Back-to-School ⋅ Healthy Kids Healthy Smiles

Have you scheduled your child’s dental appointment?

Did you know that children who miss their regularly scheduled child’s dental appointments could suffer both health and academic consequences?  According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, “Children with poorer oral health status were more likely to experience dental pain, miss school, and perform poorly in school.”¹  As a parent, we know your number one priority is to ensure the health and well-being of your child.  You can ensure your child’s dental health is in tip-top shape by seeing your dentist before the school year starts!

Dental Check-up Appointment

At your child’s dental appointment, our team will ensure that your child’s smile is free of decay and provide the necessary preventative care to keep them healthy until their next visit.  Depending on the age of your child and how frequent they visit ental hygienists will then perform a hygiene exam to check the gums and tongue for any signs of trouble.  Then Dr. Jorgenson will perform his comprehensive exam to check for any abnormalities, decay, or possible future issues to monitor.

If the exams and x-rays show no signs of disease, decay, or other dental health issues, we will perform a teeth cleaning, polish the teeth, and apply fluoride to protect the tooth enamel (as needed).  Before the end of the child’s dental appointment, one of our hygienists will review tips for maintaining a happy, healthy smile!  This includes proper brushing and flossing technique and review of foods and drinks that are good or bad for teeth.  Children can practice using a toothbrush on an oversized mouth model for education and for fun!

Possible Dental Conditions in Children

During your child’s dental comprehensive exam, there may be conditions discovered that require treatment.  Depending on the condition, the necessary treatment can be performed immediately in our Costa Mesa dental office or just something Dr. Jorgenson wants to keep an eye on.  Any possible issues will be discussed in full, allowing time for discussion of all treatment options, and any questions you or your child might have.  Some common conditions include:

• Tooth Decay
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Tooth Alignment
• Bite Alignment
• Grinding/Bruxism
• Gum Disease
• Wisdom Teeth Issues
• Sports Injuries
• Bad Breath

Providing Pediatric Dental Care

We know that most children (and most adults) don’t love going to the dentist.  Our professional and knowledgeable dental team understand this and are also parents.  We have tools and techniques to help ensure your child is comfortable and relaxed throughout their child’s dental appointment.  If your child has a more severe dental anxiety, please call to ask about conscious oral sedation.  Remember the more familiar your child is with Dr. Jorgenson, our hygienists, our assistants, and our office staff, the more comfortable he or she will be on subsequent visits.

Our office is in-network with almost all PPO Dental Insurances and offers our own Be Smile Smart dental plan for patients with no dental insurance.  Most dental insurance plans cover exams, x-rays, and cleanings at 100% meaning no out-of-pocket costs to you!

For more information on your child’s dental appointment or proper dental care for children, please contact us at (714) 424-9099 or visit us online at www.mycostamesadentist.com.  We offer early morning, late evening, and Saturday dental appointments to accommodate your family’s busy schedule!

Footnotes

¹Impact of Poor Oral Health on Children’s School Attendance and Performance
Stephanie L. Jackson, William F. Vann, Jr, Jonathan B. Kotch, Bhavna T. Pahel, Jessica Y. Lee                                                                                                                                                                            Am J Public Health. 2011 Oct; 101(10): 1900–1906. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2010.200915

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