It’s that time of year once again – you’re running around buying that long list of school supplies and clothes for your kids, and perhaps taking them to the doctor for physicals. But there is something else that’s just as important you might have forgotten – a visit to your pediatric dentist in Stuart, Florida.

Along with having a wardrobe, supplies and things like sports equipment, good oral health is essential. In fact, the American Dental Association says that a dental exam is just as important as immunizations and booster shots when it comes to back-to-school preparations. Tooth decay affects more children in the U.S. than any other chronic infectious disease, and nearly one-fifth of kids aged 2 to 19 years old have untreated tooth decay, which can lead to dental pain or disease that can negatively affect the ability to eat, speak and learn, not to mention millions of hours of missed school.

School age children miss an astounding 51,679,100 hours of school every year due to dental problems, which can lead to falling behind the rest of the class and struggling to keep up with studies. Treating cavities early, and preventing them in the first place through early detection and intervention, can prevent lost school hours and lost productivity.

While many of us have a tight budget, especially around this time of year, there is some good news for those whose children haven’t gotten to the dentist yet. Dr. Rita Medwid is currently offering a back-to-school special for children and teens, as well as other specials on select dental services for all new patients.

The back-to-school special offer, available to the first 100 patients who mention it, includes an exam, cleaning, fluoride and x-rays for children under 12 at just $89, while children 12 through 19 will receive an exam, cleaning and x-rays for $129.

All you need to do to ensure the good oral health of your children, and help contribute to their future success, is to make an appointment by calling Dr. Medwid’s office today. If you’d rather not pick up the phone, a form is available here for requesting appointments online too.