Back to School Dentist Appointment
Check!!!
Back to school shopping is a well-learned ritual this time of year. But have you ever considered adding your kids six month check-up to the list?
To ensure that children are in good health for the new school year, routine exams such as vision and hearing are always a great idea. One area dentist, Dr. Andrew Achord, would like you to add one more tradition to this year, and the years following. A back-to-school dental exam ensures that everything is taken care of before your children are once again focused on school and school-time responsibilities.
It is reported that more than 51 million hours of school time in the U.S. are lost each year due to tooth decay and related problems. It was recently reported in the Journal of the American Dental Association that more than half of all children between the ages of 5 and 9 have at least one cavity or filling. In fact, dental decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Yes, dental decay is a disease and it can even affect how children learn to speak. Dental disease can damage self-confidence and reduce the ability of a child to eat or concentrate. The results can be lower grades and even emergency room visits. To further complicate things, children may not make parents or teachers aware of any tooth related problems.
Dr. Achord recommends children visit the dentist for two exams each year. In addition to maintaining regular brushing and flossing habits, other tips to prevent tooth decay include:
- Replacing toothbrushes every 4 months or sooner if worn
- Providing teeth-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts and vegetables
- Applying protective coatings to decay-vulnerable teeth
- Drinking fluoridated water
- Reducing between-meal snacks
- Limiting the intake of food and beverages high in added sugars, especially soft drinks
- Using mouth guards in sports to prevent painful and expensive oral injuries
Left untreated, dental disease can be very painful, costly and lead to other serious lifelong health issues. Simply taking the step to make dental check-ups a part of getting children ready for the upcoming school year is an easy way to prevent problems and give them a perfect start without distraction. Early detection through prevention is the best way to prevent problems in the future. Good oral health care habits pay off immediately and give children the tools necessary to maintain their teeth for a lifetime.
Achord Family Dentistry is located in Flowood on Lakeland Drive. Doctor Achord also holds a degree in immunopathology. His areas of focus include restorative dental care, diseases of the mouth and their effects on the rest of the body, and dental treatment of patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. For more information please visit www.achorddentistry.com or call (601)664-0492 to schedule an appointment.