Start Your Children’s New Year Right – With a Check Up!

These past few months have seen your kids faced with a barrage of sugary sweets and treats, from all that Halloween candy to holiday delights. And no parent wants to deprive their children during this festive time. With a new year approaching, we at Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic suggest you book your child/children in for a full checkup and examination, to make sure their oral health is at its best.

Children have truly unique dental needs, that requires a children’s dentist who understands these needs. Your child goes through many changes during their dental developmental growth phases. No matter what the age, Dr. Charchuk is knowledgeable in what needs to be examined and addressed at each appointment.

The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with their teeth or gums. Check ups every six months help in catching any issues early.

Others reason to get your kids to the dentist include:

• Your dentist can find problems right away and fix them.
• Your child can learn that going to the dentist helps prevent problems.
• You can find out if the cleaning you do at home is working.

During any examination, the dentist will check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine your child’s bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, the dentist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride. He or she will also educate you, the parents about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions.

Are x-rays imperative at a childs check up?

X-rays, are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventive, by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before they become a major problem. There is no standard timetable for when your child’s mouth should be X-rayed. The need varies with the child’s development and dental health. If your child has had many cavities and fillings or has a high risk of tooth decay, it is recommended that x-rays be performed every six months at checkup. Some children however do not require them as often. It should be made clear though that if x-rays are not taken when needed, problems could become worse.

With January being right in the middle of your child’s school year, we need to be reminded that cavities are the number one most preventable disease in children. Also to be noted is that students with poor oral health are 3 times more likely to miss school due to oral pain. Tooth decay is painful and also distracting, causing your child to lose focus in school or participating in classroom settings. Booking your child in for a new year check up can give them the boost they need to finish the school year off right.

Good dental habits start early, and with 2016 coming to a close teach your children the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums. After family has left, presents are unwrapped and empty plates of sweets are all that remain, make sure your children’s pearly whites are still looking their best. We look forward to seeing you and your family in 2017. Wishing you a Happy New Year and all the best from our team at Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic.