Dental care is a family effort, and you can’t ensure everyone enjoys a healthy smile without visiting the dentist. Both children and adults should know the essentials of oral care and establish a working relationship with a dentist. Whether you’re the parents of a newborn or have children of various ages, keep the following in mind.

Why Families Need Regular Dental Exams

1. Understanding Early Childhood Care

Most children can’t manage their own teeth until they’re 3 years old. Parents will need to help brush and floss until then. Dental care begins when a baby’s first tooth erupts, so see a dentist to learn about proper care. They can advise on what products to use, how to establish habits in children, and ways to improve their oral health going forward.

2. Establishing a Long-Term Relationship

A dentist will help with every phase of your child’s life, and you’ll want to establish a relationship early on. They’ll get to know their mouth as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth erupt. When they hit their teenage years, they can advise on braces, mouthguards, and retainers to ensure optimal oral health.

3. Managing Dental Phobias

The best way to prevent dental phobias is to get your child comfortable with the dentist early on. Schedule teeth cleanings as advised and be consistent, scheduling visits twice a year for the whole family. You and your children will become more comfortable with the dentist, and phobias—which often create roadblocks in dental care—will gradually dissolve.

If you’re looking for a family dentist in the Manchester, CT, area, turn to Tris J. Carta DMD, MAGD. Dr. Carta offers several services, including children’s dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, and takes every step to build relationships with patients. You can explore a full scope of services online and call (860) 646-2251 to schedule a teeth cleaning.