Why A Family Dentist Is A Must

Having a regular family dentist in your life is as important as a family doctor. 

Your dentist is the first line of defense when it comes to your child’s oral health, and regular checkups can help set your family up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Here are the benefits of family dentistry, and why you should build a relationship with a dental clinic in Yellowknife. 

Consistency Is Key

Many families make the mistake of jumping from one dentist to another.

And while this may be unavoidable in some situations (a move to another city for example), in the long term you’re really missing out on a lot of potential benefits.

When you and your family receive constant treatment from one family dentist, you get the benefit of a professional who can track your oral health.

The bottom line is this - over time, your dentist will get to know your family and their teeth very well.  Problems that may slip under the radar if you’re constantly moving from one to another can be easily addressed (particularly important for conditions that may have a genetic component and involve family history). 

It also makes it far easier and smoother to plan any procedures or treatments that you may need. 

Prevention Is Critical

According to the Canadian Dental Association, you and your family should be going in for a checkup every six months.

And while many families go far less often than this, you shouldn’t be one of them - these checkups are vital for preventing serious (and costly) problems from developing. 

Regular cleanings can go a long way to preventing tooth decay, and exams and x-rays are critical for spotting issues that can easily spiral out of control if left untreated.  This can include everything from root canals and cavities to tooth loss, all of which are much more difficult (and expensive) to treat.

Proper Education

A good family dentist is not only important for preventing cavities and root canals, they are also a fantastic resource when it comes to dental education.

Yes, you probably already know the basics - brush, floss and rinse.  But when it comes down to it, a lot of people still get these basic things wrong (especially true if you have kids who don’t particularly like brushing their teeth on a regular basis).

A family dentist can also go that extra step and provide education based on your family’s specific situation.  For example, a teenager with braces or an individual experiencing rapid gum recession is going to require a more detailed oral hygiene regimen.

Why You Should Find Someone Who Works Well With Your Kids

A big benefit of seeking family dentistry in Yellowknife is the relationship being built with that clinic - particularly when it comes to your kids.

If you’re a parent, you probably don’t need to be reminded that most kids aren’t thrilled with the prospect of regular checkups.  A good family dentist near you has experience working with children, and they know how to create an environment that’s friendly and not intimidating.

At the end of the day, most children are probably at least a little nervous about visiting the dentist.  Choosing someone who will put them at ease will not only be a much better experience for your kids, it will also help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health. 

After all, adults who had positive experiences in the dentist’s chair when they were growing up are going to be far more likely to book regular appointments than those who had negative ones.