As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s the perfect time to address dental concerns that have been on the back burner. Taking action now can give your child or teen a healthy and confident smile as they head back to class.
At Great White Dental, our dentist in San Antonio has put together a list of essential dental services parents should consider for their kids and teens.
1. Start Fresh with a Back-to-School Dental Checkup
As the school year begins, make sure your kiddos are free from dental issues that could distract them from their studies. A visit to our dentist in San Antonio for a cleaning and exam can help us detect potential problems early, provide the necessary treatments, and prevent problems from becoming more significant.
What to Expect During a Checkup
- Cleaning: We start by getting a clean slate. Our hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, allowing us to see your child’s smile with clarity.
- Exam: During the checkup, our dentist will thoroughly examine the health of the teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues.
- Assessment: We’ll use this time to determine if your child needs additional preventative care or targeted treatments.
Regular visits also allow our team to educate your family about proper oral hygiene practices. We even tailor this advice to each person based on what we see in their exam.
2. Safeguard Smiles with Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that our dentist in San Antonio paints onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to prevent cavities. Sealants are particularly beneficial for children, as their teeth are more prone to decay, since it’s hard for kids to reach and clean these areas thoroughly.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Protective Power: These coatings cover up grooves and pits where food particles can get trapped, causing decay.
- Longevity: Sealants can provide two years’ protection against up to 80% of cavities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Non-Invasive: If you have a nervous child, rest easy knowing that applying sealants is a quick and painless procedure.
3. Straightening Smiles for Confidence with Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment goes beyond aesthetics. We can help improve the function and health of your teen’s teeth and jaws.
Misalignments can cause issues like cleaning difficulty, increased risk of cavities, and even speech problems. The team at Great White Dental can help determine if your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Types of Teeth Straightening Treatments
Today, there are various orthodontic options available, ranging from traditional braces to more modern solutions like clear aligners. Each treatment has its own set of benefits, and the choice depends on each teen’s needs and lifestyle preferences.
No matter what path you and your child choose, starting orthodontic treatment at the right age can lead to more effective results and a shorter treatment time.
4. Brighten Teeth for a New School Year with Whitening
A bright, white smile can significantly boost a child’s confidence, which is especially important during the school years. While we’re cautious about when we recommend teeth whitening to teens, our dentist in San Antonio can explore it as an option in some cases.
At-Home vs. In-Office Teeth Whitening
There are a lot of at-home whitening products on the market, but professional in-office treatments tend to mean faster and more noticeable results. Our team can use stronger bleaching agents.
More than that, we make sure the treatment is applied evenly, reducing the risk of sensitivity or gum irritation. For those looking for a quick and efficient way to enhance their smile, in-office whitening is a great option.
5. Be Prepared to Address Dental Emergencies
Accidents happen, especially during school-age years. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic reports that having a tooth knocked out is most common in kids between the ages of 7 and 11.
Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make a significant difference in the outcome. Having a trusted emergency dentist in San Antonio like us can provide peace of mind and immediate care when needed.
Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies
- Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food particles.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Keep the tooth moist by placing it back in the socket if possible or storing it in milk until you reach our dentist.
- Broken Tooth: Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Start the School Year with Maximum Smile Health
Prevent distractions and boost confidence for your student by taking care of these dental issues at the beginning of the school year. Our dentist in San Antonio at Great White Dental is ready to tackle whatever you’ve been putting off. Get started today!
