This is a test: As you make your back-to-school list, what are your top to-dos?

You receive an A for answering “visit to the dentist.” It should rank right up there, along with an eye exam and wellness check or sports physical.

Why visit the dentist just before school starts (or as soon as possible after)?

The end of summer follows a season known for near-daily indulgences in ice cream, candy and sodas and less attention paid to regular brushing and flossing. It’s the “lazy days of summer” after all.

But with the school year starting, it’s high time to schedule that visit to the dentist, especially if your child is overdue for the semi-annual appointment or if your local school or school district requires a dental screening.

What to expect during the back-to-school dentist visit

1. The dental hygienist or dentist will clean the teeth, check the inside of the mouth and take x-rays (if necessary). The professional scraping and polishing removes plaque and tartar that has built up even despite daily flossing and brushing. The careful examination of the inside of the mouth can diagnose potential oral health problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. 
2. The dentist will apply preventive measures as needed, including fluoride treatment, dental sealants and instruction on good oral hygiene habits and dental habits.
   
   Treating emerging oral health issues prevents them from turning into painful dental problems and causing your child to be distracted in class or even miss school. 
3. This is also a good time to discuss the importance of wearing a mouthguard for those participating in fall sports. 
4. Finally, when your child goes to the dentist, it’s not strictly a dental check-up—more than 120 diseases have symptoms that appear in the mouth, which dentists are trained to identify. 

In conclusion, the back-to-school dentist visit is not yet one more to-do during a hectic time, but an opportunity to ensure a happy, healthy smile and peace of mind all semester long.

We’ll see you again in six months.

Do you need help scheduling the dentist appointment?

If you currently don’t have a dentist, you can find one in your area by using this tool. 

Delta Dental of Arkansas can also fit you with the right dental and vision insurance plans for individuals, families or groups. Check out our affordable plans with various tiers of benefits that offer access to the state’s largest networks of providers.