subject: Start The School Year With A Healthy Smile [print this page] Temperatures are still high, but the end of summer is quickly approaching. That means its time to get all of those back-to-school errands and appointments checked off the list. Though most kids probably want to spend every last minute of summer vacation at the pool and with friends, getting them to your local Austin dentist for a check up before classes resume will set them up for success in the coming year.
If you put off your childrens dental check ups, they may end up having to miss school or practices to make it to an appointment. Or, even worse, the appointment will continue to get pushed back until cavities or other oral health issues require immediate attention. Avoid the stress and get them to you Austin family dentist for a back-to-school appointment this month.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends taking your child to his first visit to the dentist after his first birthday. It is important to start these good habits early, as oral health problems can develop at very young ages. Not only will this keep your toddlers teeth and gums healthy, but it will lay the foundation for proper dental care as they grow up and start school too.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay affects children in the US more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated, tooth decay can lead to much worse problems including intense pain and infections. Fortunately, these conditions are preventable; just ask your Austin family dentist for more information. Regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings are a great first defense, but two other common dental treatments for children are dental sealants and braces.
If your child is in middle school, their permanent molars have probably just come in. This is the perfect time to get dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that a dentist paints onto the grooved surfaces of molars to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Sometimes these grooves are difficult to clean thoroughly with brushing alone, so sealants are a great second line of defense to keep your teeth healthy. Even if your child has had his molars in for years, if he doesnt have sealants yet talk to your local Austin family dentist about getting them. It is quick and painless procedure that can really make a difference in improving your childs oral hygiene.
Braces are another big topic of conversation when talking about our childrens teeth. While an orthodontist actually puts braces on, your family dentist can evaluate your childs teeth and help decide whether he needs braces or not. Some dentists recommend putting them on when the child is very young, while others think it is best to wait until he is older. It is important to find an Austin dentist that you trust and who has experience with children and braces. There are less noticeable options available today, too, like Invisalign and Clear Correct braces, so when you research Austin dental clinics, check to see if they offer these options. Your family dentist is your best resource on these tough topics, so talk to him or her today and find what is right for your child.
Located in Central Austin, 38th Street Dental is a conservative general and family dental practice. Not old school, old fashioned, or out-dated, Dr. Meek and Dr. Tasch are high tech dentists with advanced training in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and advanced restorative care. We do not focus solely on cosmetics and you will not be subjected to high pressure consultation tactics that can make going to the dentist uncomfortable.38th Street Dental understands that not having dental insurance may make trips to the dentist uncomfortable, so they offer their Gold Plan discount dental program. From dental hygiene services to advanced cosmetics and restorative care, 38th Street Dental looks forward to working with you to improve your dental health.
