As the summer winds down and the hustle and bustle of getting kids back to school picks up, many parents are busy checking off supply lists and scheduling physicals. But there’s one item that shouldn’t fall to the bottom of the list: a back-to-school dental checkup.
“A healthy mouth is essential for a successful school year,” said Dr. Jon Isaacson of Nebraska Family Dentistry in Central Lincoln.
Here’s what parents should know as they prepare their children for the classroom.
Summer takes a toll on teeth
During the summer months, dental routines can fall by the wayside.
“We often see undiagnosed cavities, tooth sensitivity or gum inflammation that developed over the break,” Dr. Isaacson said. “Less consistent brushing and more frequent snacking can take a toll.”
An end-of-summer dental appointment can catch problems early and prevent them from becoming bigger — and more painful — issues down the road.
Make visits routine
Just like adults, children and teens should see the dentist every six months. In addition to cleaning and screening for cavities, these visits are an opportunity to reinforce healthy habits and apply preventive treatments.
“We can clean areas brushing and flossing might miss and offer things like sealants and fluoride to help protect kids’ teeth during the sugar-heavy school months,” Dr. Isaacson said.
If your child isn’t yet due to see a dentist, parents should still track their oral hygiene. Dr. Isaacson encourages parents to schedule a dental appointment if their child complains of tooth pain, avoids eating certain foods, has swollen gums or if they notice visible discoloration or pits in the teeth.
Scheduling is simple
For busy families, finding time for checkups can be a challenge. Nebraska Family Dentistry offers flexible hours at seven locations throughout the Lincoln area and family block appointments.
“Parents and kids can be seen back-to-back, which makes it easier on everyone,” Dr. Isaacson said. “We also encourage families to schedule visits before school starts or during breaks to minimize disruptions.
“We pride ourselves on being family-friendly and flexible. Planning ahead can help you avoid mid-year dental emergencies that disrupt your routine.”
Staying on track
As families settle back into school routines, oral hygiene should be part of the daily rhythm.
“Make sure kids are brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day,” Dr. Isaacson said. He also recommends healthy snacks — like fruit, cheese or nuts — and keeping a water bottle on hand to stay hydrated and rinse away bacteria.
Parents juggling their children’s schedules often put their own care on hold. Dr. Isaacson says that’s a mistake — not only for the parent’s health, but also for setting an example.
“Kids learn by watching. When they see their parents making dental care a priority, it reinforces that it’s important at every age,” he said.
And there’s no better time to lead by example than the start of a new school year.
“The back-to-school season is the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button on oral health,” Dr. Isaacson said. “A dental checkup can give your child a confident, healthy start to the year and help prevent interruptions to their learning. At Nebraska Family Dentistry, we’re here to support families every step of the way, from toddlers to teens to parents.”
Click here to learn more about scheduling an appointment with Nebraska Family Dentistry.
