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The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups for the Whole Family

Posted by Dr. Julie Boudreault On 12-07-2023

Dental check-ups are important for the whole family. Whether the patient still has their baby teeth or a full set of pearly whites, regular trips to the dentist are absolutely essential.

These appointments provide an opportunity to monitor tooth development in children, perform deep cleanings, screen for diseases, and implement orthodontic treatment for crooked or misaligned teeth. Professional dental care is also preventative. Regular dental check-ups help prevent tooth decay, tooth loss, disease, and discomfort.

To learn more about why regular visits to the dentist are so crucial for the whole family, keep reading the blog ahead.

The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups for Children

Everyone in your family, regardless of age, should be visiting the dentist every six months. However, regular dental check-ups are especially important for children. Here’s why:

1. Ensures healthy development of children’s teeth

Just as your child is still getting taller, their mouth is also developing. Therefore, it is essential that a professional dentist monitors the development of their mouth and teeth.

Baby teeth may be temporary; however, they require just as much care as their permanent teeth. This is because the health of your child’s baby teeth directly impacts that of their adult teeth. When their baby teeth are healthy, adult teeth are more likely to come in healthier, straighter, and without orthodontic issues.

During your child’s regular check-ups at a family dental clinic in Milton, their teeth are examined for signs of crowding, misalignment, and tooth decay.

2. Children are more prone to cavities

Children are more likely to have tooth decay, making those regular dental check-ups all the more important. Generally, children consume far more sugary treats and foods than adults. This can then lead to the hasty development of cavities. 

Additionally, children lack the rigorous oral health habits of grown-ups since they are still learning how to best care for their teeth. They’re more likely to miss plaque and tartar, which builds up over time.

Fortunately, your family dentist performs a thorough, professional cleaning at every regular check-up. Plaque and tartar deposits are removed, thus reducing the likelihood of tooth decay.

3. They may need orthodontic treatment 

Children’s teeth are still growing, moving, falling out, and emerging. Through no one’s fault, some teeth may emerge crooked or out of alignment. On the other hand, your child’s mouth may not have enough room for all of their adult teeth.

As a result, many children will require orthodontic treatment. Braces, clear aligners, and retainers gradually shift misaligned teeth into the proper positions. This ensures proper function of the mouth and a beautiful smile!

It’s best to start orthodontic treatment as early as possible. Your family dentist will check to see if orthodontic treatment is required during your child’s regular check-ups.

4. Teaches good oral health habits

Lastly, regular check-ups help to teach children the importance of good oral health from an early age. One of the responsibilities of a family dental clinic is to educate young patients on the best way to care for their mouth. These essential habits create the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.

At Milltown Dental, our entire team is dedicated to making your child’s dental experiences as positive as possible. We understand how important these appointments are for the development of their mouth, as well as for their long-term oral health.

Why Regular Dental Check-Ups Are Important for the Whole Family

1. Preventing tooth decay

Tooth decay affects everyone, not just kids! Even with proper brushing and flossing, plaque can still build up in those hard-to-reach parts of your mouth. This plaque solidifies into tartar, which is impossible to remove without a professional deep cleaning. Over time, plaque and tartar deposits often lead to cavities.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for the prevention of tooth decay. Remember, tooth decay cannot be reversed. The decayed part of the tooth must be removed and a filling put in its place. Prevention is always easier, cheaper, and more comfortable than dealing with the effects of tooth decay. Visit your dentist to have plaque and tartar removed before they become a serious problem.

2. Early detection of diseases

Disease detection is another core responsibility of family dentists. Catching oral diseases early on can make treatment easier, faster, and more effective.

During your appointment at Milltown Dental, we will check for signs of conditions like oral cancer, periodontal disease, and gingivitis. Whereas periodontal disease and gingivitis have clear signs (swelling, bleeding, and soreness of the mouth), oral cancer is impossible to detect without the help of a dentist.

Additionally, visiting your dentist twice a year is a key part of preventing many other diseases from ever developing.

3. Address oral health problems quickly

Your mouth is in danger from more than just diseases and tooth decay. Other dental issues can compromise your oral health. By visiting your dentist regularly, you can catch these problems early when treatment is easier and less invasive.

For example, bruxism or teeth clenching can have serious effects on your oral health if not addressed quickly. Many patients don’t even realize they grind their teeth at night, but your dentist can tell! Clenching can cause chips and cracks, wear down the top part of your tooth, and cause gums to recede.

Alternatively, the emergence of wisdom teeth is also problematic for many patients. Abnormally positioned wisdom teeth may only partially erupt, potentially leading to infection, abscesses, and intense pain. Your dentist will monitor the development of your wisdom teeth during your regular dental check-ups. If your wisdom teeth are coming in crooked or if your mouth lacks sufficient space, your dentist will recommend an extraction.

Milltown Dental: Your Family Dental Clinic in Milton

Milltown Dental is a top family dental clinic in Milton, Ontario. Dr. Julie Boudreault and her team are ready to address all your oral health needs, including everything from regular check-ups to more complex procedures. Our mission is to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for life. Contact us today for more information.

Looking for a family dental clinic in Milton, Ontario? To learn more about our great services, call Milltown Dental at (833) 318-3281 or contact us here.

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