Like the primary care physician, the general dentist should be one of your most important sources for maintaining good health. This dental professional can spot troubling issues in your mouth but also provide ongoing maintenance. When you choose a dentist, you can take the entire family, regardless of the person’s age or the severity of their oral health.

When to start and how often to come

People commonly ask the dentist when it is right to start bringing children to the office for appointments. Parents should make the child’s first general dentist appointment as soon as teeth begin to break through the gums. Though the first appointments will be short, it is important for the dentist to check for any tooth, gum or jaw problems as early as possible. From there, patients should come in for wellness checkups every six months. People should not hesitate to make appointments any time in between the checkups if they have issues such as a toothache or broken tooth.

Preparing children

Visiting the dentist can be nerve-racking even for adults. Some people have anxiety about the instruments that the general dentist will use. The fear of pain and discomfort can also be difficult. Children may be especially worried about going to the dentist’s office. Parents can help by speaking positively about the experience. It is also good to reassure the child that the dentist is someone that helps the child feel well and stay healthy.

The convenience of going to a general dentist as a family

Life is busy for everyone, particularly for couples with children. Instead of choosing separate dentists for the parents and kids, the entire family can come to the same dentist and take care of all the appointments on the same day. Family dentists have the knowledge and training to care for children and adults of all ages, regardless of how healthy or unhealthy the teeth and gums are. The dentist can also treat the children throughout all stages of their lives.

What to expect

A typical wellness checkup at the general dentist focuses on preventive care and maintenance. The hygienist or dental assistant does most of the hands-on work. There will first be a set of X-rays, which will reveal whether the patient has any cavities or infections. The hygienist thoroughly cleans the teeth by removing plaque and other buildup. The hygienist will then polish the teeth and floss them. Lastly, the dentist will examine the patient’s teeth and will discuss any dental concerns and necessary treatment going forward.

Start today

If you and your family members have not stayed on top of dental care, now is the day to start. The general dentist can help keep your teeth looking nice. The team will also make sure problems such as cavities and gum disease stay away. By making and keeping these appointments, you put your children on the right path to caring for their teeth. These checkups will establish good habits for the young patients throughout life. Call your dentist today and schedule your next visit.

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