Blog

According to a survey by Delta Dental Plans Association, 42% of Americans do not see their local dentist as often as they would like. While 82% acknowledge that oral care is extremely vital to their overall health, only one in four respondents were content about the health of their mouths, teeth, and gums.

Recognizing the importance of the biannual dental visit is a great start. The next step is to find the right local dentist for your family. Here are seven tips to guide you during the selection process.

1. Dentist’s Credentials and Qualifications

The top reason patients change dental offices is due to poor quality care. You need to ensure that the local dentist that you pick is qualified. Verify the credentials of the “dentist near me” through the state dental board’s website. Check if they have an active license and if there are any complaints lodged against them.

2. Local Dental Office Location

Location is another key aspect to keep in mind when picking the family dentist. While teeth cleanings and routine inspections may not be urgent, you may not wish to see your child agonizing in pain over a broken tooth because the dentist’s office is too far away. Proximity to your home, school, or workplace may make it easier to access the dental care you need.

3. Dental Practice Operational Hours

Choose a local dentist with reasonable office hours. When looking at the dental practice hours, inquire about emergency dental care services. Dental emergencies occur at the most inopportune times. You may need a readily accessible family dental office in Lowell to take care of your child.

4. Dental Care Services Provided

You may need to find a local dentist that will provide all-around dental care for your family. Common dental care services include dental implants, teeth cleaning, dental fillings, teeth whitening, dental exams, and surgical extractions. Find a dentist that will manage the dental care needs of all members of the family.

5. Insurance

Your dental insurance can help you offset some of the out-of-pocket costs at the local dentist. You may need to find a family dentist that accepts your plan to maximize the benefits. Contact the dental office to inquire about their payment plans. You can also request your insurance company to provide a list of in-network dentists.

6. Patient Comfort

The dentist-patient relationship often develops over decades of routine teeth cleaning and dental exams. You may need to pick out a dentist that all your family members are comfortable with. Pick a local dentist with a great bedside manner. Your family may have to see the dentist twice a year, and everyone needs to be comfortable.

7. Referrals and Recommendations

The easiest way to find proper Lowell dental care services is through referrals from friends, family, or other healthcare providers. You can create a list of family dentists that you will then research. Narrow down the potential candidates before setting up your first appointment.
Ensure You Get Your Family the Best Dentist

Choosing a dentist plays a big role in how your family members feel about oral health. You can set up your family for the right dental care through Lowell Dental Arts. Call us today to schedule an appointment for you and your kids.

You want your child to have healthy teeth and gums from an early age. However, do you know when you should take your child to the dentist? You aren’t alone if you aren’t sure about the answer to this question. Many parents do not know when they should schedule that first dental care appointment to see a children’s dentist. Is it time when you see their first tooth coming in? Or should they already have all of their baby teeth?

Make Sure Your Child Has the Best Dental Care

It is important to note that the first time you take your child to the dentist, they may not receive treatment immediately. Per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is ideal to schedule a visit with a children’s dentist within 6 months of the first baby tooth erupting, but don’t wait too long. Arrange for your child to see a dentist no later than the age of 2. Additionally, orthodontists recommend that kids get evaluated when their permanent teeth start to come in, typically around the age of 7.

If your child only has just a few teeth, do you still need to arrange for an appointment so early? This is a common question among parents. The answer is yes. The first appointment is more about introducing children to the dental office and a children’s dentist.

Your child’s first visit may not even include an actual exam. There may be a peek inside their mouth to make sure all of your child’s teeth are emerging correctly without any major issues. Dentistry for children is all about making them comfortable and acclimating them to the atmosphere. The overall goal is to build a relationship of trust and awareness. This helps eliminate fears and overcome dental anxiety.

Continue Visiting the Dentist

In order to fully create comfort and trust, you need to keep taking your child to the dentist. After the first visit, you should make appointments to visit the dentist every 6 months, unless their dentist recommends treatment before then.

The second visit is typically when a children’s dentist will start working on child’s teeth. This includes counting the number of teeth as well as brushing and polishing their teeth. It’s not quite a full exam but easing them into being even more comfortable visiting a family dentist.

Full Dental Exams Start at Age 3

At the age of 3, your child is ready for a full dental exam. They may start fluoride treatments at this time. Dentistry for kids includes teaching them how to thoroughly brush and floss their teeth at a young age. Parents are encouraged to participate and assist their children when it comes to properly caring for their teeth at home.

Dental care for children consists of brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes. You may want to find a children’s toothbrush that has a light that flashes or a built-in timer to show when they are done. Children’s dentists also recommend finding fun songs or games to play to reach that two-minute goal.

Good Dental Care Advice for Parents

Ensure your child has the best oral health by bringing them to a children’s dentist, even if they are young. The younger children start dental care, the better. They simply become more comfortable with their dentist. Consider bringing your child to your next dental exam. It only helps them understand better how important it is to have healthy teeth.

Has Your Child Already Popped Their First Tooth?

If your child’s first tooth is already popping in, it’s time to schedule a dental appointment with a children’s dentist. They lead children down the path to great oral health. Request an appointment today. Children’s dentists are more than happy to provide care and treatment to all children.

