Back to school: Don’t neglect the dental check-up

A few days before the new school year begins, both children and adults are preparing their bags, notebooks, and pencils. However, in the remaining days, remember to also schedule a dental check-up for your child with the orthodontist.

It is not necessary to have a problem in order to make this visit. On the contrary, it is better to have the check-up done for preventive reasons. If it is the first examination, ideally it should be done at the age of 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. And if the child or teenager is already wearing braces, the check-up should be done every year after the summer break.

“Although most people think that braces should be placed in pre-adolescence or adolescence, diagnosis and the start of treatment often need to happen much earlier when there is a bad bite with the permanent teeth,” says Dr. Katarina Douma-Michelaki.

Back to school: Don’t neglect the dental check-up

A few days before the new school year begins, both children and adults are preparing their bags, notebooks, and pencils. However, in the remaining days, remember to also schedule a dental check-up for your child with the orthodontist.

It is not necessary to have a problem in order to make this visit. On the contrary, it is better to have the check-up done for preventive reasons. If it is the first examination, ideally it should be done at the age of 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. And if the child or teenager is already wearing braces, the check-up should be done every year after the summer break.

“Although most people think that braces should be placed in pre-adolescence or adolescence, diagnosis and the start of treatment often need to happen much earlier when there is a bad bite with the permanent teeth,” says Dr. Katarina Douma-Michelaki, DDS, PhD, specialist in Orthodontics for Children and Adults. “Even if the child’s teeth appear straight, the specialist may see subtle signs of impending problems. Furthermore, they have the required knowledge to assess the emerging permanent teeth and jaw development, as well as suggest the necessary protective measures for the teeth.”

Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a quicker and simpler treatment. In addition, in some cases, results can be achieved that would not be possible once the child’s facial and jaw development is completed. It can also prevent more severe conditions in the future, such as tooth extractions.

“At a young age, the jawbones can respond much more easily to orthodontic interventions. Early treatment allows the orthodontist to guide the jaw’s development properly and reduce the risk of injury, such as when the front teeth (incisors) protrude,” explains Dr. Douma-Michelaki. “It also provides the opportunity to correct harmful oral habits, improve the appearance of the face, encourage the permanent teeth to move into more favorable positions, and improve the bite and lip closure.”

If not treated in time, a bad bite can lead to problems with chewing and speech, and it may cause difficulties in the child’s social and school life. If dental problems are visible, the child may face teasing at school, leading to a low self-esteem. They may also develop cavities and gingivitis early in life, which can sometimes be difficult to treat.

Of course, a diagnosis of a problem does not necessarily mean that treatment must begin immediately. “It is not the age that determines the treatment, but the specific orthodontic problem,” says the specialist. “So, two children of the same age may have the same exact problem, but one may need immediate orthodontic treatment while the other may not.”

When the child wears braces

If the child or teenager is already wearing braces, a preventive evaluation is needed before the school year begins. “During this, the orthodontist will examine the course of treatment, make any necessary adjustments to the plan, and provide some advice to the child regarding lifestyle,” explains Dr. Douma-Michelaki.

In any case, regular check-ups (usually every 4-6 weeks) are necessary for the smooth progression of the orthodontic treatment and the health of the teeth, she adds.

Cleaning

Before the school year starts, it is also necessary to have a cleaning of the teeth and a fluoride treatment, which can protect the dental health by preventing cavities. “Cavities are caused by microorganisms that exist in the oral cavity and are very common in our country,” says Dr. Douma-Michelaki.

A few years ago, a study by the Hellenic Dental Federation showed that, in the 12-15 age range, most children already have 2-3 decayed teeth, and only one in three is free of cavities.

If, moreover, cavities or cracks are found in the child’s teeth, the specialist may place preventive dental fillings (sealants). These are resin-based membranes usually applied on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent cracks from developing into full cavities. This goal is more likely to be achieved when the child follows strict oral hygiene practices.

Depending on the findings of the preventive check-up, the dentist and/or orthodontist will suggest a treatment plan, which will of course depend on the child’s dietary habits and how frequently and well they brush their teeth.

“For young children, it is important to address problems in time that, if left untreated, will negatively affect the smooth development of their teeth and face,” concludes Dr. Douma-Michelaki, DDS, PhD, specialist in Orthodontics for Children and Adults. “Even if the child’s teeth seem straight, the specialist can detect subtle signs of impending problems. Additionally, they have the required knowledge to assess the emerging permanent teeth and jaw development, as well as suggest the necessary protective measures for the teeth.”

Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a quicker and simpler treatment. In addition, in some cases, results can be achieved that would not be possible once the child’s facial and jaw development is completed. It can also prevent more severe conditions in the future, such as tooth extractions.

“At a young age, the jawbones can respond much more easily to orthodontic interventions. Early treatment allows the orthodontist to guide the jaw’s development properly and reduce the risk of injury, such as when the front teeth (incisors) protrude,” explains Dr. Douma-Michelaki. “It also provides the opportunity to correct harmful oral habits, improve the appearance of the face, encourage the permanent teeth to move into more favorable positions, and improve the bite and lip closure.”

If not treated in time, a bad bite can lead to problems with chewing and speech, and it may cause difficulties in the child’s social and school life. If dental problems are visible, the child may face teasing at school, leading to a low self-esteem. They may also develop cavities and gingivitis early in life, which can sometimes be difficult to treat.

Of course, a diagnosis of a problem does not necessarily mean that treatment must begin immediately. “It is not the age that determines the treatment, but the specific orthodontic problem,” says the specialist. “So, two children of the same age may have the same exact problem, but one may need immediate orthodontic treatment while the other may not.”

When the child wears braces

If the child or teenager is already wearing braces, a preventive evaluation is needed before the school year begins. “During this, the orthodontist will examine the course of treatment, make any necessary adjustments to the plan, and provide some advice to the child regarding lifestyle,” explains Dr. Douma-Michelaki.

In any case, regular check-ups (usually every 4-6 weeks) are necessary for the smooth progression of the orthodontic treatment and the health of the teeth, she adds.

Cleaning

Before the school year starts, it is also necessary to have a cleaning of the teeth and a fluoride treatment, which can protect the dental health by preventing cavities. “Cavities are caused by microorganisms that exist in the oral cavity and are very common in our country,” says Dr. Douma-Michelaki.

A few years ago, a study by the Hellenic Dental Federation showed that, in the 12-15 age range, most children already have 2-3 decayed teeth, and only one in three is free of cavities.

If, moreover, cavities or cracks are found in the child’s teeth, the specialist may place preventive dental fillings (sealants). These are resin-based membranes usually applied on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent cracks from developing into full cavities. This goal is more likely to be achieved when the child follows strict oral hygiene practices.

Depending on the findings of the preventive check-up, the dentist and/or orthodontist will suggest a treatment plan, which will of course depend on the child’s dietary habits and how frequently and well they brush their teeth.

“For young children, it is important to address problems in time that, if left untreated, will negatively affect the smooth development of their teeth and face,” concludes Dr. Douma-Michelaki.