Having a family dentist is convenient because everyone goes to the same place, and all of your dental records are there. More importantly, a family dentist can help teach your children about the importance of optimal family dental health. However, there are a number of other reasons why seeing a family dentist in Greenville, SC is ideal.
For Children
Many dental problems can be hereditary, and if your dentist has a record of you and your spouse’s dental history, it will be easier to watch for issues in your children. Some oral health problems can cause serious illness later in life if they are not treated early. This is where a family dentist can help. A family dentist will have the necessary training to treat patients of all ages, helping instill proper dental habits in your children early on.
Children who receive dental care from the time their primary teeth appear often have healthier mouths throughout their lives. Not only can a family dentist help prevent tooth decay and cavities, they can see how the adult teeth are growing and determine if braces are needed even before all the adult teeth have appeared.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children should have their first visit to the dentist by age one or as soon as their first tooth appears. The dentist will give tips on how to avoid childhood tooth decay such as:
• Not allowing young children to fall asleep with a bottle of juice or milk
• The importance of teaching children to learn to drink from a cup when they are one year old
• How to brush the first teeth
• The importance of stopping on-demand, night breastfeeding after the first teeth appear
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 40 percent of children in the United States have tooth decay by the time they attend kindergarten. Fortunately, seeing a family dentist can makes preventing tooth decay an easier task.
For Parents
Parents can take advantage of other services a family dentist offers such as implant placement and restoration, bone grafting, extractions, cosmetic dentistry. Adults who experience dental anxiety may also take advantage of IV sedation dentistry.
The health of your teeth and gums can have a big impact on your overall health. Without proper dental care and oral hygiene, the normal bacteria in your mouth can reach infection levels that may lead to disease. Good oral care keeps the normal bacteria under control.
A full-service family dentistry practice in Greenville, such as Downtown Dental, offers benefits for adults and children in the same location. Do not hesitate to take advantage of this convenience and provide your family even more reasons to smile.
Sources
Oral health: A window to your overall health, Mayoclinic.org
Importance of Oral Health to Overall Health, Knowyourteeth.com