Good oral hygiene plays a critical role in the overall health and wellness of an individual. Your family members may have unique dental care needs that will change over time. A family dentist can help tackle their oral health issues as they arise, throughout their life.

With the average household planning a move every six years, the idea of having a family dentist seems a little far-fetched. However, family dental services bring some unique advantages over having different dentists for each family member. Here are five key benefits of having a family dentist.

1. Convenience

Unlike general dentists that serve a specific age-group, family dental practices offer consultations on oral health issues that affect all age groups. You can receive dental care services for your children, teens, or adult family members. It makes it convenient to schedule one appointment for your whole family. You do not have to see different specialists for each member. You can reduce your travel headaches while improving your family’s access to proper oral care.

2. Track Your Family’s Dental Health

Family dentists maintain a record of all treatments provided to your family members. Your dentist gets to understand your family’s dental and medical history. This information is vital in identifying and predicting genetic dental conditions.

Additionally, it is not unusual for a family dentist to see their patients throughout their life. The dentist-patient relationship built over the years can help the local dentist identify any issues early enough. Your children may be comfortable visiting the dentist, allowing them to uphold good dental hygiene practices even in the future.

3. Proactive Family Dentistry

Family dentistry can help set the right example for your kids through preventative dental care. At the dental office, your child may learn about good dental practices as well as their importance in keeping a healthy smile. They can get tips on daily oral care, the right diet, toothpaste selection, and other vital concerns. You can also teach your kid the importance of regular dental check-ups. You can also get awesome recommendations for qualified orthodontists if your child will need teeth realignment treatments.

4. Emergency Dental Services

Family dentists are more than willing to accommodate late appointments for their patients. Tooth pain or accidents are medical emergencies that necessitate an urgent visit to the dentist. You can access immediate attention to your child’s broken tooth or your festering dental infection.

5. All-Round Dental Care

You can also enjoy a wider range of dental services, treating all sorts of teeth problems. Family dentists offer regular dental exams, teeth cleaning, dental fillings, and more. You can also get dental implants for your missing or decaying teeth. Modern dental implants have been in use for over three decades and offer the strongest and most natural alternative to missing teeth. Your family can enjoy healthier teeth and gums through the services provided by your family dentist. A family dentist will also be more proactive and is likely to notice any dental health issues before they escalate.

Get the Right Dentist Today

Family dentistry makes it convenient for your whole family to access the dental care that they need with an individualized care plan for each member. Set your family to proper dental care through the family dentists at Lowell Dental Arts. Call us to schedule an appointment for you and your kids.

Proper oral hygiene is a vital part of your child’s overall health and wellness. Part of your parental responsibilities is to ensure that your children adopt the right dental care practices as early as possible. It may also involve taking them to the children’s dentists every six months for teeth inspection and cleaning.

When Should You Schedule Your First Visit to the Kid’s Dentist?

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend scheduling your first appointment after the first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. Sadly, over 75% of parents decide to skip this vital milestone for their children. Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Tooth decay in primary teeth may result in a higher risk of decay in adult teeth, which can harm your child’s overall health.

The Importance of Dentistry for Children

Over 40% of kids develop dental cavities before joining kindergarten. This startling statistic shows the consequences of neglecting dental care and its effects on innocent children. A study conducted by the Center for Health and Healthcare in Schools also showed that kids lose over 51 million school hours annually due to a dental-related illness.

Taking your child to a dentist is one way to ensure that they receive the right dental care. Here are three advantages of visiting a family dentist with your child:

1. Introduction to Proper Dental Care Practices

Good oral hygiene habits are developed right from infancy. Bringing your child along with you as you visit your family dentist may help instill positive dental care habits in them. Your child will grow up understanding the importance of good dental hygiene and may stick with these lessons even as an adult. They can learn how to brush and floss their teeth properly. The twice annual dental office visits may become a routine for them.

2. Prevent Tooth Decay

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 42% of children between 2 and 11 had decayed primary teeth. Dental caries is the most common chronic illness affecting kids, ahead of diabetes and asthma. Teeth decay can cause tooth loss or gum disease later in their adult life. A trip to the dental office can help create a prevention plan for your child by establishing proper oral care habits. You can learn how to clean your infant’s teeth to keep the mouth healthy. The routine tooth-cleaning exercises every six months may help prevent plaque build-up.

3. Access to Professional Advice About Dental Care

Dental care provides dentists with a chance to advise you on how best to protect your child’s teeth. The dentist can gently examine your kid’s teeth for any decay or dental problems. Your child may also receive a tooth-cleaning that can help eradicate the plaque and tartar build-up. Besides, you can learn more about the right diet for healthy gums and teeth. The family dentist may also help you break bad oral habits in your child, such as thumb sucking.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Good oral health practices are vital for keeping your child healthy. A trip to the dentist can help provide the dental care that they need to have strong teeth and gums. If you are searching for a dentist’s office for your kid in Lowell, MA, call Lowell Dental Arts today!