Top 5 Questions To Ask The Dentist In Your Child’s Back-to-School Appointment

One day schools are closing, and before you know it, they are about to open. One of the essential back-to-school things for your child is a healthy smile.

In some schools, a back-to-school medical exam is mandatory. Even when it’s not, scheduling regular dental visits for your child is still essential. Doing so enables you to keep tabs on your child’s dental status and correct things when dental habits fall out of the routine.

Here are some vital questions to ask during your child’s next dental appointment.

How Is The Current Overall State Of My Child’s Dental Health?

During the appointment, the dentist will comprehensively examine the child’s oral health, including the gums, tongue, and teeth. They will pay attention to factors such as whether the child bites appropriately, if the teeth are well aligned, and point out any problems that are likely to occur in the future.

Is An X-Ray Required?

Dental x-rays help the dentist examine how well the child’s teeth are growing and ensure that the teeth roots are in optimal health. They can also help detect tooth decay, which can spread quickly if not handled early.

While dental x-rays are pretty helpful, your child will not need them during each visit. The dentist will guide you when necessary, but it is a vital question to ask during each appointment.

Will You Examine My Child’s Mouthguard?

If your child plays sports frequently, ensure that you carry their mouthguard during their next dental appointment. The dentist will examine if it fits and check any wear or tear that may arise due to lost teeth, growing teeth, or a growth spurt. In case of such, the dentist will need to redo the mouthguard.

Will My Child’s Teeth Be Cleaned Today?

It doesn’t matter how often and well the child brushes their teeth; this procedure is mandatory during the appointment. Even when your child is extremely good at brushing their teeth, they can’t remove all the harmful bacteria that cause cavities. They may also occasionally forget to brush their teeth.

For this reason, professional dental cleaning is vital, and it plays a critical role in promoting your child’s dental hygiene by removing cavity-causing harmful bacteria. The process also helps remove teeth stains and keeps the gums healthy.

Sealants: What Are They?

A sealant is a slim, protective coating placed on the molar’s chewing surface. The dentist can place it on your child’s back, permanent teeth to prevent cavities or prevent the existing decaying spots from getting worse. Even so, they are not a substitute for flossing or brushing teeth. They work by preventing food particles and harmful bacteria from accumulating in hard-to-reach parts of your child’s teeth.

Sealants reduce the risk of dental cavities by up to 80%. It is advisable to get them once your child’s permanent back teeth start growing and are visible on the gum. The growth typically occurs when your child is around 6 years, then a second time at about 12 years. Sealants last for several years, and the dentist will examine teeth during each of your child’s back-to-school dental appointments to ensure that they are still strong.

IfFor more information regarding your dental health,  please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today!  We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!