Friday, August 12, 2016

Back to School Means It's Time for a Dental Checkup



Some states have gone to great lengths to ensure that children start out the school year on the right foot.

In Illinois, for example, children entering kindergarten, second and sixth grade must have a dental examination performed by a dentist before the end of the previous school year or provide proof that one is scheduled.

"Dental examinations are needed during second and sixth grades as the back teeth, or molars, usually erupt during this time," said Dr. Darryll Beard, president of the Illinois State Dental Society. "This allows your dentist the opportunity to apply dental sealants to these teeth to help prevent future decay."

The Illinois state law requires compliance from students in all public, private and parochial schools. If the child has had a recent dental examination, or one completed within the 18 months of the end of the school year, the requirement has been fulfilled.

"With the undeniable link between oral health and overall health, children will have a much better school year with less absenteeism and more confidence if dental issues are regularly addressed," said Dr. Beard.

The beginning of the school year is an appropriate time for dentists to remind parents and caregivers about some of the risks associated with tooth decay and ways to prevent it.

Decay is on the rise in some children, and many dentists believe that diet and overconsumption of soft drinks are to blame. Allowing children to sip on sugary snacks and drinks for prolonged periods of time can increase the risk of decay.

During a professional cleaning and oral exam, the dentist removes plaque bacteria from teeth to help fix early decay. Dentists can also advise parents about effective preventive measures for children's teeth, such as the use of sealants and fluoride, and brushing and flossing techniques, as well as mouthguards for any sport or activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.

For more information about dental health, visit ADA.org.
Colgate Care Center
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/childrens-oral-care/article/oral-health-tips-for-summer-0714

_________________________________________________________________________________
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive:  (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road:  (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon:  (512) 445-5811

5 comments:

  1. I have no words in which I can praise Dental Implants in Van Nuys area. They provided me best treatment with the best dental implants. I felt no pain and was very easy to have my treatment at this place.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Words can’t praise the services provided by Dental Implants in Los Angeles CA . Had a wonderful experience throughout the whole process and so happy with the results. Now I love my teeth and smile only because of this place.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am thankful to Orthodontist of Invisalign Sherman Oaks. The professionalism, the attention to detail, the friendliness and the expertise was second to none. It was very positive experience with this place.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am very happy with my Root Canal in Los Angeles. My treatment was actually pain free. I have a severe fear of dentists due to a series of bad experiences growing up, so going there was horrific. But the docs of this place helped me a lot relaxing me.

    ReplyDelete