As every parent knows, getting ready for the start of a new school year can be a very hectic time. For this reason, it’s best to do some back to school planning so to help your child start off on the right foot. This not only means getting the right school supplies, but it also involves making sure your child is in the best of health. One key to avoiding setbacks during the academic year is to make sure your child’s smile is in tip-top shape! At the office of Great Smiles Pediatric & Orthodontics we specialize in addressing the dental needs of children as well as helping them establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease. Five times more common in children than asthma, the statistics on childhood dental caries are eye opening. The truth is that over 50 percent of 5 to 9 year old children have at least one cavity or filling, with that number increasing to 78 percent among 17-year-olds. Additionally, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness. It’s because of these statistics, along with the fact that good oral health is so essential to a child’s overall well-being that many states mandate periodic dental checkups as a condition of school entry.
While these numbers are high, there is good news. Helping your child prevent cavities is as simple as making an appointment for a routine dental exam at our office. As prevalent as tooth decay may be, it’s important to recognize that cavities are highly preventable and can be easily treated before any larger problems develop.
Back to school checkups at our office are more than an opportunity assess the overall health, development, and alignment of your child’s smile, we’ll also provide a thorough dental cleaning and age appropriate instruction in the best oral hygiene routines along with helpful nutritional guidance and information on other important preventive measures that can be taken.
At the office of Great Smiles Pediatric & Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.
