What Your Family Dentist Wants You To Know

When you have a family dentist who cares for your entire brood, you have to understand what your dentist expects from your entire family to remain healthy and have great oral health for years to come. There are things your dentist wishes you'd do or really wants you to keep up on, and here are just some of them. 

Flossing, even for your babies

If you have very young children who only have a few teeth or who haven't had their first tooth cut all the way yet, you still have to floss their teeth. Your family dentist wants you to keep your kids on top of their oral health and will be very pleased if you continue making sure that your family flosses regularly, at least once a day (some dentists want their patients to floss twice a day).

Fluoride treatments are beneficial

Whether you agree that fluoride is the best solution for your children's oral health or not, your family dentist wants you to continue getting these treatments for your kids. Fluoride is essential for keeping cavities and dental decay at bay and can be one of the best ways to ensure your children continue to have healthy gums and teeth.

Your water supply may have trace amounts of fluoride in it, and fluoride may be present in your family's toothpaste. If you are worried about your kids getting cavities all the time or you have poor oral health or a history of cavities yourself, then you need to make sure your family dentist knows how often you utilize fluoride in your home so they can make recommendations as needed.

Mouthwash is not an alternative to brushing your teeth

While it's super easy to let your kids swish their mouths with their favorite bubblegum-flavored mouthwash, it's not the only solution to their oral health they should be using. Your kids will benefit more from a toothbrush and mouthwash regimen, although including using mouthwash in their normal routine isn't a bad thing. Your kids should be brushing at least twice a day, morning and night, and using mouthwash at a time of day that works out best for you.

Your family dentist wants to make sure you and your family always have healthy teeth. Your family dentist will work with you to help you get the best oral health care and will allow you to have the best results in your care overall. In the end, your family's dental care needs can be met largely at home with the right guidance from your family dentist.

Contact a local family dentist to learn more.