Going back to school is an event that can be filled with mixed emotions. There’s the excitement of a child entering a new season in their life and there’s also the anxiety of not knowing what to expect. It can also be filled with anxiety for parents whose lives become a bit more stressful because there’s a lot that must happen before the first day of school.
In addition to buying school supplies, getting new clothes, and going to doctor appointments, dental cleaning is one of the things on the to-do list that should happen. Although sometimes it doesn’t seem like a priority, it’s just as important as many other requirements, if not more important. This is because your child’s oral hygiene plays a role in the confidence they feel.
Importance of Self-Confidence
Regardless of a person’s age, having confidence is an important part of life because it can influence how you interact with other people. Whether your kid is communicating with peers or teachers, a healthy smile will enable them to do so more effectively and without feel self-conscious. Not only is it important for confidence, it’s also an important part of a person’s overall health and wellness. Let’s delve into this topic a little deeper.
Establishing Good Oral Hygiene
Going to the dentist is a great way to establish good oral hygiene at a young age. Since it’s recommended that everyone visit their dentist twice a year, one of those visits should be right before school starts. The second visit should be scheduled for six months later. It’s common for these visits to cultivate positive dental habits because of how great a person’s teeth look and feel after going to the dentist. It’s also helpful because the dentist will communicate the importance of good oral hygiene.
Other Benefits of Visiting a Dentist
By visiting a dentist twice a year, you can find out if your child has tooth decay or any type of infection. These kinds of issues can become painful, especially if they are not addressed. It can interfere with their ability to perform well in school. The dentist can also address any issues with tarter or plaque that builds up on teeth and can lead to gum disease if left unresolved.
Regular cleanings are a great way to prevent gum disease and long-term dental problems. Another key benefit of visiting a dentist is getting x-rays, which have the potential to identify serious medical conditions before they advance. A dentist is able to refer a patient to a doctor that can resolve medical issues that would not have been discovered as quickly if the patient did not have a dental visit.
Brushing and Flossing
Good oral hygiene doesn’t stop with going to the dentist twice a year. Instead, it requires daily brushing and flossing. In fact, the dentist will encourage your child to brush twice a day in order to maintain a healthy smile, and you’ll want to enforce that recommendation. One of the things that you can do to encourage daily brushing is get a toothbrush in a color that your kid likes and choose toothpaste that they will enjoy using.
You can get help from your dentist on which type of toothpaste is best for your child, but there are different flavors that can get a child excited about brushing, regardless of their age. Having a great toothpaste, mouthwash and floss can encourage good oral hygiene and habits for the entire family that last a lifetime.