September is just around the corner, meaning your child is about to return to school. Many schools require that you take your child for a dental exam before returning to school, but even if it is not a requirement, you should still do so to assure your child goes into the school year with strong oral health. 

Questions to ask Your Child’s Dentist and Why

How is my Child’s General Dental Health?
The dentist will observe your child's teeth, gums, and tongue during the appointment. This will help them determine the general condition of your child’s oral health and if there are signs of any issues. If there are any noticeable signs, your dentist will provide a treatment plan to help deal with these issues. Detecting these problems early makes it easier to treat them. It also helps the dentist determine whether your child needs a specialist.

Is an X-ray Necessary?
X-rays help dentists monitor the development of your child’s teeth. It also helps check the health of their gums, jaws, and any signs of cavities or teeth decay. The necessity of an x-ray is determined after a general check-up is complete.

Does my Child Need a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Even though your child brushes and flosses as they should, removing all the food particles between their teeth and gum line is impossible. This becomes more severe after being home for summer break, where they likely consumed many sugary foods and drinks. Back to school is a perfect time to clean them professionally at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa to remove all the buildup and discoloration.

Can you Look at my Child’s Braces?
Braces help straighten your child’s teeth, but they can shift or become loose if component breaks and your child doesn’t bring it up immediately. If this is the case, it’s a good idea for a checkup if you notice any strange shifts. If your child does not have braces, this is a perfect time to ask the dentist if they need them.

Do you Recommend Sealants?
Sealants are thin coatings made with safe dental plastic. The dentist places them on the chewing surface and back surface of the teeth to prevent food and cavity-causing bacteria from getting stuck on and between the teeth.

While they effectively keep cavities at bay, ensure your child still needs to continue practicing proper oral hygiene. The best time to get these is after your child loses their milk teeth and develops permanent molars.

What are the Available Treatment Options?
If your dentist determines a dental issue, it is important to ask about all available treatment options. Consider the cost, effectiveness, and treatment period.

How do You Suggest I Improve My Child’s Dental Health?
Understanding the best ways to keep your child's teeth clean and healthy is the best way to prevent issues now and in the future. Taking your child to regular visits and cleaning are the first step in good dental health. During your dental visit be sure to ask your child’s dentist about maintaining good oral health and any trips or tricks if you find that your child is not able to up keep good dental hygiene.

Benefits of a Back-to-School Dental Exam
- It ensures your child does not miss school because of cavities and other dental issues
- It helps improve self-esteem
- It helps develop healthy dental hygiene habits at an early age
- It saves you the money you would have used to treat severe dental issues

How to Prepare your Child for a Dental Exam
Dental visits can be scary for some children, and many have trouble leaving the house to go to one. However, these tips will help them adapt quickly and eliminate the fear.

- Plan ahead: Back-to-school is one of the busiest times at the dental office, and you want to ensure you get an early appointment. Booking early and letting your child know in advance helps prepare them mentally.
- Have an older child go first: If you have two or more children, let the older ones who are used to the dental appointments go first. This will help the others get over their fear.
- Reward your child: After every dental appointment, ensure you congratulate your child and get them something they have wanted for being strong and brave. This will encourage them to look forward to future appointments.
- Ensure your child is well fed before an appointment: Children get cranky when hungry, which worsens when they are nervous. Therefore, ensure you feed your child before heading to the dentist appointment. You can also carry some snacks just in case. Furthermore, you can also bring their favorite toys to keep them busy before their turn.

Taking your child for a dental exam at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa is key to ensuring their dental health is perfect throughout the upcoming school year. Asking the essential questions helps you understand their dental health better and helps catch dental issues early. Contact us today to schedule a back-to-school dental visit.