Make Healthy Smiles Part Of Your Back-to-School Plans

It’s hard to believe that school will be starting again in less than a month. Before long, you will be shopping for new outfits and loading up your cart with school supplies … if you haven’t started already.

But we would encourage you to include a visit to our dentist office as part of your family’s back-to-school plans. If you live in or near Tulsa, OK, you can call Galleria of Smiles at (918) 496-8010 or fill out our online form to request dental cleanings for your family.

A routine dental cleaning and exam could be just what your kids need to start the school year with a smile!

 

Oral Health Can Affect Your Kids At School

Which of these scenarios would you rather experience?

Scenario #1: You get a phone call at work from the school nurse. Your child has been complaining of a toothache, and she suspects that your child may have a cavity.

You know that means you will need to schedule a trip to the dentist, and you may have to take your son or daughter out of school to do this.

Scenario #2: Your child doesn’t have a toothache. Your child doesn’t spend time in the nurse’s office because of the pain, and instead, your child doesn’t have to make up for schoolwork that he or she may have missed.

We are pretty sure we know which one you would prefer, but scenario #1 happens more often than you may think.

According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, 40 percent of children have cavities by the time they start kindergarten. They also noted that kids with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school than kids with healthy mouths.

And if staying in school isn’t enough motivation, consider that emergency dental care accounts for more than $2 billion annually in the United States.

Now, we can provide emergency care for you or your family at Galleria of Smiles, but we would prefer to provide the preventive care that can help you avoid those emergency situations.

 

The Benefits Of A Dental Cleaning And Exam

Regular visits to our office for general dentistry are important for every member of your family. Tooth decay is a common problem for all Americans, but it has been on the rise among children.

Today, roughly 1 in 4 kids will have a cavity in at least one of their primary teeth. As a parent, this is a problem you probably want your kids to avoid.

That’s why professional dental cleanings and exams should be a regular part of your family’s oral hygiene routine. This is a great way to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

It’s also a great opportunity for you and your kids to ask questions about your oral health. We will be happy to provide answers about what you can do daily to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

The dental exam is just as important as the cleaning. During the exam, we will be looking for changes in your kids’ teeth, including signs of tooth decay. When caught early, the treatment is easier and more effective.

Plus, you can take advantage of other services such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments while you are visiting our Tulsa, OK, dentist office. Sealants are a low-cost way to provide an added layer of protection against the bacteria that cause cavities, and fluoride can repair and strengthen your family’s teeth.

 

Don’t Forget To Brush And Floss

Of course, visiting the dentist a couple times a year isn’t the only thing you and your kids should be doing to keep your mouths healthy. Your daily oral hygiene routine is the biggest factor in your oral health.

So, what should you do?

According to the American Dental Association, everyone in your family should be brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.

Every time you brush, be sure to scrub your teeth on all sides, and then scrub your tongue when you are finished.

Since brushing isn’t as good at cleaning between your teeth and gums, you also should floss your teeth every day. This way you can remove food particles and plaque before they can cause bigger problems.

 

Schedule Your Visit With Us Soon

When you are making your back-to-school list this year, be sure to include a visit to Galleria of Smiles. To request an appointment, call (918) 496-8010 or contact us online.