It’s that time of year again! Parents are rejoicing and kids are groaning, which means it’s back-to-school time! As you check off your back-to-school to-do list with school supply shopping and planning school lunches, make sure a visit to Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Chapel Hill NC is on the list too!
While a visit to the dentist to prepare for the new school year may not seem like a “no-brainer”, your child’s oral health is very important to their overall well-being. Research shows that oral health is linked to overall systemic health. If your child’s teeth aren’t healthy, it can weaken their ability to fight off other infections which may be passed around at school and increases the risk of more cavities. Cavities are prevalent even among school-age children, so it’s crucial to make sure they’re off to a healthy start this fall.
Did you know among children aged 5-9 over half have already had at least one cavity? You can help avoid your child becoming another statistic by encouraging your child to brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes twice daily. The “2 X 2 rule” is easy to remember and is important to help kids keep their teeth clean and build healthy habits from a young age. And it’s good advice for parents to follow, too!
At Chapel Hill Dentistry, we take the time to show our younger patients how to brush and floss effectively to help ensure your child’s teeth last the rest of their lives.
You can also contribute to the fight against plaque and cavities by discouraging sugary snacks, including popular sports drinks. Sugar supplies plenty of material for oral bacteria to feed on, and when these bacteria are well-fed, they multiply and build up in the form of sticky plaque. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
If your child seems especially prone to cavities or if you struggle with a low-sugar diet, you can talk to Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White about preventative sealants. This procedure will fill in pits and grooves on molar teeth to reduce hiding places for mouth bacteria to settle into and erode tooth enamel. This can be particularly effective if your child has difficulty reaching the back of the mouth with their toothbrush, which many kids do.
Tooth decay is very prevalent among school-age children, and each year tooth-related illnesses account for 52 million school hours lost! To keep cavities at bay and promote good oral health, be sure to include a dental check-up on your back-to-school to-do list! And don’t miss our Back To School Special: If you schedule a comprehensive examination, x-rays and cleaning, you can receive bleaching trays free!*
*Available to new patients only. Must mention special when scheduling. Whitening treatments only available for teeth without tooth decay or periodontal disease.