When choosing a family dentist, parents may need to consider the ages of the children as well as the family's overall dental needs. If the children are old enough to sit in a dentist’s chair, they are good candidates for being treated by a regular family dentist, but these practices do not always take infants and very small kids.
Before assuming a family dentist will accept very young children as patients, it is a good idea to call ahead and confirm with the dentist whether this is true before scheduling an appointment. If the whole family visits the same dentist, ask about when young children may be accepted into the practice. Most family dentists treat older children, teenagers, and adult patients.
Adult patients make up the bulk of a family dentist’s practice. From preventive oral health concerns like brushing, flossing, and controlling the buildup of plaque to minor procedures like filling cavities and providing teeth whitening, family dentists are a one-stop shop for maintaining great oral health and hygiene. These dental professionals, when seen on a regular basis, are able to help adult patients care for teeth as well as take X-rays and spot issues like hidden cavities and developing gum disease that could grow worse if left alone.
While older children often are not thrilled with the idea of dental or medical visits in general, kids may be happier to visit the dentist the rest of the family sees as there is a degree of familiarity. Family dentists can perform many of the same procedures, such as teeth cleaning and preventive care, for younger patients as for adult patients. Also of note is that while family dentists typically do not provide major orthodontic care, these professionals may be the first in line to observe tooth and jaw alignment issues and make recommendations for an older child or teenage patient to begin treatment with braces or aligners.
Though family or general dentists receive education and training in treating a patient through a lifetime, these dentists typically do not accept babies or toddlers as patients. Parents are wise to seek alternative care for children this young in regards to teething and brushing first teeth and transfer these children to the family's chosen dental practice at an older age. Family dentists are able to provide oral health maintenance with regular teeth cleanings and cavity fillings as well as recommendations when patients need other forms of dental care.
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Family Dentist for Whole Family in Miami, FL
When choosing a family dentist, keep in mind the family’s ages, dental habits, and oral health concerns. Though family dentists are indeed trained to treat the whole family, they most commonly serve older children, teenagers, and adult patients. Choosing the right professional allows you and your family to develop a productive relationship that can last for years to come.
Request an appointment or call Lobaina Dental at 305-400-0374 for an appointment in our Miami office.
A family dentist plays a key role in the oral health of patients both young and old. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated cavities. There is more access to dental care than ever before, but many parents struggle with establishing…
For those tired of making numerous trips to different offices for dental care for the whole family, it may be time to make the switch to a family dentist. Unlike general dentistry where services are focused on a particular age group, family dentistry provides oral care for people of different age ranges in a family.For…
Lifestyle choices are as important to good oral and dental health as visiting the family dentist twice per year. Establishing healthy day-to-day routines protects the teeth and gums and keeps mouth chemistry balanced. Develop good practices in children at a young age to help build habits that can last a lifetime. Making changes at any…
A family dentist plays a key role in the oral health of patients both young and old. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated cavities. There is more access to dental care than ever before, but many parents struggle with establishing…
For those tired of making numerous trips to different offices for dental care for the whole family, it may be time to make the switch to a family dentist. Unlike general dentistry where services are focused on a particular age group, family dentistry provides oral care for people of different age ranges in a family.For…