Back-to-School Dental Checklist for Kids

August is one of the busiest months in my office, and for good reason. A back-to-school dental visit means your child starts the year with a healthy mouth, and you won't be pulling them out of class later for a toothache. I am Dr. Nina. Here is the checklist I walk parents through every fall.

Book the checkup before school starts

A checkup and cleaning covers the exam, a cleaning, and a prevention plan tailored to your child. Bring the school dental health form to the appointment and we will complete it on the spot. We take radiographs only when they are clinically useful, never on autopilot. Based on the exam and your child's cavity risk, we may recommend fluoride or sealants for extra protection. If your child is due for treatment, doing it in August beats missing school days in October.

Protect teeth during fall sports

If your child plays soccer, basketball, or any contact sport, they need a mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard protects far better than a boil-and-bite from the store, and kids actually wear it because it fits comfortably. If your child already has a mouthguard from last season, bring it in and we'll check the fit. Kids grow fast, and a loose guard protects less. Ask us about one at the visit.

Reset the lunchbox and the routine

Pack water instead of juice boxes, and choose snacks that don't stick to teeth: cheese, yogurt, fruit, and veggies beat gummies and fruit snacks. Get your child involved in packing the lunchbox, because kids eat what they choose. And keep the morning routine realistic: brush before the backpack goes on, not in a frantic rush at the door. Starting the habit in September is easier than fixing it in January. We're at 54 Warren St, open Mon-Fri 8am-7pm and Sat-Sun 9am-4pm. Call 212-561-5303 to grab a back-to-school slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child really need a dental visit every year before school?

Yes. Annual or twice-yearly checkups catch small problems before they become painful ones, and the school form gets signed at the same time.

What should I bring to a back-to-school appointment?

Bring the school dental form, your insurance card if you have one, and a list of any medications or health changes since the last visit.

Are store-bought mouthguards good enough?

They are better than nothing, but a custom mouthguard fits better, protects better, and is far more comfortable, so kids actually wear it.

My child hasn't seen a dentist in over a year. Is that a problem?

It's common, and it's fixable. Book the visit and we'll do a full exam, a cleaning, and a plan to get everything back on track.