When it comes to your oral health, visiting the dentist twice a year is an absolute must to keeping your teeth and gums in good condition. However, that raises the question of which dentist do you trust with the job. The question can get a little more complicated when you have kids; now you need a dentist who can keep up with your little ones as they get older.
Choosing a family dentist is a great solution to taking care of your whole family’s oral health needs. Here’s a broad list of advantages a family dentist can offer you:
- Spot inherited problems
Some health issues can run in the family, which can provide a dentist with clues for what conditions to expect. Having one dentist for the whole family makes it easier to spot common dental problems experienced by family members of all ages. Did a family member develop crooked teeth as they grew up? Your family dentist is in a good position to expect that and offer solutions to address the problem like braces or Invisalign.
Early detection and prevention of oral problems are also great ways to stay on top of health issues before they become major worries. Think of it as a way to avoid discomfort for your kids and help save on the costs of later treatment.
- Track your kids’ development
As your kids grow up, it’s crucial you find a dentist who can help keep up with them every step of the way. Parents usually take their kids to the doctor for physicals and vision tests once a year. Include your family dentist on the list to ensure your kids have someone looking after their oral health too.
Family dentists are specifically trained to cater to the needs of patients of all ages. In the case of child patients, they typically have needs a general practitioner may not be equipped to handle (e.g. their small jaws and teeth). A family dentist with pediatric training has the skills to take care of your little ones’ teeth and gums as they develop. Teeth also play a major role in speech development and chewing habits. With that in mind, a family dentist can help make sure your child is on the path to healthy dental development.
- Build long-term relationships
As you spend more time with the same dentist, it’s easy to build a unique relationship. A family dentist who spends enough time with your kids gets to know them above and beyond their relationship as doctor and patient. When your kids come in to visit, the dentist has a personal stake in making sure they stay healthy.
Another advantage of your dentist having such an intimate understanding of your family history is greater understanding of your personal dental needs. With such an up-close look at your records, a family dentist is in a position to make more informed decisions about treatment and offer more beneficial recommendations to help you look after your oral health.
- Receive varied dental services
Serving a variety of ages often means family dentists need to be ready to look after everyone in the family, from toddlers to seniors. Family dentists provide a wide variety of services to suit patients of all ages, including cosmetic dentistry, bonding, and even installation of dental implants. For the more nervous, a family dentist can also provide oral sedation services to help you feel more relaxed as they work.
One noticeable advantage of family dentists is their familiarity with your family and health history. It’s much easier for a family dentist to provide you with personalized care based on your records.
- Enjoy a comforting environment
Some kids (and some adults too) can feel a little trepidation at the thought of going to the dentist. A family dentist can help patients, particularly young ones, overcome their dental anxiety. Many family dental clinics make a point of offering a calm, relaxing atmosphere to get patients to relax before an operation.
Family dentists also specialize in helping ease dental anxieties to help kids get used to dental appointments. They also use it as an opportunity to answer any questions and help your little ones understand why good oral health is so important.
- Set lifelong habits
One less well-known responsibility dentists have is helping your kids form good dental habits. It’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to introduce your kids to the dentist at an early age. Family dentists are particularly effective at role modelling for children.
In addition to letting kids know how dental appointments are good for their health, dentists are in a good position to instill good dental habits. Children are extremely impressionable; emphasizing the importance of dental habits early is key to helping them develop strong lifelong habits. Brushing and flossing are particularly vital; it’s in your kids’ best interest to make them a habit at an early age.
- Make convenient appointments
As the name implies, family dentists specialize in treating the whole family. Having a single dentist cater to the needs of the whole family can make finding time for appointments considerably easier and more convenient. Rather than manage different dentists who may have differing schedules, your family dentist can provide one-stop care for the whole family.
Getting all the appointments done on the same day helps you make the most of your time, which can be great if you’ve got family members with varying needs. As an added bonus, it’s comforting for your more anxious family members to know you’re in the next room getting the same kind of treatment.
- Have a quick solution to emergencies
Dental emergencies are serious matters whenever they happen. Whenever dental emergencies occur, your family dentist is a call away. When you need advice or emergency assistance, give the family dentist a call to get the help you need.
Keep your dentist’s number in easy reach so you’re prepared when the need arises.
Tips for Selecting Your Family Dentist
A family dentist can be a great help in terms of providing convenient dental services for the whole family. However, once you’ve decided a family dentist is a good idea, how do you know how to find one? As you go looking around for the right family dentist, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
- Locate a dentist who provides services that can benefit everyone in the family, both kids and seniors. Aside from cleanings and exams, adults may want cosmetic dentistry services, so keep that in mind.
- Look for a dentist who can accept emergency situations. Emergencies often occur at the worst times, and it pays to have an emergency plan with your dentist. Look for a clinic that provides plans for sudden visits after hours or on weekends to maximize your safety.
- Check the addresses for a location convenient to you. Whether it’s for a checkup or an emergency, it’s generally easier to have a dentist that’s closer to home. Ideally, choose a place that’s on the way back from work or from picking up your kids.
When it comes to quality dental care in Sarnia, Lambton Family Dental is here to provide the quality care you need. Our team is trained to look after your family’s oral health at every stage, from toddlers to seniors. Call us now at (519) 344-5747 to make an appointment.