Make Healthy Mouths Part Of Your Back-To-School Plans
Which of these things are on your back-to-school checklist?
⯀ Get pencils and pens
⯀ Get paper and notebooks
⯀ Get new clothes
⯀ Visit the dentist
If you haven’t checked off that last item on your list, please call 803-272-4162 or contact us online today. We would be happy to help your kids start the school year right with professional dental cleanings at Total Dental Care of South Carolina.
Everyone at our dentist office wants our patients in and around Columbia, SC, to have success during the upcoming school year. That’s just one of the reasons family dentistry is important to our team.
Oral Health Can Affect School Success
Imagine two students …
The first student is sitting in class, paying attention, taking notes, and learning. This student is able to focus on his or her schoolwork.
The second student notices that one of his or her teeth is starting to hurt. At first, this student tries to ignore the pain, but as the day goes on, the pain gets worse. Before long, it’s become a huge distraction while he or she is in class.
At lunch, the first student enjoys eating and having fun with his or her friends. The second student can barely eat and ends up going to the office instead. That’s when the school nurse learns about the tooth pain.
Later, the second student’s parents get phone calls recommending that they take him or her to the dentist as soon as possible. This second student could have an infected tooth, so a dental trip may be necessary for his or her long-term oral health.
In case you are having trouble accepting that second scenario as a real possibility, consider the findings of the C hildren’s Dental Health Project :
Children who reported toothaches were four times more likely to have lower grades than kids who did not have tooth pain.
A study in North Carolina found that kids with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school.
A separate study in Los Angeles found that up to one-third of missed school days could be attributed to dental health problems.
A national survey showed that 1 in 7 kids between the ages of 6 and 12 years old had a toothache in the previous six months.
Keeping your kids’ mouths healthy can help them concentrate on their education. Don’t let poor oral health can become an obstacle to learning.
It’s Time For Your (Dental) Exams
You already know that the American Dental Association recommends regular dental cleanings and exams. Making a back-to-school exam a part of your family’s oral health routine is a great idea to keep this on your calendar.
The ADA also noted that American children miss 51 million hours of school each year due to dental problems. By visiting Total Dental Care of South Carolina, you may be helping your kids stay in class.
During your family’s dental cleanings, one of our dental professionals will be removing any plaque or tartar buildup, which could lead to tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. We also will give your mouths a complete examination. If we see any signs of decay or gum disease, we can take action early. By acting early, treatments are typically more successful and less invasive.
While you are here, you also may want to take advantages of some other services that can protect against tooth decay and strengthen teeth.
Dental sealants create a protective barrier over your kids’ most vulnerable teeth. This creates a layer of protection against the bacteria that cause cavities. Fluoride treatments can repair minor damage and make your enamel stronger.
Don’t Forget Your Homework
Just like teachers may review information to start the new year, we want to review what you and your kids should be doing every day. As important as professional dental care is, what you do at home is more important for maintaining your oral health.
Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time. Place toothpaste with fluoride on a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be sure to scrub your teeth on all sides. Brush your tongue and spit the toothpaste into the sink when you are finished.
Floss or clean between your teeth every day, too. Your toothbrush a great tool, but it’s not the best option for cleaning the spaces between your teeth and gums. This is why flossing should be part of your daily routine as well.
Register Now For Your Next Cleaning
If you have not yet scheduled your family’s next dental cleaning, contact Total Dental Care of South Carolina today. You can reach us online or call us at 803-272-4162.
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