As your family prepares for classes to start again, shopping for school supplies, and getting everyone’s sports physicals up to date, there’s one more thing you want to add to your back-to-school list: family dental care for healthy smiles.
Prevent Missed School Days
Did you know that one of the most common reasons for missed classroom hours is because of dental treatment? Fortunately, dental emergencies can be kept to a minimum when your child is up to date on their preventative care visits. During their checkups, we’ll screen for potential issues that might otherwise evolve into painful toothaches later on. Early intervention is easier on your child, as well as your family’s budget!
Pack a Toothbrush
Encourage your child to brush their teeth after lunch when possible. Especially if they’re wearing braces or other types of fixed orthodontic appliances. Help them pack a small, travel-sized bag with a toothbrush, proxy-brushes (if needed), and disposable flossers. Have them keep it in their backpack or locker for quick access.
Remember to Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is great for your body and your smile. Fluoridated tap water is best, as it helps promote healthy tooth development and strong enamel. Not all bottled waters are fluoridated, so pick a fun refillable bottle for everyone to have on hand. Water helps you beat the heat, stay hydrated, and rinses away acidic biofilm between brushing sessions.
Wear a Mouthguard
Is your student an active athlete? Whether they play competitive softball, flag football, or even solo sports like gymnastics, oral trauma is always a risk. For the highest level of protection against oral injuries, broken teeth, and concussions, consider investing in a professionally fitted sports mouthguard. Custom mouthguards are more comfortable and secure, providing the best results. Our Salem family dentists can even match your appliance to your team’s jersey colors.
Plan Ahead for Wisdom Teeth
If you have a high school or college student, now is the perfect time to start thinking about possible wisdom tooth removal. By planning ahead, you can prevent painful toothaches or interruption to your family’s scheduled activities throughout the year. Paradise Dental Associates performs wisdom tooth evaluations regularly on all teens during their checkups, making it easier for you to monitor tooth development and know what’s ahead for their smile. Scheduling wisdom tooth removal around school breaks or holidays is a popular idea, as it prevents missed school days. Be sure to ask about our optional dental stem cell harvesting, too!
Re-Vamp Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
To keep teeth and gums healthy, it’s important to brush for a minimum of two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day. Investing in quality electric toothbrushes can also make a huge difference in your plaque control methods.
As a family, make it a point to have everyone brush their teeth before heading off to work or school for the day and again just before bedtime. Kids who are old enough to tie their shoes can usually brush and floss independently. But if they’re not able to just yet, parents should follow up behind them to make sure their teeth are getting clean.
Remember to Use Your Insurance Benefits
Most dental insurance policies cover preventative care visits twice a year or every six months. If your child (or yourself) is due for a checkup, now is the perfect time to schedule one. That way, if you do have any treatment needs, you have plenty of time to use your remaining benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
What if My Child Needs Treatment?
At Paradise Dental Associates, we offer gentle, comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Everyone in your household can access oral health services under one roof. Whether you or your child needs treatment, we do everything we can to accommodate your busy schedule.
Before starting treatment, our patient coordinators will review all of the details with you. From recovery time to procedural fees, we’ll answer any questions you have. Our goal is to minimize downtime for your family because we know there are always school and work commitments to keep in mind.
Checkups Save You Time and Money
To keep your family’s smiles healthy, plan an exam and cleaning twice a year. We’ll give you the resources you need to keep your smile healthy between checkups, lowering your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Call Your Family Dental Care Provider
Paradise Dental Associates is currently accepting new patients. If your family lives in the Swampscott, Marblehead, or Salem areas, contact us today to reserve your next appointment.
