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.