’t picked up bad habits. Keep in mind that each brushing session should last about two minutes and your child should be flossing each night before bed.
Stock Up on Oral Hygiene Supplies
Consider buying the year’s oral hygiene supplies while you’re shopping for back-to-school items. Most people should use four toothbrushes within a year’s time. You can also buy dental floss in family-size packs and larger bottles of mouthwash to ensure that your family’s oral hygiene products are always available.
Get a Custom Mouthguard Made for Athletes
If your child plays a sport like football, wrestling, or martial arts, consider having a custom mouthguard made with our family dentist. Each mouthguard is made to very exact specifications to ensure optimal comfort and protection.
Schedule Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Everyone should have two dental cleanings and checkups each year. These appointments are usually spaced six months apart. Booking these appointments for your family in advance can ensure that your loved ones have access to the preventive care they need.
Book an Orthodontic Consultation
If your child hasn’t seen an orthodontist for a consultation and is older than six, this year would be a good time to schedule one. An orthodontic consultation helps identify potential concerns with a child’s bite and tooth placement as early as possible. Sometimes, early treatment can reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment later on.
We provide comprehensive oral healthcare for patients of all ages. Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to reserve a checkup with our family dentist.