The start of this school year is massively different from any that have come before it. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it so that many schools are moving entirely to online classes this year. Others are seeing students in person, but with increased social distancing guidelines in place. However, one aspect of the back-to-school routine that shouldn’t change is taking your son or daughter to their dentist. Keep reading below to learn a few reasons why children’s dentistry is still important even during these unprecedented times.
Detecting Dental Problems Early Will Keep Your Child in School
Here’s an interesting fact: the number one health problem that prevents kids from attending school is dental work, either from having to sign out of school early to get treatment done or staying home to recover from a procedure. To prevent your little one from having to miss school for extensive dental work, it helps to have them visit their dentist twice a year. At these checkups, the dentist can catch oral health problems early enough that treatment is still relatively quick and easy. Not to mention, it’s much easier to take them in before school even starts so they don’t have to miss any class at all.
Start the New Year Off on the Right Foot
The best way to get your son or daughter acclimated to the beginning of a new school year is by establishing a routine. As the years go by, they will come to expect a dental checkup at the start of the new year, making the whole experience easier for them. Not only can your child’s dentist ensure their smiles are healthy, but the dental hygienist can professionally clean their pearly whites just in time for yearbook pictures!
Your Child Needs a Dental Checkup Twice a Year
No matter their age, everyone needs to visit their dentist for a checkup at least twice a year. While that may seem like common sense, it can be easier than you might think to forget to take your little one in for their appointment every six months. A year or two can fly by, during which your child may have accumulated cavities or other oral health problems. Getting your child in the routine of seeing a dentist twice a year will make them more likely to seek out dental care on their own when they get older, ensuring their smile stays healthy for life.
Even during a pandemic, oral health is still crucial, as it can affect your child’s self-confidence and even their overall health. To learn more about why dentistry for kids is so important, contact your child’s dentist today.
About the Author
Dr. James A. Maurer practices with his son at Longmont Complete Dentistry in Longmont, CO. He provides a wide range of services to patients of all ages, including children. Some of the children’s dentistry services he offers include mouthguards, sealants, fluoride treatments, tooth-colored fillings, and more. To schedule a back-to-school checkup for your little one, visit Dr. Maurer’s website or call 303-772-7000.