As families prepare for a new school year, they're busy shopping for school supplies, organizing schedules, and checking off annual physicals. One important item that's sometimes overlooked is oral health. A dental checkup before school starts is an excellent opportunity to make sure your child's smile is healthy and reinforce habits that support oral health throughout the school year.

A visit before school begins does more than check for cavities. It gives parents an opportunity to address small concerns before they become bigger problems, reestablish healthy routines after summer break, and help children begin the school year with a healthy smile.

Cecilia Cheon, a pediatric dentistry specialist at UAB Dentistry, says back-to-school season is one of the best times to refocus on children's oral health.

"The start of a new school year is a natural time for families to reset healthy habits. A dental visit before school begins allows us to identify concerns early, reinforce good oral hygiene, and help children start the school year comfortable, confident, and ready to learn."

Why schedule a dental checkup before school starts?

Regular dental visits help prevent cavities, identify concerns early, monitor growth and development, evaluate orthodontic needs, and reinforce healthy habits before they become difficult to change.

Preventive visits also establish a baseline for your child's oral health, making it easier to monitor changes as they grow.

Rebuilding healthy habits after summer

Summer often brings later bedtimes, vacations, and changes to daily routines. As children prepare to head back to school, it's also a great time to reestablish healthy sleep and oral hygiene habits.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and drinking plenty of water all help protect growing smiles throughout the school year.

"Consistency is one of the most important parts of maintaining good oral health,”  says Cheon. “Returning to a regular routine before school starts helps children build habits that can last well beyond the first day of class."

Smart choices at school can protect growing smiles

Healthy lunches benefit more than a child's overall nutrition—they also support good oral health.

Packing water, fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, cheese, yogurt, and lean proteins while limiting sticky snacks and sugary beverages can help reduce cavity risk and support healthy growth.

Children participating in organized or recreational sports should wear a properly fitted mouthguard to help prevent dental injuries.

Don't ignore the warning signs

Parents should schedule a dental appointment sooner if they notice:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Difficulty chewing
• White or brown spots on teeth
• Swelling around the gums or teeth

"Children do not always recognize when something feels abnormal, and they may not tell a parent if they are experiencing discomfort,” says Cheon.  “Regular dental visits and paying attention to small changes can help us identify concerns before they begin affecting eating, sleeping, or learning."

A healthy school year starts with a healthy smile

A new backpack, fresh school supplies, and updated schedules help prepare children for a successful school year—but so does good oral health.

By scheduling a dental checkup, encouraging healthy daily habits, and addressing concerns early, parents can help set their children up for a confident, healthy start to the school year.

During the visit, your dentist can also determine whether your child would benefit from dental sealants, which help protect the chewing surfaces of permanent molars from cavities.

More Patient Education

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Why Age 7? UAB Dentistry Experts Explain the Importance of Early Orthodontic Visits

How to keep your child’s smile healthy during the summer