September means back to routine. New backpacks, books, school supplies, schedules, and extracurricular activities are once again part of children's daily lives.
But there is something that often gets overlooked: the oral health of the youngest children.
Back to school is the perfect time to do a children's dental check-up and check that teeth, gums and bite are in good condition before starting a new course.
Why have a dental check-up before going back to school?
During the holidays, our routines change. It's common for children to eat out more often, increase their consumption of ice cream, soft drinks, or sugary foods, and for brushing times to be less regular.
In addition, some dental problems can progress without causing pain.
A check-up allows for the early detection of potential problems such as:
- Tooth decay, even in its early stages.
- Alterations in the eruption of permanent teeth.
- Bite problems.
- Dental crowding.
- Alterations in the growth of the jaws.
- Inflammation or gum problems.
- Wear or trauma to the teeth.
- Oral habits that can affect the development of the mouth.
Detecting them as early as possible allows us to assess whether treatment is necessary or simply to establish a follow-up.
How often should a child go to the dentist?
There is no single frequency that is valid for all children, as it depends on their age, risk of cavities, dental development and history.
In general, regular checkups allow for monitoring the development of teeth and detecting small changes before they become major problems.
In infancy, Prevention is especially important because the mouth is constantly developing.
A child's dental check-up is not just about looking for cavities.
When we talk about a children's dental check-up, we shouldn't focus solely on checking for cavities.
It is also important to observe how the teeth are growing and how the jaws relate to each other.
The dentist may assess aspects such as:
🦷 Tooth eruption
Check that the teeth are appearing at the correct time and position.
😬 Bite
A crossbite, overbite, open bite, or certain other malocclusions can be easier to treat when they are detected during growth.
👧🧒 Space for permanent teeth
Some children may experience a lack of space or overcrowding that should be controlled before it progresses.
👄 Oral habits
Habits such as thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or certain swallowing patterns can influence the development of the mouth.
🪥 Hygiene and risk of cavities
It's also a good time to review the child's brushing technique, diet, and hygiene habits.
What if my child isn't in any pain?
That's precisely why reviews are important.
Just because a child is not in pain does not necessarily mean that everything is alright.
Early cavities, some bite problems, or certain alterations in tooth eruption may not cause discomfort.
A check-up allows these problems to be detected when they are still small and, in many cases, facilitates simpler treatments.
Going back to school is also a good time to get your braces checked.
September may be a particularly good time to assess whether a child needs a first orthodontic check-up.
Not all children need orthodontics, but it is important to identify those cases where there is an alteration in the development of the bite or lack of space.
Depending on age and dental development, the orthodontist may recommend:
- Do nothing and continue to observe.
- Perform periodic reviews.
- To intervene at a specific stage of growth.
- Start orthodontic treatment when the time is right.
In some cases, Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in may not be the best option.
Therefore, an early assessment allows us to know how the mouth is evolving and to decide when the most appropriate time is to act.
What can we do at home after the checkup?
Prevention continues at home.
To maintain good oral health during the school year, it is recommended to:
🪥 Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste.
🍎 Prioritize a balanced diet, limiting the frequent consumption of sugars and sugary drinks.
💧 Drink water regularly, especially during the school day.
🎒 Prepare a dental kit for school when necessary and possible, especially for children who regularly eat at the center.
👨👩👧 Supervise brushing, especially in the youngest children.
📅 Maintain regular checkups, even though there appears to be no problem.
September: the time to take care of your smile again
Going back to school means returning to routines and can be a good opportunity to also incorporate the children's dental check-up to the family agenda.
A timely visit can help detect cavities, monitor tooth eruption, assess the bite, and ensure that oral development is progressing correctly.
Because taking care of children's smiles is not just about treating problems when they appear. Prevention and monitoring during growth are essential.
Has your child already packed their backpack for the new school year?
Also add a dental check-up to the list.
In MIDSA Dentistry, in Valencia, We value the oral health of the youngest children from a preventive perspective, taking into account not only the teeth, but also the bite and the development of the mouth.
Book an appointment for your dental check-up and start the new school year with a healthy smile.
