Gateway Family Dental Blog
Here's Why Your Child Needs a Back-To-School Dental Exam
August is the time when many children head back to school. While you’re focusing on your child’s vision exams, hearing tests and physicals, it’s important not to forget their dental health.
Why is it important to schedule a dental examination before your child goes back to school?
Let’s discuss.
More Than Half of Children Ages 5-9 Have a Cavity
Cavities are exceedingly common in children. They are also a painful distraction–especially when children are trying to focus on learning in the classroom.
Many children are afraid of or intimidated by going to the dentist, so they won’t openly express tooth pain or discomfort. Dental pain can cause children to become anxious, irritable and even unmotivated. This can become a huge distraction during the school year.
Schedule a dental check-up before the school year starts, and make sure any dental issues he might have are fixed before the demands of school get underway.
It’s Easier to Schedule a Dental Exam During the Summer
When many parents think of the school year, one word comes to mind: busy.
Whether your kids are involved in fall sports or academic clubs, there’s always more to do when school is in session.
It’s easier to schedule one of your child’s biannual dental examinations during the summer months when your schedule is less hectic.
Many Children Don’t Brush Properly
The mechanics of tooth-brushing and flossing can be difficult for children to master. Plus, many children simply don’t like brushing and flossing, and as a result, don’t brush as long or as well as they should.
This can lead tooth problems in childhood and early adolescence that can plague your children for years to come.
Scheduling regular dental exams will help your child establish good oral hygiene habits. It will also help ensure he is brushing and flossing properly. This can give parents extra piece of mind as the school year starts.
Want more information on children’s dental health?
Check out another one of our blogs.
Ready to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental exam with Gateway Family Dentistry? Contact us today!
Read More From Gateway Family Dentistry
At Gateway Family Dentistry, we know that halitosis can impact your confidence and how you feel day to day. Occasional bad breath happens to everyone, but if it sticks around, it could point to a more serious oral health problem. Studying what causes bad breath and how to treat it can help you keep your breath fresh and your smile healthy. Common Causes of Bad Breath Bad breath can have many causes, from everyday habits to dental problems. Figuring out what’s behind it is the first step to finding the right solution. Poor Oral Hygiene Not brushing and flossing well enough is a major cause of bad breath. When food stays in your mouth, bacteria can grow and create bad smells. Plaque that builds up on your teeth and gums can also make bad breath stick around. Dry Mouth Saliva helps clean your mouth by washing away food and bacteria. If you don’t have enough saliva, bacteria can grow faster and cause bad breath. Dry mouth can occur while you sleep, from certain medicines, or due to certain health conditions. Gum Disease Persistent halitosis may point to gum disease. Bacteria under the gums produce toxins and odors that cause halitosis. Treating gum problems early can help keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh. Certain Foods and Beverages Foods such as garlic, onions, and strong spices can cause temporary bad breath. Coffee and alcohol can also contribute to drying out your mouth. These smells usually go away, but good oral care can help reduce them. Ongoing mouth odor can increase the risk of gum disease, which may contribute to chronic bad breath. Quitting tobacco use benefits not only your breath but also your overall health. How to Treat Bad Breath The good news is that most bad breath can get better with good oral care and healthy habits. Brush and Floss Daily Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily removes plaque that causes bad smells. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, since bacteria often build up there. Maintaining water intake throughout the day helps maintain saliva secretion and washes away bacteria. Maintaining hydration is especially important for individuals who experience dry mouth. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups Routine dental checkups and cleanings help prevent bad breath. Dentists can get rid of bacterial buildup that brushing can’t reach and spot signs of gum disease or other problems that may be causing halitosis. Antibacterial mouthwashes can briefly reduce bacteria and freshen breath. However, antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath temporarily. But remember, they should be used in addition to regular brushing and flossing, not instead of them. If your oral hygiene is poor, it may be time to visit your dentist. Chronic halitosis can sometimes be linked to gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, or other medical concerns that require specialist assessment. At Gateway Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and confident with preventive care and helpful advice. Seeing us regularly lets us catch problems early and give you tips that fit your long-term oral health needs. If you’re dealing with persistent bad breath or need a dental checkup, give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you get fresher breath and a healthier smile.
At Gateway Family Dentistry, we know maintaining a healthy smile involves more than brushing and flossing. The foods and drinks you consume daily play a major role in your oral health.
At Gateway Family Dentistry, we recognize the strong link between oral health and overall wellness. Gum disease is a common, often overlooked...