When you schedule an at-school dentist appointment for regular checkups, your child gets the care they need — and learns how to have a healthy smile for life
Nothing is more important than the health of your child. But when it comes to helping them grow up happy and strong, don’t forget their teeth. Kids and cavities seem to go hand-in-hand. In fact, 14% of kids under 18 years old had at least one oral health issue in the past year.
The good news? There is a lot you can do to help make sure your child has healthy teeth and gums. Keep reading for the top dentist-approved tips for protecting those unforgettable smiles.
One of easiest ways things parents can do to keep their kids healthy is to stay on top of routine dental cleanings. Mobile dentist programs offered by your Premier Access dental plan include regular checkups that take place where it’s most convenient for families—in schools!
Dentists show up at schools with all of their tools and equipment. They offer the kind of care your child would get from a normal office visit. “Our mobile dental team travels from school to school throughout the year and sets up a mini-dental clinic inside an available classroom or other space at each school,” says Elliot Schlang, D.D.S., chief dental officer of Smile America Partners.
The best part? Kids can get regular teeth cleanings without missing school. And parents don’t have to worry about missing work. “By bringing dentistry to the school, it not only provides easy access to care but also enables that care to be provided before any problems turn into a very big deal,” says Dr. Schlang.
Having your child see a dentist at school, alongside their friends, also makes the experience more comfortable. “We find that children who have peers with them in the mini dental clinic classroom are much less anxious than when they are in a traditional dental office,” he says.
As your child grows, twice yearly dental visits are key for healthy smiles. Dentists look for early signs of tooth decay and gum disease—and can take the right steps to fix them quickly. They also check how your child’s teeth and jaw grow and develop.
In addition to an overall look at your child’s teeth and gums, the at-school dentist will provide:
“By removing the plaque every six months, applying fluoride, and treating cavities before they turn into toothaches, we save a lot of children from pain,” Dr. Schlang says.
Your Premier Access plan makes it easy. No travel. No scheduling hassles. No additional cost to you! Click below to find your school and sign up.*
*You’ll be directed to MySchoolDentist to complete a permission form.
Dentists do more than examine your child’s teeth. They’re also there to show kids how to take care of their teeth in between checkups.
Practicing good dental habits every day helps prevent long-term tooth decay or gum issues. These problems can turn into more serious and costly treatments if ignored or avoided, says Dr. Schlang. “We teach kids the habits they need to maintain good teeth,” he adds.
In addition to regular checkups, another easy way to protect your child’s teeth is to make sure they brush at least twice a day. Once in the morning and once before they go to bed. If you can get them to also brush at school, after lunch — even better!
But learning to brush is also about making sure they’re brushing in the correct way, says Dr. Schlang. “It’s more than brushing twice a day,” he says. “It’s effectively brushing twice a day.”
To make your child’s toothbrushing effective, remember these important factors:
Fluoride toothpaste is a must. It’s okay to let your child choose their toothpaste flavor, but remember it must have fluoride to help keep the plaque from developing cavities, says Dr. Schlang.
Take two minutes. The time is about making sure your child does a thorough job. The easiest way to hit that two-minute mark is to play a song that your child loves while they brush their teeth. Or you can set a timer on your phone or have them watch a clock.
Remember, dental disease doesn’t happen overnight — it takes time. Brushing twice a day gives you and your child a fighting chance against developing any serious gum or teeth issues, says Dr. Schlang. “The biggest benefit is that the child learns how to prevent dental disease,” he says.
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