A family dentist serves as the front line of defense for oral health and preventive care. They can see patients from childhood all the way through their lives, allowing for a level of continued care, attention, and personal knowledge that is unmatched among other types of dental offices. If you are considering what kind of dentist to see, a family dentist can be a great choice, even if you are already an adult.
Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still small. The main ways that they achieve this are as follows.
Prophylactic (or preventive) cleanings tackle tough plaque and tartar before they can irritate the gums and contribute to issues like gum disease, also known as gingivitis. A family dentist will use scalers, polishers, floss, and other tools to get the teeth cleaner than patients can on their own.
As an added advantage, teeth that are cleaned this way are not only aesthetically pleasing but also smooth. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to cling to them, prolonging good oral health.
Another way that family dentists contribute to preventive care is through education and in-office guidance. If the dentist notices patterns in how a patient’s teeth are decaying or where bacteria build up, they may be able to offer education on better brushing methods. This could include what direction to angle the toothbrush bristles, what kind of electronic toothbrush to use, how to get floss not to shred, and so on. These tidbits can equip patients with the skills that they need to take charge of their own oral well-being.
The teeth need to remain strong to combat the acidic residue left by bacterial colonies. One way to ensure that the enamel does not soften is by treating it with fluoride, which a family dentist can apply right after a patient’s normal cleaning appointments. Fluoride treatment is simple and only requires the patient to sit without swallowing for a minute or two.
One of the less commonly noticed but essential tasks of a family dentist is to check for oral cancer. They examine the cheeks, gums, tongue, palate, and other areas to find evidence of any lesions, sore spots, lumps, or discoloration that could indicate an issue. Early treatment is the best way to keep patients safe and help them make a quick and complete recovery.
If you are debating which type of dentist to trust with your oral healthcare, a family dentist can be a great choice. They are familiar with dental health problems over the entire course of a person’s life, so they can provide customized guidance no matter where you are on your journey. Contact our office to schedule an appointment to meet our family dentist and try a cleaning for yourself!
Request an appointment here: https://dental1st.com or call Dental First at (248) 729-2506 for an appointment in our Troy office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Troy, MI.
Keeping your appointments with your family dentist can help keep your mouth healthy. This dental health professional knows how to relax and calm patients of every age. Knowing your dentist’s abilities can give you peace of mind that you are in good hands. Here are the details on how your family dentist can improve your…
Family dentists are uniquely qualified to offer various dental services to patients of all ages. Children, teens, and adults can visit the dentist for teeth cleanings, checkups, cavity fillings, and other restorative dental procedures. This article will examine the qualifications of family dentists to help you find the right one for your family’s oral health.Becoming…
You can get specific procedures from your family dentist. This dental care provider knows your dental health history. The relationship you have can make each treatment or checkup easier and more pleasant. Here are the common procedures that you can get from your family dentist.A family dentist can perform this non-invasive treatment. Over-the-counter teeth whitening…
A family dentist is unique in that they treat all age groups. This ensures that you and your family members can go to the same dentist for all your oral care needs, which makes life easy and saves you time and money. In this review, we discuss the benefits of consulting with a family dentist…