I bet I know what your week is like. One person needs their loose tooth taken care of. Another one hasn’t visited a dentist ever since last school year. As for you, you have “meant to schedule” that appointment long before you thought you would.
Do I need to go on? This is how things are for most families today. Caring about oral health for all of your family members can be another item in the never-ending checklist of chores to accomplish. Luckily enough, the situation becomes much easier once you choose a Bakersfield family dentist that treats all of the members of your family under one roof.
How does it work, what should you look for, and how to make it not a nightmare for your kids and yourself?
So, What Does a Family Dentist Actually Do?
Simply put, they see everyone. Babies, tweens, moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas. From cleanings to exams to fillings to X-rays to crowns to whitening and everything else.
Another question you may have is how this differs from a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist specializes in working with children and has extra schooling on how growing mouths develop and how to make kids comfortable. And so if you’ve been searching “pediatric dentist near me” or “children’s dentist near me“ on Google, that’s understandable. But here’s what most parents don’t know: lots of family dentists do great with kids, too.
Which one do you think would be better? Truthfully, it really depends on your child.
Generally speaking, the family dentist would be a good option for kids who are in good health and don’t have any complex needs.
If the child has unique healthcare needs, high levels of dental fear, or requires something more than basic treatment, then the pediatric dentist would likely be a better option.
Why Parents Love the One-Dentist Approach
What my acquaintances appreciate about a family dentist near me is quite predictable.
It saves time. Consecutive visits save you from afternoon absences from work and traveling around town.
Your history is all collected in one place. If your family suffers from a tendency to caries and periodontal disease, the dentist will see the trend and make prevention plans.
Children find security in familiar faces. Hygienists who have already checked your daughter’s teeth once will be much less frightening than new ones.
Parents set an example for their children. When your child sees how relaxed you are sitting in a large chair, it reassures him that everything is okay.
You evolve with the dentistry. The same dentistry that celebrated your toddler’s first teeth can answer your teenage questions about braces and will continue to provide dental care in adulthood.
When Should Kids Start Seeing the Dentist?
Earlier than many think. Most dental associations recommend the first visit when the baby reaches one year old or within six months from the eruption of the first tooth.
It is not going to be a lengthy and frightening procedure. The dentist examines teeth and jaw development, gives advice on brushing and feeding, and introduces your baby to the office environment. Your kid may sit on your lap and play with the mirror.
“Why bother when baby teeth fall out eventually?” because baby teeth preserve space for permanent teeth and help your kid to chew and talk. And a person who learns to love the dentist at an early age will definitely continue to visit him as an adult.
What Care Looks Like at Different Ages
Dental needs change as your family grows. Here’s a quick tour:
- Little ones (ages 1 to 5): Short, playful visits. The focus is on checking new teeth, a gentle cleaning, and helping you with brushing, pacifiers, and thumb-sucking.
- School-age children (ages 6 to 12): Cleanings, fluoride, and sealants. The sealants are protective coverings that are applied to the surface of the molars to prevent cavities. It is during this time that the primary teeth start falling out; hence, the dentist pays close attention to emerging adult teeth.
- Teens: Examinations, checking for wisdom teeth, bite problems, and cavities caused by soft drinks. For those who play sports, a special mouth guard can be considered.
- Adults: Examinations, cleanings, gum examination, fillings, crowns, and whitening.
- Seniors: Dry mouth treatment, worn-down teeth, periodontitis, dentures, and implants.
How to Choose the Right Family Dentist
Don’t know what to look for? Then try this checklist:
- Kind and patient staff towards children, not rushing around
- Welcoming office environment that is not cold or clinical
- Services that will make your nervous patient more comfortable
- Real emphasis on preventive services such as sealants and fluoride treatments
- Times of appointments convenient for school/work schedules
- Pricing information and help with insurance issues
- Referrals to specialists available easily
- Reviews that include comments about treatment of children
It’s good to read reviews, but sometimes you need only a simple phone call to get an idea of what you need. Listen to the way front desk people talk to you on the phone. This is usually how things go at their office.
Helping Your Child Feel Okay About the Dentist
Even the nicest children will feel anxious. The following tips may help:
- Do not use negative phrases such as “it will not hurt” and “don’t be afraid.” These words create the very effect you try to avoid. Let the dental professionals do their work in the way they find suitable.
- Read a book or watch a cartoon before the visit to the dentist.
- Select an appropriate time of the day. Schedule an appointment when your child is well-rested and satisfied.
- Do not threaten with visits to the dentist. “If you don’t brush your teeth, you will have to see the dentist” should not mean a punishment.
- Treat them with something special after the visit. You may plan a visit to the park or give a child a sticker for courage.
- Encourage asking questions. Curious children tend to be calm.
Healthy Habits at Home
What happens in between your visits is equally important. Some of the basic things you need to know are as follows:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Use a rice grain-sized amount for infants and toddlers, while for children between the ages of 3 and 6, use a pea-sized amount.
- Help the child brush his/her teeth till he/she can brush properly by himself/herself.
- Floss when teeth start touching each other.
- Limit consumption of juices, sodas, and sticky foods.
- Give your child water in between meals.
- Change your toothbrush after every three to four months.
When Accidents Happen
Teeth are always getting hit around. Some knowledge is always useful just in case.
- Tooth knocked out (adult): Grab it by the crown, wash it carefully, put it in milk, and visit the dentist.
- Tooth knocked out (baby): Never put it back in. Consult with your dentist.
- Chipped tooth: Wash it, gather the pieces, and apply a cold compress.
- Severe tooth pain: Wash with warm water, floss carefully, and contact your dentist.
- Facial swelling that causes difficulty breathing or swallowing: Visit the ER.
- Pro tip: Put your dentist’s number on speed dial right now, before you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I find a family dentist who is right for me in Bakersfield?
Search for a dental office that treats people of all ages, has good ratings, accepts your dental plan, and works on your schedule. The first visit will be a good way to determine whether the staff is a good fit for your family.
2. At what age should my kid see a dentist for the first time?
According to most dental associations, your child should go to the dentist at the age of one year, or six months after the appearance of the first teeth.
3. Should my child go to the pediatric dentist or the family dentist?
Most of the time, the family dentist will suit your healthy child. You might want a pediatric dentist for children who have special health needs, high dental anxiety, and complicated dental cases.
4. How often should my family see the dentist?
Six-monthly visits work well for most of us. The dentist may advise you to come in more often if you or your child have cavities and periodontal disease.
5. What should I do to reduce my child’s fear of the dentist?
Always be positive, use only positive language, read a book on the subject, select a kid-friendly dental practice, and make sure that you start visiting dentists at a young age.
