dentist in tulsa ok

The Importance of Family Dentistry

It’s surprisingly common to think that primary teeth don’t need to be taken care of as much as permanent teeth because they’re temporary. But that’s definitely not true. Family dentistry is essential to creating good oral health habits for children. Dr. Frank Henrich of Henrich Dental, a dentist in Tulsa, OK, describes the importance of family dentistry.

What is Family Dentistry?

General dentistry is usually focused on taking care of adult patients. Pediatric dentistry focuses on child patients. But family dentistry takes care of every generation of your family. This includes children, the elderly, and every patient in between. Your entire family can get their dental care all in one place, making it a convenient option for many.

Age-Specific Dentistry

There are specific dental conditions and procedures that correspond to certain age groups. For a child, tooth decay is a big issue. Dental sealants can provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay in particularly hard to reach areas of the teeth. For seniors, the chance of losing teeth increases. Dentures, dental implants, and other solutions are provided for any missing or damaged teeth.

Starting Good Habits Early

Getting children to develop good oral health habits from an early age is extremely beneficial for their oral health in the future. First, we offer patient education to show both parents and children the best ways to brush and floss a smaller mouth. We can also help children realize that what they eat impacts the health of their teeth.

If children are used to going to the dentist from a young age, it also helps them to avoid dental anxiety in the future. One of the benefits of family dentistry is that you’re able to sit with your child for moral support as they go through their appointment. They can also watch yours as well so that they know they have nothing to be scared of. If visiting the dentist is made a habit when they’re young, it’s easy to continue as they age.

Catching Issues Sooner

This is true with any age group but particularly important for children that have mouths that are still changing and developing. When you’re going to the dentist regularly, we can see if any changes have occurred since your last appointment. Using diagnostic tools like x-rays, as well as our expertise, we often can catch a problem earlier than you could on your own.

Whether it’s a bite problem that requires orthodontics or wear on your teeth due to bruxism, it’s always easier to treat when we find it sooner rather than later. If you’re visiting us at regular intervals, we’re much more likely to diagnose things as early as possible.