Many people have muddled through their lives without visiting the dentist. Oral health problems that go untreated are often serious and expensive to treat and can easily be prevented with routine dental care, such as brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular visits to your family dentist for cleanings and checkups.
Visiting the dentist is one of the most important things you can do for your oral and overall health. It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months, which gives your family the best chance of preventing serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease from developing.
When you choose a family dentist, you’re choosing the convenience of having the same practitioner oversee the oral health of your entire family. These practitioners are trained to provide care for patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, and understand the unique dental needs of each age group.
In addition to the routine services offered by family dentists, such as teeth whitening and fluoride treatments, they are also qualified to treat more complex or severe oral health concerns, including periodontal (gum) disease, cracked or chipped teeth, dental fillings, and dental implants. They are also able to perform oral cancer screenings and offer advice about maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home.
While many adults are able to overcome their fear of the dentist and make it to their appointments, children aren’t as lucky. Choosing to have a family dentist for your whole family means that your children will get used to seeing the same dentist, from a young age, and they’ll develop positive associations with the oral healthcare profession.
Visiting the same dentist throughout childhood and into adulthood will also help kids to feel comfortable and familiar with their provider, which makes it easier for them to discuss any fears or anxiety they may be having about dental procedures. It will also give them confidence that their parents take their dental care seriously, and this will set a great example for them to follow in their own lives.
Having the same dentist for your entire family will also save you time by eliminating the need to call and schedule individual appointments with different providers. You’ll be able to have your whole family’s appointments scheduled with just one phone call, and your provider will be familiar with the unique dental needs of each member of your household. This will also ensure that everyone receives consistent and high-quality dental care. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of routine dental care, schedule an appointment with your local Northbrook family dentist today.