Family Dentistry

What is family dentistry?

When a dentist practices family dentistry, it means that they’re specially suited to treating the unique dental needs of children and everyone else in your family, regardless of age. As a family dentist, Dr. Rhoads is committed to providing children and adults of all ages with a safe and welcoming environment to begin their journey to better dental care.

Why is it important for children to see a family dentist?

A child’s first dentist has perhaps the greatest impact on a child’s oral health habits at a young age. Learning to brush properly and understanding the importance of good dental habits at a young age puts your children on the right path from day one, and home care is the most effective preventive care there is. Picking a dentist your child can trust and feel comfortable with can make all the difference in how they view going to the dentist and can help them avoid developing dental anxiety.

It’s also important that children get regular checkups to keep their teeth in good shape, as their changing mouths offer different challenges than those adults face. In addition to the general health of your teeth and oral tissues, a family dentist will be able to identify signs that your child may need orthodontic correction as soon as they begin developing.

Why should adults see a family dentist?

Even if you’re not a child yourself, a family dentist can have a lot of advantages. For one, seeing a family dentist streamlines and simplifies scheduling dental appointments; many families choose to schedule their dental appointments all at once, around the same time.

Patients without children still often prefer family dentists, due to a more relaxed atmosphere and understanding staff. Family practices like Smiles by the Lake are staffed with dentists and hygienists who hone their ability to create a calm and comfortable environment for dental care by working with children. Adults can also benefit from the greater focus that family dentists put on preventive care and reinforcing good oral health habits.

If you or your family are looking for an experienced and compassionate dentist, call Smiles by the Lake today or make an appointment online.