Back-to-School Dental Checkups

July 21, 2022
|
Posted By: Palos Pediatric Dentistry
smiling children | pediatric dentistry Palos Heights

Fall is around the corner, which means it's also back-to-school season for students everywhere. Regular dental visits are essential all year round, but back-to-school checkups are also crucial for preventing the most common chronic disease affecting school-age children: cavities. 

Dental disease can cause kids to miss more than 51 million school hours yearly. Though going back to school may look a little different this year, it's still important to schedule your child's back-to-school dental exam and cleaning so your little one can have a healthy, strong smile! 

Why Are Routine Dental Checkups So Important?

Early detection and prevention of oral health problems can help your child avoid difficulty eating, trouble speaking, school absences, and dental pain. Just like you take your child to a pediatrician for checkups, it's important to ensure your child's smile is also school-ready.

During a routine checkup, the dentist checks your child's mouth––teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and jaws––for signs of decay or disease. They also monitor their growth and development to ensure their oral health and wellness are on track.

At our Palos Heights dental office, we love getting to know our patients and their unique personalities. We always find new and exciting ways to make dental care fun and comfortable so they can practice good oral health habits throughout their lives. 

What to Expect at a Back-to-School Dental Checkup

Your child's comfort is of the utmost importance. Before every appointment, we chat with your child, get to know them, share stories and jokes, and ensure they feel comfortable. We then examine their mouths to check for decay or abnormalities. Depending on their age, we take dental x-rays to see what's beneath the surface of their smiles, such as jaw bone development. Next, we perform a gentle dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar so they can start the new school year with a fresh and sparkling smile.

I'm Ready to Schedule with a Dentist Near Me

Are you looking for a Palos Heights dentist for your child? Dr. Richard Facko is a friendly and gentle children's dentist with years of experience treating kids' unique oral health needs. Please call us today if you're ready to schedule your child's back-to-school dental exam and cleaning

Related Blog Posts
February 18, 2026
Tiny Teeth, Big Smiles: 7 Fun Ways to Make Brushing Enjoyable for Kids

Too often, convincing children to brush can feel like a painful negotiation. The good news? With the right, collaborative approach, brushing can become something kids look forward to. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we help young families in Palos Heights turn daily oral care into an empowering routine, rather than a ...

January 23, 2026
New Year, Healthy Smile: Children’s Dental Resolutions for 2026

The start of a new year is a great opportunity for families to reset their routines, including those supporting kids’ oral health. Creating simple, achievable children’s dental resolutions for 2026 in Palos Heights can help kids build habits that protect their smiles all year long. The key is that, when ...

December 15, 2025
Why Baby Teeth Matter? More Than Just a Temporary Smile

When kids flash those adorable, gummy grins or show off their first tiny teeth, it’s easy to think baby teeth are just “practice teeth.” After all, they fall out… right? But at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we love reminding families that baby teeth play a big role in your child’s growth, ...