Having a family with healthy smiles means going beyond just brushing and flossing at home. Regular dental checkups are crucial for addressing minor issues before they develop into more severe problems. But how often should your family schedule these routine visits? Let’s take a closer look.
The Importance of Routine Dental Visits
Most patients associate a routine dental visit with clean teeth. And while you can expect a professional cleaning, you will also have a thorough dental exam. This is your dentist’s opportunity to monitor your oral health and develop a plan to address any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues.
Routine dental visits for kids allow the dentist to track growth and development. This is essential as teeth begin to erupt and the jaws are forming. Any issue that arises can be handled promptly to yield greater oral health in the future—avoiding unnecessary complications.
How Often Should Families Schedule Routine Dental Checkups?
When it comes to family dental care, visiting the dentist every six months is the general recommendation by dental professionals. For adults, this means keeping plaque and tartar buildup at bay, as much gets missed from brushing and flossing at home.
For the young ones in the family, six-month checkups should start after the eruption of their first tooth or by the time they reach one year of age, whichever happens first. Guidance will be given to the child and parents on proper oral hygiene habits based on age. Building a relationship with the dental team and becoming comfortable with the environment is crucial for good dental health throughout life.
Depending on your personal level of oral health or any concerns your dentist may have, you could be advised to make these checkups more or less frequently.
Tips to Make Routine Dental Visits Easier For Families
Life in Phenix, AL, can be busy, especially when you have kids. While keeping up on regular dental appointments can be a challenge, they are much too important to miss. To help make things feel a bit less daunting, try these tips.
Coordinate Your Appointments
One of the most convenient things about seeing a family dentist is being able to schedule multiple visits on the same day for your entire family. You won’t have to make more than one trip to the dentist when you plan for everyone to be seen within the same block of time. The result? You save on time and frustration, too!
Mark Your Calendar
When you finish a checkup, be sure to schedule your next visit before leaving the dentist. Then, regardless of whether you use a digital or paper calendar, mark the appointment down. If possible, create reminders for yourself. Having this already on the books can save any confusion or delay in dental care.
Open Communication
Your six-month appointments are so important. So, if there are any issues, special needs, or other challenges, be open and honest about them so that they can be addressed. Should any concerns arise between visits, don’t delay—contact your dental team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a routine dental checkup?
Your visits will vary based on your age and oral health, but you will generally receive a professional cleaning to remove any buildup. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums, as well as your bite. Be sure to ask any questions you may have during this time.
Are dental exams painful?
A routine visit to your dentist is usually comfortable and pain-free. However, sometimes cleanings may cause mild sensitivity if there is a lot of buildup. If you are nervous or have any concerns, be sure to talk to your dental team. They will do everything they can to ensure you are at ease for the duration.
The team at Complete Family Dental & Facial Aesthetics is ready to treat your entire family in Phenix City, AL—with routine checkups and more complex treatment, as needed. Schedule an appointment today.