Are Back-To-School Dental Checkups Really Necessary?
Dear Dr. Merchant, Summer is winding down and back-to-school is ramping up. With all the items on my to do list, is it really necessary add a back-to-school dental check up to my growing list of duties? Signed, Busy Parent Dear Busy, In a word, YES! Number two pencils and a sturdy backpack aren’t the only things your child needs to start the school year off right. A back-to-school dental check up is just as important as a child’s well check at the pediatrician for many reasons. Your child’s overall oral health can have a significant impact on his/her performance at school, and the last thing a busy family needs is to take time away from school to treat issues that could have been prevented. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends these...