Dental checkups and cleanings every six months will give your child the best chance to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout the school year. Avoiding cavities and tooth decay helps ensure they spend more time in the classroom rather than visiting the dentist for unexpected pain. If you have yet to schedule their six-month appointments for 2026, here are three reasons why it’s a good idea to bring them in at the start of the year.
Your Child’s Dental Benefits Have Reset
The start of a new year means dental insurance benefits have reset. As a result, you will need to meet the deductible before taking advantage of additional savings. By bringing your child in for a dental checkup and cleaning, you are likely to meet this amount much sooner, so the insurance company will begin to pay more if your child needs restorative care in the months ahead.
Remember, preventive services are usually covered at 100%, but dental fillings, crowns, and similar treatments will require some out-of-pocket payment even after filing a claim. It’s better to meet the annual deductible sooner rather than later.
Your Child’s Dentist Can Detect Problems Early
The holidays can do a number on children’s smiles, so seeing a dentist at the start of the year is a great way to get their oral health back on track.
With a comprehensive examination and professional cleaning, the dentist can determine whether cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, or damage are present. If so, appropriate treatment can be provided before symptoms worsen and require more extensive dental procedures (i.e., root canal treatment or tooth extraction).
Early Checkups Mean Kids Stay in School
Researchers have found that children who develop cavities miss valuable classroom instruction due to required dental appointments. Although it might seem like a stretch, a child’s oral health can positively or negatively affect their academic performance.
By scheduling a dental checkup with their pediatric dentist at the start of the new year, they can proactively address any issues. Instead of your child complaining of tooth pain during class, they can continue to learn and pursue academic success with a healthier smile.
Early dental checkups and cleanings can be a great way to start the new year, so don’t wait for time to pass. Schedule their next appointment and help them maintain a cavity-free smile.
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele is a pediatric dentist with nearly three decades of experience. Offering compassionate, gentle care to children in Coppell and the surrounding areas, she and her team continue to help kids of all ages enjoy life with healthier smiles. With dental checkups and cleanings readily available throughout the year, Dr. Steele can set your child up for success inside and outside the classroom by minimizing their risk of dental decay and cavities. If you have not yet scheduled an appointment for your little one, visit our website or call (972) 640-7432.