4 Questions You Should Ask at Your Child’s Back to School Appointment
Now that it is August, the countdown has started in preparation for going back to school. It’s likely your money is being spent buying supplies, clothes, face masks, and other essentials to ensure your little one is ready for their first day. As you make your way down your to-do list, you remember the importance of scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning for your child. As you get ready for this appointment, a dentist in Carrollton shares some key questions you should remember to ask during this visit.
How is My Child’s Dental Health?
During a regular dental checkup and cleaning, your child’s dentist will examine their entire oral cavity. This includes their teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and jaw. By examining these areas, they can determine if any problems are occurring with your child’s teeth and bite alignment as well as ensure baby and/or permanent teeth are erupting correctly. Should there be any noticeable problems or causes for concern, your child’s dentist can make recommendations and formulate a personalized treatment plan to address these issues.
Does My Child Need X-Rays?
Typically, a dentist only takes dental X-Rays once a year or when they are necessary. It’s highly unlikely that your little one will need to have them taken at every visit, but they are extremely important in allowing their dental team to see what is happening below the surface of their teeth and gums. Problems can easily develop in the areas of the tooth roots, and X-Rays make it possible to detect signs of tooth decay. If the dentist can catch it early, there is a higher chance of stopping the problem before it worsens.
Why Are Dental Sealants Important?
A child’s molars are often the most difficult to reach, but they contain more pits and grooves than any other teeth. Because these are used to chew, food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped, leading to a higher risk for decay and cavities. Once your child’s permanent molars are in place, it is strongly advised that you inquire about dental sealants. These plastic coatings are painted over the chewing surfaces of these teeth to better protect them against anything that might penetrate the enamel and cause damage.
Does My Child’s Mouthguard Need to be Replaced?
If your child is engaged in sports throughout the school year, you’ll need to make sure to bring their mouthguard with you to the appointment. It is during this visit that you can ask about a possible replacement. If it is heavily worn and becoming less comfortable to wear, it could be that your child has lost teeth along the way and are getting new ones, making it not fit as well as it once did. The dentist can examine the mouthguard and recommend if a new one is necessary.
Helping your child prepare for a new school year takes time, energy, and a lot of reminders. By formulating a list of questions before their dentist’s appointment, you will be better equipped to get the answers you need.
About the Author
Dr. Kimberly Capua is a trusted dentist in Carrollton, Texas. Earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1989 from Baylor College of Dentistry, she and her team are committed to providing a safe and clean environment for patients. As your child prepares to return to school, she and her team encourage you to schedule an appointment and discuss any concerns you might have about their oral health. Visit our website or call (972) 418-1811 to make sure your child’s teeth and gums are in optimal shape for the new year.
