Fall is here, and that means the school year has already begun for your child. As a parent, taking them to the dentist for a cleaning and checkup should be high on your to-do list — especially if he or she has braces. After a summer that might have involved a lot of sweet treats, a visit to the dental office will help kids gear up for the first semester and get ready for picture day.

Stop back-to-school from becoming plaque-to-school by bringing your child in for teeth cleaning. Your son or daughter should have cleanings every six months to prevent gum disease and maintain oral health.

If this is their first checkup after getting braces, rest easy. Dental cleanings for braces aren’t much different than traditional cleanings — the process is the same, but it might take slightly longer as the dentist cleans in and around the hardware. Using special tools, they will scrape all five surfaces of your child’s teeth and remove plaque and tartar buildup. Once this process is done, they’ll use a loop-shaped tool to thread floss between the wire and each tooth.

The dentist will also check for tooth decay. If your child has braces, the metal might be masking the telltale signs of a cavity, which is why it’s particularly crucial to have a professional checkup. If your kid has a cavity, they’ll receive a filling to stop it from becoming a bigger problem down the road.

Help your child start the new year off on the right foot with a checkup at the office of Nicholas J. Hurley D.D.S., P.A. As Thomasville, NC’s one-stop shop for dental care, this team is committed to making sure every smile is bright and healthy. Learn more about the services they offer online, or call (336) 476-1109 today to schedule an appointment.