Most of us probably have been trying to dodge a visit to the dentist for many reasons. Some have suffered traumatic experiences associated with people wearing those medical scrubs, which intensify these feelings. In particular, people who have been subjected to abuse or torture will often be left with a much greater need to feel in control. Our experiences in the dental chair can also intensify or diminish a prospective fear of dentists. Aside from the fact that we have to spend cash for consultation and treatment, dental appointments are often associated with pain and discomfort. This scenario applies not only to children but also to many grown-ups. However, waiting for your oral health issues to be out of control will bring further problems. Poor oral health can bring tremendous pain not only physically, emotionally, mentally but also hurt your pockets.
If you are planning to build a family of your own or already have one, consider having a family dentist to take care of not only your oral health but including your precious childrens'. We can all agree that no parents would allow their kids to suffer from serious oral health issues in the future. This is the reason why family dentistry comes into the picture. Having a dental practitioner that has pediatric experience can save you from getting to deal with your kid's fear around just a regular dental visit.
Remember, having a healthy mouth is not limited to having those flashy, perfect teeth, but it significantly contributes to our overall health and wellness. Poor oral health will make you prone to infections, heart disease, and in some cases, it contributes to cancer.
Why Having A Family Dentist is Worth it?
A family dentist is equal to a pediatric dentist who takes care of your child's oral health. Having a family dentist is like having a personal dentist but not limited to yourself but applicable to the entire family. This will also bring much efficiency to the whole family when booking an appointment because everyone will be at the same clinic simultaneously. It's like having a one-stop-shop for the entire family. A family dentist can take care of everyone's oral needs. Let's further discuss the positive impacts of having a family dentist.
What is Family Dentistry?
Family Dentistry refers to a dental doctor that provides oral treatment from all the group ages, which delivers a service such as dental check-ups, cleaning, examinations, fillings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, etc.
Likewise, it is mainly set to aid the oral health issues of kids and teenagers. Take into account that general dentists and family dentists are similar but are more focused on growing children.
Having a family dentist is not an option but a must in everyone's life. Below are the lists of the positive impact of having a family dentist on one's family's oral health.
What Do Family Dentists Do?
Family dentists have more emphasis on both general and preventive dentistry. Below are the detailed services offered:
• Regular dental cleanings and exams –six-month interval check-up is recommended to all patients to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and cavities development. This kind of check-up will guarantee that your child's oral health is positively developing over time.
• Fluoride treatments and dental sealants – fluoride treatments and dental sealants have content that fights cavity and resistant to tooth decay, which is very common among children.
• Cavity checks and fillings – the most common oral issue of every individual is tooth decay. Most family dental patients suffer from tooth decay, which is particularly common in children and teenagers.
• Orthodontics – not all family dentists practice orthodontic treatment but offer orthodontic exams and referrals to an orthodontist if deemed necessary.
• Gum disease treatment – One of the treatments that could be offered is periodontal maintenance and scaling and root planning to treat patients suffering from gum disease.
Benefits of Family Dentistry
1. It Eliminates Dental Anxiety
Most adults have issues in dealing with phobia and anxieties in the dental aspect. These causes both delay and avoidance in dental treatment. Having a family dentist like those from Bridgewater Family Dental reduces dental phobia and anxiety because it provides ease feeling as you come to have check-ups with your family.
To prevent the child from developing anxiety at the early stage, accompany them during their check-ups or treatments. The parent's presence during a child's dental appointment provides confidence and comfort. Since children tend to mimic their parents, the adults could set an example by showing courage and a constant reminder that it is okay to visit a family dentist regularly.
2. Convenience
One of the perks of having a family dentist is that you make one appointment for the whole family. It maximizes your working time because you don't need to leave for work to set an appointment.
3. Knows Your Family Dental History
Having a family dentist means also having to track each record of your family's oral health. With a family history on hand, the family dentist can quickly identify what kind of dental issues each family member has been dealing with. A family dentist like those from Bridgewater family dental could instantly recommend the appropriate treatment required for all family members.
During a regular check-up, a hands-on family dentist will probably notice new symptoms based on your last visit and will take some proper treatment for your oral health. There are instances that some oral issues will be genetic. Identifying genetic problems early on may prevent them from developing the worst symptoms, and this will allow your dentist to be more attentive and vigilant when treating your children.
4. Having a Lasting Relationship
Proper Communication will create trust between you and your family dentist. Be open about your experiences and information regarding you and your family's oral hygiene so they can provide proper treatment and bring ease and comfort process for you.
5. Regular and Consistent Services
Maintaining your family's oral health requires you to visit at least twice a year or every six-month interval to your family dentist for cleaning and check-ups. If you or your family are likely to miss an appointment, you can always coordinate with your family dentist to reschedule and maintain consistent treatment.
6. Preventative Care
The children need to have their oral health checked-up specifically at the
developmental stage. A family dentist will teach the children the best practices for keeping their teeth healthy at all times, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
7. Emergency Dental Services
Another benefit of having a family dentist is you can count on them to be available when the need arises immediately. You can quickly call and book an appointment without any hassle, especially during emergencies.
Let's Wrap it up!
Based on the shreds of evidence mentioned above, having a family dentist is something to consider. They are very versatile when it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth. Family dentists can handle common oral health issues of kids, teens, adults, to seniors. Besides the benefits, you will be updated and educated regarding your and your family's oral health. They will share the best practices to help you with your daily oral care, the best diet for your overall oral health.
Also, working with a family dental clinic like Bridgewater family dental, you can increase confidence by providing a great smile during photo opportunities.
Author Info
Dr. Marwan Bassil, DMD, has been practicing dentistry in New Jersey since 1998. He received his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ in Newark, New Jersey. He completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in southern New Jersey. Dr. Bassil is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), American Dental Association (ADA), Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA), New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), and The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). He is a founding dentist at both Bridgewater Family Dental and Northstar Dental Care and is certified in implantology, full-mouth reconstruction, and INVISALIGN (Clear braces).