As you and your kids get ready to start the school year, it can feel like you have so much to do. You need to shop for school supplies, review their schedules, meet the teachers, and so forth. As busy as your schedule is, though, there is one more thing you should try to squeeze in: a visit to the dentist. Here are a few reasons why it's best to get those dental checkups done before school starts.

1. You'll have an easier time fitting all of your kids in at once.

Once the school year starts, things get busy. Squeezing in a dental appointment will be a lot harder. Scheduling back-to-back appointments for all of your kids may not be possible, which means you'll have to take them to the dentist separately. You'll probably have to pick them up from school to do it. If you can make the appointment before school starts, your schedule and the dentist's schedule will be more open, and you can save yourself a lot of hassle.

2. The dentist can give your kids school-related dental care tips.

The school year brings lots of changes. Suddenly, your kids have limited time to get ready in the morning. They might forget to brush their teeth, or they might not wake up with enough time to do so. If you visit the dentist before school starts, the dentist will have a chance to give them some tips for caring for their teeth when they are busy. This advice often means more when it comes from the dentist than from a parent! Your child may not want to pack a toothbrush and brush their teeth after lunch if you recommend it, but if the dentist tells them to do so, then they may be more willing to follow through.

3. You'll start the year with tooth-friendly snacks in mind.

School and snacks tend to go hand-in-hand. Most kids bring snacks from home to eat at lunch or midway through the school day. Kids also grab snacks when they get home. When you visit the dentist before school starts, dental care will be on all of your minds. This will prompt you and your kids to focus on tooth-friendly snacks rather than reaching for sugary ones.

While dentists schedule checkups year-round, fitting the checkup in before school starts is often the best choice. Give your dentist a call to set up your kids' appointment.

For more information about family dentistry services, contact a local dentist.