May and June mark the beginning of summer break for most children. It’s also the time when many families plan vacations, activities, and events. Making dental appointments typically isn’t a top priority, but as it turns out, it’s an opportune time to schedule a dental visit for your child. Why? August is one of the busiest times for pediatric dental specialists, including our pediatric dental team at Newtown.

In addition to taking advantage of June and July for early back-to-school dental visits, our pediatric dentist, Dr. Christine Landes (Dr. Chris), has put together additional tips and tricks to encourage the perfect timing of your child’s next dental visit.

Start the School Year Right With These Dental Visit Tips and Tricks

Why choose May or June to schedule a visit with your pediatric dental specialist?

One compelling reason is that research reveals that children miss upwards of 51 million school hours each year due to dental disease. Routine dental care is one of the best ways to ensure that your child’s teeth and oral health remain in top condition. In addition to receiving thorough dental cleanings and checkups, visits every six months makes it more likely the dentist can detect dental issues early, preventing future oral damage

Rather than wait until the summer winds down—right before school resumes—taking advantage of early back-to-school dental care helps reduce potential inconvenience and dental problems later in the school year. And, you won’t have to contend with a more limited schedule availability.

Before visiting your child’s dentist this summer, here are a few helpful steps to make the process run smoothly:

• Examine your calendar. When scheduling your appointment, timing is everything. Review the family schedule to confirm no one has a surprise soccer practice or swim meet you might have overlooked.
• Use the summer to boost your children’s brushing and flossing habits according to their age. Kids should always brush at least two times a day for two minutes. Younger children should have full supervision, as they may lack the motor skills to brush correctly. Older children have these skills but might not necessarily have the motivation. Make it a point to encourage them; consider rewards like stickers or a trip to the park as motivation.
• Watch the clock. During summer, there may not be regular meals and/or nap times set for younger children. But, full stomachs and well-rested kids can often make happier dental patients!
• Leave anxiety behind. Visiting the dentist can be anxiety-producing for both children and parents, especially during the busy summer. Leaving your worries behind as you walk out the door will help calm fearful children and help you feel more at ease.
• Be cautious when educating your children on their dental health—they may have unrealistic expectations and grow nervous. When a child does not cooperate during cleaning or an appointment, stay calm. Our Newtown pediatric dental specialists know what to do.
• Ask questions. Ask about how often your children should be brushing their teeth, and ask about any treatment your child may require.
• Keep communicating with your back-to-school dentist. They’ll want to know all about your child’s oral hygiene and overall health throughout the school year. In case of emergency, keep their contact information—phone number, website—on hand.

To learn more about setting up a dental exam for school, call us any time at (215) 461-3562. Or, you can schedule your child’s appointment now.