End of Summer Teeth Check

by Kerri Cooke

After a summer filled with sugary snacks and drinks that are usually reserved for special occasions during the school year, now is the perfect time to take kids to the dentist for exams and cleanings to both catch cavities and refresh their smiles while there’s still time before school starts. 

“Summer is a great time to visit the dentist for preventative care,” Dr. Erin Moore Seale says. “Routine dental visits, which include exams, cleanings and x-rays, are a great way to get ahead of oral health problems. If we catch a problem early, the fix is easier.” 

Cavities are the No. 1 issue children face in the United States when it comes to dental care. The CDC estimates that more than 34 million hours of school are lost due to dental issues that emerge with children during the school year. Dr. Seale says, “A small cavity in a baby tooth can be treated with a filling, but an abscess almost always requires an extraction and can necessitate a space maintainer as well.” 

When it comes to a child gaining their permanent teeth, it is much better to prevent a cavity before it starts than to treat it later. There’s one recommended treatment that reduces the instances of cavities. “Dental sealants on permanent molars are a wonderful preventative treatment,” Dr. Seale says. “Sealants are comprised of a thin resin layer that is applied quickly and non-invasively on the chewing surface of the teeth. Studies show that molars without sealants are around three times more likely to have cavities than molars with sealants. First permanent molars erupt around age six, while second permanent molars erupt around age 12.”  

The diet of a child can highly impact whether they develop a cavity. Dr. Seale says, “We offer oral hygiene instruction and basic nutritional counseling at routine visits. My suggestions include avoiding sugary beverages, sticky candies and starchy foods (such as goldfish) because particles remain in the grooves of the teeth.”  

Also, ensuring children know how to best take care of their teeth is essential. “Ideal oral care includes brushing twice a day with the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste as well as flossing any teeth that are touching,” Dr. Seale says. We demonstrate proper brushing techniques if we notice that improvements can be made.” 

Schedule a routine visit today, so your child can confidently smile going into the 2026-2027 school year. 

For more information on Seale Family Dentistry, visit sealefamilydentistry.com or call 337-474-0212.