Back-to-School Exams Are Important
Your child should visit Thomas F. Brown, DDS once or twice a year for a dental exam and have their teeth cleaned. Before school starts is the perfect time to have an exam to help your child start the school year right.
What Are the Benefits of a Back-to-School Exam?
Scheduling a dental exam for your child before school starts will ensure that they start the year off with a healthy smile. A healthy smile can boost your child’s self-confidence while they are in class. Another added benefit is that you reduce the risk of your child having to miss school days because of toothaches, cavities, or other oral health problems.
During your back-to-school exam, the dental team at Thomas F. Brown, DDS will complete a physical examination of your child’s mouth and then clean their teeth.
Physical Exam
Our dentist will begin by examining your child’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. This helps ensure their mouth is healthy overall and will identify any issues that might exist. Routine dental exams are an essential part of maintaining excellent oral and overall health.
Teeth Cleaning
Typically, dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning the teeth. They’ll start by scraping plaque and tartar from between the teeth and around the gumline. Next, the hygienist will use gritty toothpaste and a powerful electric toothbrush to polish your teeth, resulting in a bright smile.
Upon completion of the cleaning, the hygienist will ask your child to rinse their mouth to expel any debris. Finally, they will have the option to receive a fluoride treatment. This last step is optional but highly recommended, as a fluoride treatment in Naperville can help protect your child’s teeth from cavities.
Dental Sealants
Our dentist may suggest dental sealants if your child hasn’t recently received them. If they have, we will check their integrity during the physical exam and reapply the sealants if necessary.
Dental sealants are like small raincoats for teeth. They’re applied to the groves of the back teeth, where most cavities occur. By providing a barrier between the teeth and the acids in food, sealants can significantly decrease the risk of cavities or decay for months or even years.
Cavities
If Thomas F. Brown, DDS finds any cavities during the physical examination, the dentist may fill them on the day of your back-to-school exam if time permits. However, if there are multiple cavities, you may need to make an appointment for your child to come back.
When the procedure begins, the dentist will numb your child’s mouth around the tooth that has the cavity. Then, they’ll drill out the decayed portion of the tooth. Finally, they’ll fill the tooth in and polish the tooth as necessary.
Setting Up a Back-to-School Exam
Whether your child is heading for another year of primary school or starting high school, a dental exam can help maintain good oral and overall health. Contact Thomas F. Brown, DDS today to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental exam, and start the school year off right.
