The American Dental Association recommends two visits to the dentist office every year. Professional cleanings are a vital step in keeping your mouth healthy and free of decay. For busy families, it can be hard to make time to visit the dentist every six months when there are so many schedules to juggle. Many parents rationalize that they are brushing and flossing, so they should be good, right? Wrong. Here are some ways you can make dental health a bigger priority in your home.
Start Early and Teach Habits
The best way to get your family in the habit of dental visits is to start while the kids are young. Most dentists like to bring in kids for their first visit by the age of two. Once your kids know they should expect the trip, they don't fight as much and even sometimes look forward to it. Teaching your kids healthy dental habits starts young and sets them up on a path for great teeth.
But what if your kids are older? It is never too late to start going to the dentist. Stress the importance of the visit and set an example for the rest of the family. Once they see you making time for dental cleanings, they will too, even if it is begrudgingly at first.
Plan and Make It Fun
At the end of your visit, chances are pretty good that you will be asked if you want to set your next appointment. While no one knows for sure what they will be doing in six months, it's helpful to get it on the calendar. Most dentist offices are going to send you a reminder a few weeks in advance so that you can plan to come in. If you find that time doesn't work for you, call in and reschedule for a time that does. The whole point is to help you remember to come in and get your teeth cleaned.
The best way to make the dentist fun is to have a reward after it is done. There are many options for rewards that don't have to be sugary foods. Go out to lunch or dinner after, spend the day at the park, or take a trip to the toy store. You know your kids better than anyone, so find something that will make it exciting. And if it helps you, get yourself something too.
Remember Why It Is Important
Professional dental cleanings are so important for two reasons. The first reason is that the hygienist can scrape off all the plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. Along with brushing and flossing, this is the best way to prevent cavities, decay, and gum disease. It also gives you that deep clean feeling.
The second reason dental cleanings are important is that it prevents major problems down the road. With x-rays and visual exams, the dentist can spot potential problems before they happen, such as:
· Weak spots on a tooth
· Problems with the roots
· Small cavities
· Mouth cancer
These problems all start small but get more complicated, painful, and expensive when they grow. Bringing in the family for dental cleanings every six months helps potential problems stay small. Choosing to make your family's dental health part of your bi-annual routine can help keep you healthy for years to come.