The back to school season is a busy time of year for parents and kids alike. But, before you pack their lunch and send them off to class, take a moment to schedule an appointment for them with your dentist in Danville. Handling this step now will help set the stage for scholastic success later on.
Summer Can be Hard on Teeth
The warm months are all about good times and great memories. But they can also be prime time for cavities. Here’s why:
- Remember all those summer treats like ice cream, lemonade and potato chips? Not only do they delight the taste buds, they also spur the growth of cavities.
- Those long, lingering days of summer are perfect for invigorating activities. But they can also make us forget about important daily tasks like brushing and flossing. There’s no time like now to catch up on dental hygiene.
- Nothing takes a student’s mind off the books like a nagging toothache. Not only are dental problems painful, they can lead to missed classes and a lengthy, unpleasant recovery.
“That’s all well and good,” you might say. “But you have no idea how hard it is to get my child into the dentist’s office.” We understand. Here are some ways to deal with this common issue:
- Schedule an appointment for yourself on the same day as your young student’s. This is a perfect way to model the right behavior.
- Make sure your child eats something before the appointment. Nothing is more aggravating than an empty stomach.
- Use positive reinforcement. For example, you can promise to take your child shopping for school clothes or another favorite item after the dental visit is over.
- Never scold or demean. Comments like “you’re just being a big baby” are no way to help your kids face the world with confidence.
- Be aware of your own feelings. Plenty of adults are uneasy about visiting the dentist. You may be unconsciously projecting your own worries onto your family members.
- If you have multiple school-age children, then schedule the appointments so that the one who is most comfortable with the dentist goes first. This will help to set the tone for how the other feel about the experience.
While you’re at the clinic, ask your family dentist in Danville to give you and your child some helpful brushing and flossing tips. Lots of us think we know the right way to care for our teeth. But having a few professional insights never hurts.
Back to school time is always a bit hectic for parents and kids alike. But the tips in this post can make the process not only easier but maybe even a little fun. Nothing makes parents happier than seeing their child enjoying good dental health year-round. We wish you and yours lots of happy smiles in the months and years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Justin Armbruster is a graduate of University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. He also completed post-doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. You can reach his office online or by calling (434) 822-0500.