Creatures of Habit

We humans are notorious for becoming creatures of habit. Around Christmastime, that festive spirit tends to take over. As soon as the springtime allergens overtake the outside world, something in us makes us want to organize. The back-to-school season comes with a whirlwind all its own. It’s time to refresh our kiddos’ wardrobes, get them into the pediatrician, and get new school supplies. But there’s one more thing to add to that back-to-school list—a trip to the dentist.

Even though it’s already a busy season, it’s worth it to get that six-month cleaning out of the way. After all, once school starts, it only gets busier from there!

Why Back-to-School Dental Check-Ups Matter

Oral health in children is more important than a lot of people think. It’s not uncommon for parents to believe that cavities don’t matter as much because they’re on baby teeth. But that could not be further from the truth.

Even though those little teeth are replaced as children age, they are incredibly important to their oral health. When one tooth is compromised or lost, it can affect their speech pattern, how much orthodontic work will be needed in the future, and even their academic performance.

The prevalence of tooth decay in children between the ages of two and five years has decreased over the past 50 years, but that doesn’t mean the fight is over. In fact, nearly a fourth of children in that age group have at least one cavity.

Tips for Preparing Your Child

It can be hard to get your child prepared for a dentist appointment, especially if they have had a rough experience in the past. The best ways to prepare your child for their upcoming appointment can vary from child to child. But don’t worry, we’ve got some ideas for you.

For some children, communication is all that’s needed. Let them know what to expect at their dental cleaning! You can even play pretend with them—take their dolls or stuffed animals to your pretend dentist office so they can get the basic idea.

Books are an excellent way to teach your children about upcoming appointments. Some favorites include The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist, and Daniel Goes to the Dentist. If your little one loves stories, go ahead and give it a try!

One of the best strategies for preventing dental anxiety is to promote good dental habits at home. Going to the dentist regularly and keeping those teeth sparkly and clean is the best thing you can do to prevent tooth decay, making it much more likely your child will grow up having amazing experiences with their dentist. If your child has any adult teeth, be sure to ask about dental sealants!

How to Schedule a Dental Check-Up

Finding the perfect dentist for your child can feel overwhelming. You want someone who is attentive to your child, truly remembers them, and wants the best for them. Well, we’ve got news for you—Pediatric Dental Specialists right here in Kearney checks all the boxes when it comes to a trustworthy pediatric dentist.

Making an appointment is simple. Of course, you can give us a call, but let’s face it, scheduling an appointment is often easier. To do this, we’ll just need basic information, such as your and your child’s names, your address, phone number, and any comments you might want to add. Easy! If you have a preferred time of day, you can add it to the form.

Dental anxiety is common among parents. We want to do everything we can to alleviate your fears and help you feel confident that your child is getting the best dental care possible for them. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We want the entire family to feel safe and secure with us. After all, we’re a team when it comes to your child’s dental health.

Don’t Forget

It’s more important than you might think to get your little ones in for regular dental check-ups. Not only does it help their mouth form properly, but it can even affect their academic success. If you’re thinking that you need to get your kiddos in soon, don’t hesitate to request an appointment. The last thing you want is to file that task away somewhere in your brain, never to be seen again.

Back-to-school season is a great time to get everything done. Those pediatrician visits, school shopping, and of course, their dental cleaning. After all, you want them to start the school year with a healthy smile!