As graduation season wraps up, you’re likely recovering from senior photos and back-to-back parties and looking ahead to orientation and dorm shopping. It’s easy to ignore the long list of health-related to-dos that should be on your list too. One of them? Dental care. A little planning now can help prevent emergency dental visits or treatment disruptions during your teen’s first year away from home.
In today’s blog post, we’re excited to share some important college dental care advice.
Let’s explore seven ways to ensure your child’s oral health before they leave for school.
1. Schedule a preventive check-up.
It’s always smart to sneak in one final dental appointment before moving away for school. It’ll allow you to get a routine exam, professional cleaning, and updated X-rays if needed. At this check-up, your dentist can identify and address early cavities, worn fillings, concerns about wisdom teeth, gum inflammation, and jaw discomfort. Remember: A small issue at home is much easier to manage than a dental emergency during midterms!
2. Consider a smile refresh before college starts.
For many teens, graduation marks a major milestone: the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new phase of life. If your child has struggled with confidence due to their smile, ask your family dentist about some cosmetic dentistry options, such as:
- Professional whitening
- Polishing or stain removal
- Minor bonding for chips
- Replacing visible worn restorations
- Clear aligner consultations
3. Identify if wisdom teeth issues need to be addressed.
It’s common for college students to begin experiencing issues with their wisdom teeth. Signs that your child may need to be evaluated include pain, swelling, crowding, impacted teeth, and/or recurrent discomfort. Fortunately, summer is an ideal time for treatment.
4. Decide if they need to find a dentist near campus.
There’s no clear-cut answer here; it really depends on your child’s specific needs. Staying with your family dentist makes sense if:
- The school is within driving distance
- Your child plans to come home regularly
- No active treatments are needed
- Continuity is important to your family
On the flip side, finding a local dentist is the best fit if:
- Your child’s school is far away
- Ongoing treatment is needed
- Orthodontic monitoring is required
- A history of medical complexity/dental emergencies exists
Many students opt for a combination approach: They continue with routine care at home but find a backup option near campus for unexpected dental needs.
5. Don’t forget to share insurance details.
Here’s a quick checklist to follow:
- Verify dental insurance coverage near the college, if needed.
- Understand your options with in-network providers.
- Make sure your child has access to their insurance information.
- Know how emergency billing works.
- Update any health forms and contact information with an appropriate dental contact.
6. If they’re in active treatment, make a plan.
If your child is undergoing orthodontics, Invisalign, treatment for TMJ, restorative care, or periodontal monitoring, consider the following questions:
- Can treatment be paused during the school year?
- Does monitoring need to be ongoing?
- Do any records need to be transferred?
We hope you’ll choose Maitland Ave Smile Co. for your family’s college dental care needs!
Whether your teen needs a routine checkup, wisdom tooth evaluation, or a quick smile refresh before heading off to college, our team is here to help make the transition a little easier. Schedule an appointment with Maitland Ave Smile Co. before move-in day arrives.
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today. Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like your family’s dental routine, dental anxiety, and more.