Don’t forget that Back to School dental checkup!
August is a busy time of year, especially for parents who are getting children ready for the first day of school.
While new clothes, school supplies and a fresh haircut may be on your agenda this month, don’t forget your child’s oral health.
Children often need updated immunizations and booster shots for school, but a dental examination should become a regular part of your back-to-school plans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly one in every five American children between 2 and 19 years of age are suffering from untreated tooth decay.
Tooth pain and oral gum disease can cause many problems even for young children and teens, leading to a difficulty in eating, speaking and learning, as well as missed days of school.
So put the following items on your child’s back-to-school checklist:
Regular dental exams to diagnose, prevent or treat dental problems. Your dentist may suggest sealants or fluoride treatments for your child’s teeth to prevent decay.
Regular brushing and flossing. While you’re at the store buying school supplies, stock up on dental care products, especially toothbrushes, so your child can use a new one every three months or after an illness.
Healthy snacks and lunches. If your child brings a lunch, include easy and portable healthy lunch items and snacks. Try to avoid sugar-laden foods and sodas.
A fitted mouthguard if your child plays in organized sports. Your dentist can create a properly fitted mouthguard for your child that will be durable and offer more protection than those you can buy in the stores.
If your family doesn’t have dental insurance and can’t afford the high cost of a dental visit for everyone in your home, AmeriPlan can help. For only $19.95 per month, along with a one-time $20 registration fee, your entire household can receive substantially reduced rates on nearly all dental procedures at one of AmeriPlan’s 75,000 dental providers nationwide. AmeriPlan Dental will save you money on exams, including cleanings and x-rays, and even major dental procedures, including fillings, crowns and braces. AmeriPlan’s Dental Plus also has an added bonus, offering discounts on vision, prescription drug and chiropractic services, too.
There are no waiting periods, so you and your entire family can access these membership discounts right away before school starts.
To find out how much money your family can save on your next round of dental visits for everyone through AmeriPlan’s dental plans,
