Thinking about your back to school checklist?

1. Fresh haircut
2. A new outfit
3. School supplies
4. Dental appointment

The next few days are a hectic time for students and parents getting ready to return to the classroom. Don’t overlook an important step in getting your child ready for school, a check up with the dentist and also a chance to reinforce good oral health habits.

Studies show that one of the first things people notice about someone is their smile and that a good smile creates a positive self-image…something all parents wish for their children. That Desired Smile starts with a dental check up and oral care instruction from their early years and continues into their teens as children’s teeth and mouths change dramatically as they grow throughout their school years.

So here’s our back to school dental checklist:

• Regular dental examinations to diagnose and treat or prevent dental problems.
• Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. If it’s hard to remember when to change a brush, you could try to change it every time report cards come out.
• Eating healthy lunches and snacks including grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yogurt or fruit. If your child eats in the school cafeteria, review healthy, balanced food choices with them before the first day of school. Cut back on sugary foods and soft drinks.
• Wearing a properly fitted mouth guard while participating in organized sports, PE classes or playground activities.

We offer three types of appointments for kids:

• Self-care (1 hour session, including a dental hygiene appointment)
  For children who are 2-6 years old, we use puppets, models, cameras, microscopes and disclosing tablets to engage them through play. The goal is to make them comfortable in the dental office, but also to motivate them to care for their teeth at home, and make healthy choices. Self-care sessions end with a cleaning and a friendly check up from Dr. Heidary.
• Prep (1/2 hour session)
  Kids get a chance to “play dentist” and do dentistry on puppets, which gives them a chance to get comfortable with the tools and procedures that will be used in their appointment. It’s a great way for kids to develop coping strategies so they can feel more in control.
• Treatments (1/2 hour session)
  Specific dental treatments are based on the child’s age, psychosocial needs and coping abilities; our goal is always to make it an experience that’s as easy and stress-free as possible for the child. We encourage parents to get involved.

Proper dental care and maintenance along with good oral health care skills learned at an early age, gives our children the best chance of maintaining healthy teeth throughout their lives.