Why You Should Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointments This Summer

Summer is perfect for spending quality time with your kid. Without school or homework to worry about, there’s more time for activities like swimming or going to the park. One other benefit that some parents might not think about is scheduling your child’s dental appointments. Read on to learn why dental care is so important for your son or daughter and why you should take advantage of the extra time to keep their smile happy and healthy.

Why Are Regular Checkups Important for Kids?

The American Dental Association recommends that every child visit a dentist by age 1, or as soon as the first tooth appears. This visit can teach parents how to care for their little one’s teeth and what to expect in terms of when other teeth will grow in.

Regular checkups are also the best way to learn how to prevent cavities and decay. The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 40 percent of children have decay by the time they reach kindergarten. Decay or infection on a baby tooth can cause dark spots on the adult tooth developing beneath it. By taking your child in for a checkup every six months, you ensure that these problems can be caught sooner rather than later.

Why Should I Schedule My Child’s Appointment Over Summer Break?

The main reason to schedule your kid’s appointment this summer is that they won’t have to miss school. If you schedule another appointment six months later, it will likely land during their winter break, meaning even less missed school time! Your son or daughter won’t have to sacrifice a moment of education for their smile.

How Can I Teach Healthy Dental Habits at Home?

Here are some things you can do to instill good dental hygiene in your children:

• Supervise young kids. If your child is 6 or younger, it’s a good idea to help them brush their teeth until they are comfortable doing it on their own and they can reach all areas of their mouth. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests only putting a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a child’s toothbrush until they are at least six years old and can spit on their own.
• Work on one thing at a time. Once your child is comfortable with brushing on their own, start teaching them to floss. You can start with floss picks to help them reach the back teeth. Trying to teach brushing and flossing at the same time will likely result in neither of those things getting learned!
• Give them a choice of healthy snacks. Offer your son or daughter their pick of a healthy snack, such as cheese or a piece of fruit. When you let them be part of the decision process, they are more likely to be satisfied with their snack and make that choice on their own in the future.
• Be a positive role model. If you set the example of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, your little one will follow your lead.
• Schedule regular appointments with your family dentist. Visits every six months can determine how well your habits are working. Your dentist can also examine your child’s teeth for cavities and decay and treat them if need be.

Summer is a great time for your kid to make their semi-annual trip to the dentist, and any time is great to start learning good dental habits! Call your family dentist today to learn how you can protect your child’s beautiful smile.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Capehart graduated in the top 10 percent of his dental school class from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He loves building relationships with his patients at Capehart Dentistry and getting to know and treat the whole family. He is committed to educating you and your children on proper oral healthcare to make sure your child’s smile shines. To learn more about how he can help you and your family, click here or call (972)-436-1325.