Before you know it, your mornings will be a lot busier again. You’ll be rounding up your kids to get them to the bus stop or to school on time.

As sports practices, band competitions, and school projects eat into your free time, it will be that much harder to make time for other things — including scheduling professional dental cleanings.

The good news is that you still have time to make an appointment at our dentist office in Birmingham, MI. We know you want your kids to get the most from their education. You don’t want a cavity or a toothache to distract them from their schoolwork.

So before classes begin, call 248-972-8720 today or contact us online to schedule an appointment at Newingham Dental Center.

Stay Cavity-Free To Stay In School

Children with oral health problems are three times more likely to miss school, according to the Children’s Dental Health Project. And every year, children across the United States miss 51 million hours of school to dental problems, according to the American Dental Association.

A preventive care visit to our dentist office today could keep you from getting a call from your child’s school later letting you know that your son or daughter has been complaining about a tooth hurting.

That may be a more common problem than you know. The Children’s Dental Health Project also reported on two studies about kids and toothaches. The conclusion of the first study was that kids who reported recent toothaches were four times as likely as their peers to have low grades. The second study found that 1 in 7 kids between the ages of 6 and 12 had a toothache in the previous six months.

The best way to stop toothaches is to prevent or treat what causes them. That means fighting bacteria that cause tooth decay.

During a visit to our office, one of our dental professionals will remove plaque and tartar buildup that your kids may have missed. This will reduce the risk of cavities, which can lead to toothaches.
If we see signs that cavities are already forming, we would much rather take care of them now instead of after classes have started again.

While you are here, ask how fluoride treatments and dental sealants can help with your preventive efforts. Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen enamel and can repair or reverse minor damage caused by bacteria. Sealants act as a barrier to protect your children’s most vulnerable teeth from that same bacteria.

Don’t Forget Your Homework

Dental cleanings and exams should be part of your family’s oral health routine a couple times each year, but that’s not enough to keep your mouths as healthy as they can be.
To do that, everyone has to do their homework, too.

With regard to oral health, that means brushing and flossing your teeth every day.

The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice every day for two minutes at a time. Everyone should have a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride.
When your family brushes, they should scrub their teeth on all sides, but not too hard. Then brush your tongue, spit the toothpaste into the sink, and rinse your toothbrush.

Brushing breaks up plaque and removes many bacteria from your teeth. Unfortunately, there are places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This is why you should floss daily as well. Flossing is how you remove bacteria, plaque, and small food particles from between your teeth and below your gumline.

Make Your Appointment Soon

School will be starting before you know it. While you are out and about getting supplies, stop by Newingham Dental Center for cleanings for your family.

You can request an appointment online or call us at 248-972-8720.