Maybe your idea of getting the kids ready to go back to school is buying new clothing, shoes, and school supplies. Perhaps even scheduling a checkup with their doctor. But have you thought about giving them a clean bill of oral health — and providing them with the knowledge they need to keep their teeth healthy all year long?
The beginning of the school year is a great time to make sure your children’s dental visits are up to date. Call Edgewood Dental Care of Edgewood, KY at 859-474-7830 to schedule your kids’ back-to-school appointments today. Their healthy teeth and bright, confident smiles will set the stage for a wonderful school year.
Why Choose Edgewood Dental Care?
At Edgewood Dental Care, we are a full-service family dental provider. That means we are ready and equipped to treat children, teens, and adults. We offer an extensive list of services, including preventive care and general dentistry, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative procedures. No need to run around town to various specialists.
Our staff members are skilled at making adults and kids feel at ease while in the dentist’s chair. We offer a “comfort menu” of amenities (including TVs and headphones) to make visits more enjoyable. For patients who need a little extra to take the edge off their anxiety, we have nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation available.
Our office employs eight hygienists, so we are usually able to see the entire family at once!
We’ll Get Your Kids’ Teeth Ready for School
When you bring the kids to Edgewood Dental Care for their back-to-school appointment, there are a few things to expect and discuss:
- A thorough cleaning: We remove the tartar and plaque that leads to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. We then floss and polish the teeth to get them looking their best!
- A meticulous examination by the dentist: He can spot problems with the teeth, gums, and mouth before your child has noticed any symptoms.
- Digital X-rays: These aren’t necessary at every visit, but must be done periodically to check for problems that even the dentist can’t see with the naked eye.
- Mouthguards: For active kids, mouthguards are essential to protecting the teeth and gums. The American Dental Association warns that athletes who go without a mouthguard are 60 times more likely to experience a dental injury. That’s not a risk worth taking, especially when it comes to your children’s health! Non-custom mouthguards are available for purchase at stores. But at Edgewood Dental Care, we craft mouthguards that are more comfortable, work better, and fit perfectly — because they are made to fit the patient’s mouth. We will also repair or adjust the mouthguard when necessary.
- Sealants: Sealants are a protective coating over the teeth, and they are highly effective in keeping harmful bacteria out. Sealants are easy and painless to apply, and last for years. It’s well worth considering this simple but powerful tool in preventing cavities and tooth decay.
Establish a Routine at Home
Now that the school year is approaching, it’s a good time to take a look at your kids’ dental routine at home. Even if your mornings aren’t rushed and hectic during the summer, they surely will be once you’re beholden to bus schedules and school bells. Don’t let good oral hygiene habits fall to the wayside! Create a manageable and consistent routine now — one that will work for the remainder of summer and take you through the school year. It should include:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure your kids know how to brush thoroughly and that they take their time.
- Flossing daily. Again, make sure your children understand proper flossing technique. If you need a crash course yourself, we will be happy to assist you.
Help Your Kids Eat Healthy at School
Whether your kids bring lunch from home or buy it from the school cafeteria, you can help them eat healthy, tooth-friendly foods.
- Avoid packing sugary and chewy snacks like fruit rollups, fruit “snacks,” and soft granola bars. These can get stuck in the teeth and lead to tooth decay.
- Encourage your kids to drink water or white milk. Chocolate milk, strawberry milk, and juice are high in sugar.
- Nutritious foods are good for the teeth — and the whole body. Think whole grains, cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables, hummus, yogurt.
- If your child buys lunch at the cafeteria, get into the habit of reviewing the menu together and picking out healthy choices.
At Edgewood Dental Care of Edgewood, KY, we will get your child’s smile ready for school. Call us at 859-474-7830 or fill out our web form.