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Every August, it happens.
Parents across Broken Arrow are checking school supply lists, scheduling sports physicals, buying backpacks, and trying to squeeze a hundred things into the final weeks before school starts.
Unfortunately, dental appointments often get pushed to the bottom of the list.
Then a few weeks into the school year, a child starts complaining about a toothache, breaks a tooth during sports, or misses class because of a dental emergency that could have been prevented.
That's why we encourage families to think about dental health before the first school bell rings.
Here's the school dental checklist we recommend before August arrives.
Quick Answer: The Back-to-School Dental Checklist
Before school starts, every child should ideally have:
✓ A dental exam
✓ A professional cleaning
✓ Updated X-rays (when appropriate)
✓ Any cavities treated
✓ A custom or properly fitted sports mouthguard if they play sports
✓ Healthy brushing and flossing habits
✓ A plan for orthodontic evaluation if needed
The goal isn't perfection.
The goal is avoiding preventable dental problems during the school year.
1. Schedule a Dental Checkup Before School Starts
This is the biggest item on the list.
Summer is one of the easiest times to address dental concerns because children aren't missing class, tests, sports, or activities.
A routine dental exam can identify:
- Cavities
- Early signs of gum inflammation
- Orthodontic concerns
- Cracked or damaged teeth
- Developing issues before they become emergencies
The best time to discover a cavity is before it starts hurting.
2. Get a Professional Cleaning
Even kids who brush well benefit from professional cleanings.
Plaque and tartar can build up in areas children often miss, especially around:
- Back molars
- Orthodontic brackets
- Crowded teeth
- Gumline areas
A cleaning before school starts helps give children a fresh start heading into the fall semester.
3. Take Care of Small Cavities Now
This is one of the most important steps.
Small cavities rarely get smaller.
Waiting until Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, or next summer often turns a simple filling into a much bigger problem.
A cavity treated in July is usually easier, faster, and less expensive than the same cavity treated in December.
4. Check Your Child's Sports Mouthguard
If your child participates in:
- Football
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Baseball
- Softball
- Soccer
- Cheerleading
- Martial arts
a mouthguard should be part of their equipment.
Every year we see preventable sports injuries that could have been reduced or avoided with proper protection.
A broken front tooth can create years of dental treatment.
A properly fitted mouthguard is a much cheaper investment.
5. Replace Worn Toothbrushes
Most children need a new toothbrush every three months.
Before school begins, check for:
- Frayed bristles
- Flattened brush heads
- Old electric toothbrush heads
Worn toothbrushes simply don't clean as effectively.
6. Review Brushing and Flossing Habits
Here's an uncomfortable truth:
Many kids brush for about 30 seconds and call it two minutes.
Back-to-school season is a good time to reset expectations.
Children should be:
- Brushing twice daily
- Using fluoride toothpaste
- Brushing for two full minutes
- Flossing once daily
Consistency matters far more than perfection.
7. Evaluate Orthodontic Concerns
Not every child needs braces.
But many orthodontic problems become easier to address when identified early.
Parents should pay attention to:
- Crowding
- Large gaps
- Bite issues
- Teeth erupting out of position
- Difficulty chewing
An evaluation doesn't necessarily mean treatment starts immediately.
It simply provides a roadmap.
8. Create a School-Friendly Snack Plan
The school year often brings more:
- Granola bars
- Juice boxes
- Sports drinks
- Processed snacks
Unfortunately, many of these are cavity-friendly foods.
Some better alternatives include:
- Cheese sticks
- Apples
- Yogurt
- Nuts (age appropriate)
- Vegetables
- Water
You don't need a perfect diet.
You just need more good choices than bad ones.
9. Make Sure Dental Insurance Benefits Don't Go Unused
Many families don't realize they have unused dental benefits available before the end of the year.
Scheduling preventive care before school starts often helps families maximize those benefits while avoiding the holiday scheduling rush later in the year.
10. Don't Wait Until Something Hurts
This may be the most important item on the entire list.
Children often adapt to dental problems surprisingly well.
Many cavities don't hurt initially.
Many orthodontic issues aren't painful.
Many developing problems have no symptoms at all.
Waiting for pain usually means the issue has already progressed.
What We Tell Parents in Broken Arrow
Here's what we'd honestly tell you if you asked us in person.
The best back-to-school dental visit is the one that prevents a dental emergency in October.
A simple cleaning and exam can catch issues before they become painful, expensive, or disruptive during the school year.
Think of it the same way you think about school supplies.
You're preparing your child for success before the year begins.
Their oral health deserves the same attention.
Need a Back-to-School Dental Appointment?
If you're preparing for the upcoming school year, Dr. Drew Endicott and the team at Endicott Dental can help make sure your child's smile is ready for everything the new school year brings.
Whether your child needs a routine cleaning, cavity treatment, a sports mouthguard, or simply a checkup before classes begin, we're here to help you stay ahead of problems—not just react to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my child see the dentist?
Most children should have dental checkups and cleanings every six months unless otherwise recommended.
Does my child need X-rays every year?
Not always. The frequency depends on age, cavity risk, and dental history.
When should my child get a sports mouthguard?
Before participating in any sport where contact, falls, or collisions are possible.
What if my child is nervous about the dentist?
Let us know ahead of time. We work with anxious children regularly and can help make visits more comfortable.
Is summer really the best time for dental appointments?
For many families, yes. Summer often provides greater scheduling flexibility and minimizes missed school time.