Add a dental checkup to your back-to-school checklist
Dr. Gary Vance
| 2 min read
The end of summer means dentists like me start seeing an influx of families in my office waiting room preparing for back to school. But not every busy parent makes annual dental exams part of their family’s back-to-school checklists with routine physical examinations and shopping for school supplies. The American Dental Association (ADA) says a dental exam should be a part of your regular back-to-school preparations. Send your child off to school the right way—with a healthy mouth!
An annual dental exam can help uncover dental problems that can be easily treated in the early stages. One study found that dental decay is among one of the most common childhood diseases following the common cold. Tooth decay can lead to bigger dental problems and even affect a child’s learning. According to the ADA, a painful toothache could lead to difficulty in eating, speaking and concentrating.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related issues. Don’t let a toothache disrupt your child’s learning! By making an appointment before the school year starts, you’ll help avoid any dental emergencies while at school. Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about taking time out of your busy day to take your son or daughter on an emergency trip to the dentist. As you prepare for the new school year, don’t forget to add your child’s smile onto the checklist!
For more information on dental care and other coverage options, check out Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
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