Senior picture day has rolled around without warning and suddenly you’re scrambling to find the perfect outfit, the nicest pair of shoes, and maybe some new hair clips to tame that mane your teenager refuses to manage. You want to get ahead, so you start making appointments early — the hair, the nails, the clothes.
But what about their teeth?
You want their smile to be just as flawless as their outfit, but you’re unsure of the best time to get a cleaning before the photoshoot.
Luckily, our pediatric dental office is here to give you some information on just how to achieve that picture-perfect smile!
Considering a Scheduled Cleaning
Maybe you really can’t remember how long it’s been since you’ve scheduled a cleaning for your teenager (though we recommend every six months), or you don’t think it’s needed so long as they brush their teeth and floss, right? Well, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH), 59% of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 19 have dental caries in their permanent teeth.
Dental cleanings can help prevent issues like tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease that may not be so easy to stop with a home dental routine.
It can also be easy for seniors to get caught up in graduation rehearsals, extracurricular activities, and school work. Routine cleanings can ensure your teen is taking care of their teeth to avoid running into problems later in life.
Confidence is Key
Not only is it crucial for a teen to take care of their teeth, but it’s also important that — during both the bigger milestone significant times of growth — your high schooler feels their best.
We recommend that most children and adults see a dentist twice a year. However, making that appointment a few weeks before picture day can help your senior feel more confident and prideful in their smile, resulting in better pictures that you’ll both be delighted to send to family and friends.
While a new outfit or haircut could boost a high schooler’s confidence, choosing a pediatric dentist that takes pride in cleaning your child’s teeth is sure to keep them feeling and looking their best every day.
The Bigger Picture
Maybe you’ve never thought of scheduling a cleaning before picture day but you know you want to help your student keep that smile looking bright and beautiful. That’s where we come in!
Here at Setzer, Cochran, and Soares Pediatric Dentistry, you can quickly and easily schedule an appointment with a board-certified dentist who you can trust to answer all of your questions and set up your teen for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for senior pictures. Call us at (904) 733-7254 to schedule your appointment today!