It’s that time of the year again! Time for your families’ bi-annual checkup and cleaning. When you look at the calendar to get everyone scheduled you realize that the month ahead is even more jam-packed than usual. You’re honestly not quite sure how you’ll manage to get the kids to their pediatric dentist and then find time to go yourself. It would be one less trip across town if you could just schedule everyone together.
If this scenario sounds familiar, not to worry! We’ll talk about why you don’t have to choose between convenience and great dental care for your kids and will also review some hygiene tips for children. You’ll be glad to know that it’s easier than you realized to find a great fit for everyone in the family – all under the same roof.
The Convenience of a Family Dentist
If you’ve been taking your child to a pediatric dental office, you know that they’re set up to be fun and inviting for kids. But you may not realize that you can find a dentist that will still be comfortable for them – and accommodate you at the same time.
A well-qualified family dentist will have many ways of making your child feel at ease in the dental chair. They’ll be equally suited for both children and adults and you’ll save time and money by not driving to a separate specialist’s office.
If you’d like to make the switch to a family dentist but want to make sure your children feel comfortable first, you can start by bringing them with you to your appointment before it’s time for theirs.
That way they can get a feel for the environment, pick a toy from the “treasure chest,” and get acquainted with the dentist. After they’ve been introduced to the office, you can simply schedule everyone together from then on out.
Hygiene Tips for Children
Here are some great ideas to help your kids establish good hygiene habits for life:
- Use the right tools – In addition to tools like children’s electric toothbrushes and kids’ flossers, there are some great apps available that make good brushing habits fun.
- Help out with brushing and flossing – You want to balance helping your child with encouraging independence. Check in periodically and help them with their technique as necessary.
- Ask about fluoride – If there isn’t fluoride in your water supply, your dentist can prescribe a fluoride supplement to help the developing teeth come in stronger. Topical treatments at checkup visits are helpful for preventing cavities in the existing teeth.
- Think about sealants – Even with good brushing and flossing, the back teeth (molars) have tiny pits and grooves that collect cavity-causing bacteria that are impossible to reach. Sealants cover these areas and prevent cavities.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Wehrkamp and Dr. Jeff Wehrkamp are family dentists who are dedicated to providing both adults and children with outstanding dental care. Both fathers themselves, they understand the importance of finding top-notch, convenient care when it comes to your family. If you have any questions, they can be contacted via their website or at (605) 582-6522.