Backpack? Check. Booster shots? Check. Teeth cleaning? Check up!
Regular dental visits are important year-round, but making sure that a back to school check-up is important because it can be key in fighting the most common chronic disease: cavities! Prevention can help avoid pain, trouble eating, difficulty speaking and school absences.
It is better to take care of the check up before school starts so that your child doesn’t miss too many hours of schooling. Planning ahead can help make that happen!
Plan Ahead
Summers are busy! It can be hard to cut out the time to make an appointment in between all of your plans. But school can sneak up on you and many parents may not think about making an appointment.
You can plan ahead by getting them in before summer!
A Hungry Child Is Not a Happy Patient
Feed your child a light meal before the appointment.
Eating light is also better for a child with a healthy gag reflex. “Some children gag a lot just because they gag with everything,” she says. “As they age and they get more control over swallowing, kids tend to gag less.” It is also a good idea to train your child to brush before they come in for their appointment.
Relax!
If the dentist makes you nervous, your child can tell. The younger your kids are, the more you need to be aware how you’re communicating with them. Do not tell them that it will hurt. Make them feel comfortable and help them to think positive! It might help them for the rest of their lives.
Keep Cool If Your Child Won’t Cooperate
If your child gets upset during her visit, the worst thing you can do is swoop them out of the chair and leave. First, figure out what is causing your child to act out. Are they truly afraid? Make sure to work as a team with your dentist to keep the visit going. Let the dentist lead the conversation. Jump in where you think it helps most, while still allowing the dentist and your child to build a good relationship. “Give the dentist every opportunity to turn the visit around,” she says.
Rancho Dental
Call today and schedule an appointment for a back to school Check up!