Just because we’re parents, doesn’t necessarily mean anxiety about going to the dentist goes away. When the time comes to scheduling your child’s routine dental checkup, keep in mind that this is an opportunity to teach him or her the importance of oral health. Visiting the dentist regularly is an important habit the whole family should be practicing – both parents and kids! Without these visits, our oral health can decline and lead to troubling conditions such as gum disease, cavities, and much more. 

In this article, we’re breaking down the importance of maintaining that smile of yours and how dental checkups for children and adults alike should be done by a trusted family dentist close to home. 

Dental Health 101

In layman’s terms, dental health pertains to the overall health of your gums, teeth, and mouth! Just like the rest of our body, if we don’t take preventative steps to take care of our dental health the possibility of experiencing dental problems grows. Some of these conditions include: 

• Tooth decay
• Bad breath
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums
• Root infection
• Enamel erosion 

No adult wants to experience these issues, let alone a child. Showing your family how to proactively take care of their dental health through kid-friendly dental hygiene tips and regular dental checkups are great initial steps to demonstrating the importance of a healthy smile!

Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups

The benefits of visiting your family dentist regularly not only teaches your children healthy habits, but also gets them familiar with going to the dentist entirely. When your child sees you being brave about that upcoming appointment, they’ll have a role model to look up to when it comes time for them to go.

In addition to this,  your family benefits in more ways than one:

1. Detection and prevention of dental problems.
2. Early diagnosis of systemic diseases.
3. Maintaining good oral hygiene.
4. Long-term cost savings.
5. Improvement of overall health and well-being.

The positives are obvious here, but may not be so clear for children. Learning how to talk to your children about dental checkups helps reduce their stress and can actually help them look forward to it. 

Dental Checkups for Children

When it comes to your child’s oral health, arranging for them to see the dentist sooner rather than later is always best. Getting them into the habit of regular dental checkups allows your dentist to identify potential issues before they become more serious problems, such as those mentioned above. 

At what age should your child visit the dentist for the first time?

We recommend that children have their first dental checkup around the age of two or three followed by a visit every six months. Visiting your family dentist twice a year ensures that developmental milestones are being hit, as well as keeping an eye on potential dental problems. Although it may seem young, it is important to get children comfortable with a dentist checking out their teeth just in case they have a problem in the near future. We at Perimeter Dental Group love seeing young kids. We like to show them the mirror and other tools used to count their teeth.

Common Dental Problems In Children To Be Aware Of

As kids, cavities were probably something we heard about often from classmates or maybe you had one or two yourself. This, along with misaligned teeth and gum disease are all problems routine dentist appointments can help reduce the risk of – or at least stay ahead of them. 

While the risks of neglected dental health can be scary, they are (most of the time) preventable. Show your kids the dentist is actually one of the good guys and create a positive association with them. Bringing along their favorite toy or book can be great ways to make a trip to the dentist less intimidating. We encourage parents to bring their young children along to their routine cleanings in order to get them comfortable in the office setting.

Dental Checkups for Adults

Just like kids, adults need to visit the dentist every six months. Talk about forming lifelong habits. The same dental problems that kids can experience can also become concerns for adults. Issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and so on can lead to serious oral health complications. As we get older, our oral health is at risk for age-related health issues like oral cancer and cardiovascular disease. Even if you feel like your health is great, it’s still important to motivate yourself or your elderly loved ones to stop by the dentist office twice a year! 

How To Choose The Right Family Dentist

There are a ton of options for family dentists in Columbus, Ohio. When choosing the right fit for your family, keep two main factors in mind: 

Experience. Your family dentist should have plenty of experience working with children of all ages. Look for indicators they go the extra mile to make younger patients feel at home such as a Kids Club or Patient Rewards Program to welcome you with open arms. A dentist with experience assisting kids is more likely to know how to make them feel at ease while in the chair, be it playing music they know or having something fun to watch on TV.

Reputation. No one wants to visit the dentist on their own, let alone one with a bad reputation. Do your research and check out reviews online. A simple Google search should bring up their practice listing where you can see first hand accounts from patients. 

If you’re still unsure, most dentist offices have new patient offerings so you can get a feel of the practice and decide for yourself if it’s a good option for the whole family. 

Regular Dental Checkups Prolong Oral Health

Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing serious health issues. It’s important to prioritize dental health for the whole family, and finding a family dentist near you can make dental appointments more convenient and less stressful. At Perimeter Dental Group, our team is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care for the whole family. Schedule your next dental appointment with us and take the first step towards a healthy smile. 

Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Prioritize your family’s dental health today and enjoy the benefits of a bright and healthy smile for years to come!