Are your kids actually excited to be heading back to school soon? At this point in the summer, many families are starting to feel restless and ready for the change of pace another school year will bring. Unfortunately, as the calendar begins to fill up with classes and a host of extracurricular activities, it can be all-too-easy to neglect your family’s dental care. This year, you can help your kids – and yourself – avoid cavities and other dental problems by combining great hygiene, at-home, with regular dental visits!

How Often Should Children Visit the Dentist?

Regular dental visits are important for the whole family, as a way to help prevent cavities and other common oral health threats, like gum disease. Most people need to see the dentist at least twice a year, to adequately keep plaque buildup at bay and to effectively prevent dental problems. However, many people do actually require more frequent visits than once every six months. If your children seem prone to cavities, for instance, the dentist may recommend they come in for cleanings once every three to four months, instead of only twice a year. The dentist might also recommend a fluoride treatment, as added protection against further cavities.

Another Important Way You Can Help Your Kids

Keep in mind that you also need to be visiting the dentist regularly, both to protect your own oral health, and to set a good example for your kids. Dental care should be a lifelong habit that you nurture in your children from an early age, and one of the best ways to do that is by modeling good dental hygiene, at-home, and a commitment to having routine checkups and cleanings.