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Children require regular dental care as much as any other type of healthcare, even when they are very young. The Canadian Dental Association recommends that all children visit a dentist before their first birthday and receive regular dental checkups every six months afterwards.

However, finding a family dentist in Mississauga is not always an easy task. You must choose a dentist that is able to provide reliable, convenient care for both the children and adults in your family. This guide will identify what to look for at a family dentist and offer tips to find the right one for you.

How Is a Family Dentist Different from a General Dentist?

While general dentists provide dental care primarily to adults, family dentists regularly serve patients of all ages at their practice. This means that they understand the unique needs of child patients and know how to offer care in a way they are receptive to. They are generally more patient with fussing and squirming and are good at coaxing reluctant children to sit through their dental appointments.

There are other benefits to choosing a good family dentist as well. You and your children can attend appointments at the same time, and over time, the dentist will become familiar with the dental needs and habits of each member of your family. For instance, if your child frequently snacks on sugary treats, crackers, or even fruits, your family dentist may recommend that they brush their teeth an extra time each day. They may offer the same advice if they discover that your child’s teeth are prone to decay even with a good diet. Recommendations like these are tailored to each family member’s unique dental profile and will help to set them up for a lifetime of good dental habits.

How to Find the Best Family Dentist for You

The services of a good family dentist can be invaluable, so take the time to choose yours carefully. The following tips will help you to decide which family dentist in Mississauga is the best choice for you.

Choose a Convenient Location

The best family dentist is one that you will visit often. As such, location is the first thing you should look for when seeking a new dental office. You should make an appointment at least once every six months, so consider how far you are willing to travel and look for a clinic within that area. If you do not drive, look for dental offices that are close to a bus route.

Look for a Flexible Practice

You will likely want to book your children’s dental appointments around the school day to avoid taking time off. See what options the clinic offers for evenings, weekends, holiday breaks, and before the back-to-school season. Get an idea of how fast these appointment slots typically fill so you know if you need to book in advance. Many family dentists are very flexible with appointments and will work with you to secure a convenient time.

Opt for Comprehensive Care

When it comes to specialized care such as root canals and wisdom tooth extractions, many dentists refer their patients to other dental offices. While this practice is intended to ensure that patients receive the best possible care, it is not always ideal in the context of family dentistry. Children can become nervous or uncooperative when dealing with a dentist or environment they are not familiar with. Choosing a dental office that offers comprehensive care for all situations means that you and your children will always be able to receive treatment from a dentist you trust.

Ask About Emergency Care Options

It is no secret that children are accident-prone, and one of those accidents may affect their mouth or teeth. Your family dentist should have good emergency care available and have a plan for situations that occur outside of their typical business hours. Getting this information in advance ensures that you never have to worry about where to seek critical dental care for your children when they need it most.

Inquire About Dental Services for Kids

A good family dentist understands that their young patients need a welcoming environment to develop positive feelings about their dental visits. They will often keep items like toys, books, movies, and colouring supplies in their waiting room to help distract children before their appointments. The dentist and their staff will always speak kindly, respectfully, and in a way that is easy for your child to understand. Some family dentists may even offer additional child-focused services, such as dental education sessions about tooth-brushing techniques and tooth-healthy diets.

Look for Transparency

You have the right to make informed decisions about oral health for you and your children. A good family dentist will not dictate the type of dental care you and your children will receive. Instead, they will explain any problems that they see during your checkups and provide options to address those issues. The final choice regarding what to do should always be yours to make.

Read Some Reviews

Like any business, dental offices often have reviews available online. These testimonials are left by actual patients and can help you get a better idea of what to expect if you become a patient. Family dentists with a high overall rating on platforms like Google Reviews are likely to provide you and your children with quality care.

Collect Personal References

As a parent, you likely have friends or family members who also have children. Asking these people which family dentist they visit can help you narrow down your list of candidates. This way, you know that you are choosing a dentist who has offered quality care to people you know and trust.

Make a Phone Call

Online research can tell you a lot about a family dental office, but there are some things you will only be able to learn by asking staff members directly. Consider making a quick call to some of the family dentists on your shortlist. You can take this opportunity to ask about their hours of operations, their policies, the types of treatment they offer, and more.

Schedule an Office Visit

In the end, there is no better way to evaluate a dental office than to visit it yourself. Most dental offices will be happy to let you visit the facility and talk to some of their staff members. You may also be able to take a tour of the premises. What you see and hear on this trip can help you confirm whether the dentist in question is the best choice for you and your family.

Book an Appointment with Our Family Dentist Today!

Trillium Smile Dentistry is committed to giving patients of all ages the top-quality dental care they rely on. Over the years, we have helped countless individuals to improve their oral health, setting them up to maintain healthy smiles for the rest of their lives.

We are the best dental clinic in Mississauga for individuals of any age, and we would love to add you and your family to our roster of happy patients. Contact us at 905-828-9894 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment today.