Step one: get on the calendar
Most children benefit from a checkup and cleaning about every six months, though Dr. Hsu may suggest a different schedule based on your child’s cavity risk. Late summer and early fall fill up quickly, so it helps to call early. A few practical tips:
- Ask about times that avoid the first-week-of-school chaos.
- Book siblings together if you can.
- Tell us about any new concerns, such as sensitivity, a wiggly tooth, or a bump on the gum.
- If your child is anxious, mention it so we can plan extra time.
The back-to-school dental checklist
Checkup and cleaning
Regular checkups and cleanings remove plaque, check for early cavities, and reset healthy habits.
Sealant check
Kids around 6 to 7 and 11 to 13 are getting new molars. Ask whether sealants make sense.
Fluoride
Ask whether a fluoride treatment is a good idea for your child this year.
Sports mouthguard
If your child plays football, soccer, basketball, hockey, or other contact sports, talk about a mouthguard.
Forms and records
Bring any school or sports paperwork that needs a dental signature.
Orthodontic questions
Around age 7, crowding, crossbites, or habits may deserve a look. See our orthodontic check guide.
School forms: what to bring and ask
Some schools, child-care programs, and Head Start-type programs ask for proof of a recent dental visit or a dental screening form. Requirements vary by district and program, so check with your child’s school office or the district website. If a form needs a dentist’s section completed, bring it to the appointment and tell the front desk when you check in. We’ll fill in what applies. Please don’t wait until the day before it’s due, since forms take a bit of time.
Build a backpack dental kit
A small kit can make good habits easier after lunch and after sports practice:
- A travel-size soft toothbrush and a cap or case
- A pea-size tube of fluoride toothpaste (for kids old enough to spit)
- A small water bottle to rinse after snacks
- A mouthguard in a ventilated case for sports
- A note with your dentist’s phone number, (503) 822-0096 if you’re a Bien Dental family, in case of an accident
Morning and evening routines that survive the school year
- Morning: Brush after breakfast, or before if breakfast is a rush. Pack water, not juice, in the bottle.
- After school: A snack with fruit or cheese, then water. Avoid all-afternoon grazing while homework happens.
- Evening: Brush and floss before the last drink of the night, and keep bedtime routines predictable.
- Weekly: Do a two-minute “mouth check” with your child on Sunday. Look for spots, swelling, or loose teeth.
For young children, you’re still the brush hand. See our brushing guide for technique, and our snack guide for lunchbox ideas.
Sports season and mouth protection
Fall sports mean more chances of a knock to the mouth. A properly fitting mouthguard helps protect teeth, lips, and gums. Store-bought boil-and-bite versions and custom-fitted guards are both options, and Dr. Hsu can help you choose what suits your child, especially with braces or a mouth that’s changing quickly. If a tooth is ever knocked out, don’t wait: our post on what to do if a tooth is knocked out could save a tooth. Many local teams and THPRD programs run through the fall, so it’s worth sorting this before the first practice.
For teens: a few extra items
Older kids are in charge of more of their own routine, which is exactly when habits slide. Talk with your teen about brushing before bed even on late nights, keeping a mouthguard in the gym bag, and cutting back on energy drinks and soda, which are hard on enamel. If your teen has braces or clear aligners, check in about how cleaning is going. Teens are welcome to ask their own questions at their visit; we like it when they do. Our teen dentistry page explains how we approach this age group.
Wisdom of the calendar
Put the next checkup on your phone the day you leave this one. Recurring six-month reminders are the easiest way to keep everyone’s dental care on track through soccer season, holiday travel, and everything in between.
What to tell your child about the visit
Keep the language simple and neutral: “The dentist will count your teeth and check that they’re healthy.” Steer clear of anything that hints at pain or fear. Kids notice how their parents talk about the dentist, so a calm attitude is contagious. If your child has questions, let them ask, and let us answer. We enjoy that part.
New to Bien Dental?
Welcome. Our new patient page explains how to get started, and we’re happy to check your dental benefits before your visit. Ready to schedule? Request an appointment or call us. Adults are welcome, too. Dr. Gvozden sees general-dentistry patients, so the whole family can be looked after under one roof.
This article is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an exam. If your child has swelling, fever or serious pain, call us right away; in a life-threatening emergency, call 911.