School’s already in session here in Flagstaff, and now that all the back-to-school shopping is done and the kids are getting used to their new schedules, it’s time to book their next dental checkups. You don’t want tooth pain to turn into a missed school day. So before your calendar gets filled up with practices, projects, and clubs, let’s get those checkups booked!
Treating Cavities Before They Cause Problems
Dental problems are very common in kids—especially cavities. In fact, as many as 20% of kids aged 5-11 have at least one tooth with untreated decay. And since tooth decay is painful, it can also be quite a distraction. Kids who suffer from dental pain have greater trouble focusing on schoolwork.
Dental pain has been linked to lower grades, and cavities are actually one of the most common reasons kids miss school. So if you notice any signs of a cavity (like dark spots, complaints of tooth pain, or sensitivity to hot or cold foods) get your child in for an exam right away.
Building Good Habits That Actually Stick
Getting settled into a school-day schedule is a great time to reset your daily routine and establish good habits, like making sure teeth get brushed before you head out the door, and offering healthy snacks after school.
Going to the dentist is another good habit for kids to get used to. Kids who see a dentist every six months while they’re growing up tend to have far fewer cavities by the time they’re teens.
If your child seems nervous about dental visits, explaining what’s going to happen ahead of time can make a real difference in how smoothly the appointment goes. And we’ll do our part, as well. We want your kids to feel safe and comfortable at their checkups so that they aren’t anxious about going to the dentist in the future.
Dental Care for the Whole Family
A new school season is a good reminder to make sure your family’s second round of dental checkups is locked into your calendar. We’ll find a time that works for you, so you can get everyone’s checkups scheduled together and avoid making separate trips for each family member.
However, appointments fill up quickly this time of year, so don’t delay! Contact us to schedule checkups for your kids today.
Photo by Charlie Garcia on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 8/5/26.
