As families start gearing up to head back to school for another year, now is the time to make sure to schedule your child’s next dental appointment. Heading back to school means that your schedule starts to fill up with the school day, afterschool activities and sports, plus any other extracurricular activities that your son or daughter may participate in, so planning your appointment now is key to keeping up with your child’s regular visits.
We recommend that everyone see their dentist at least once every six months, especially children who are continuing to develop their teeth. Whether a young child who is still taking care of their baby teeth, a kid starting to grow their first permanent teeth or a teenager who is starting to develop their second set of molars – sometimes called “12-year molars” – or wisdom teeth, regular appointments are key to ensuring proper tooth growth and development. By having regular checkups and cleanings, your dentist can look for signs of improper growth or other issues that may require professional treatment to remedy. Catching these problems early are important to preventing pain, infection or other problems of the mouth.
In addition, having a regular dental exam is vital for athletes who participate in contact sports. Students participating in sports like football or hockey are required to wear mouthguards which, as we discussed previously, are more for concussion prevention than dental protection. However, ill-fitting mouthguards can cause problems with your child’s teeth. Having a custom-fitted mouthguard made can ensure a proper feel and provide better protection for your child than a standard “boil and bite” model. This is especially important if your child is wearing braces or has other sensitive dental work, and provides the optimal comfort and protection.
While you’re checking off your school prep list, make sure to include contacting us to schedule your child’s next appointment. Call us today at 585-343-1113 to plan an appointment that works best for your busy schedule or request an appointment online now.