Qualities to Look for in a Family Dentist by James Sheldon

A growing number of Americans are coming to understand that good oral health is highly conducive to overall wellbeing. Seemingly inconsequential oral afflictions like cavities and gum rot can be serious – even fatal – if not addressed in a timely manner. Furthermore, with oral cancer rates at all-time highs, getting yourself and your children to a dentist every six months is now more important than ever. Although many people have a tendency to put off dental visits – or skip them altogether – such behavior can have disastrous consequences. That being the case, a highly-rated family dentist should be high atop your list of medical contacts.

When scouring local business directories for the right dental practice, there are a number of factors you’ll need to consider. Regardless of where you’re based, odds are there’s no shortage of dentists. However, there’s a world of difference between a standard practice and one that consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty for its clients. Since your family’s oral health is too important to entrust to someone who’s prone to misdiagnosing and cutting corners, make sure to do your homework before coming to a decision. Keeping an eye out for the following qualities when comparing local dentists will ultimately help you make the right pick.

Thorough Cleanings and Examinations

Many dentists and hygienists at bustling practices have an unfortunate habit of rushing through standard cleanings. Since they have so many patients to get through, most clients won’t receive much in the way of special attention unless something is very obviously amiss. While efficient, this approach to dentistry leaves a lot of room for error and oversight. A hurried hygienist is liable to leave a patient’s gums rife with cuts and scrapes, while a distracted dentist may breeze through an examination and/or fail to give certain x-rays the attention they deserve. With this in mind, look for practices like Brooklyn’s Park Slope Dentistry. At PSD, each patient receives a thorough examination, has all their questions expertly addressed and is never made to feel rushed.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is now responsible for more annual deaths than melanoma. However, like many cancers, it’s very treatable if caught in its earliest stages. Although smoking and using other tobacco-based products increases one’s risk of developing this cancer, some oral cancer sufferers have no notable risk factors. In the fight against oral cancer, a good dentist can be an invaluable ally. At each checkup, your dentist should thoroughly examine your gums and cheek line for lumps, sores and abscesses and order x-rays and biopsies as needed. A dentist that understands the threat of oral cancer can prove tremendously helpful in preventing and combating this disease.

Flexible Scheduling

No one has a busier schedule than a parent – particularly a parent of multiple children. That being the case, a dental practice that offers flexible scheduling can be a huge help to perpetually busy parents. A dentist who’s willing to see you and your children at times that are convenient to you – not him – is the very definition of a keeper. The right dentist will understand how packed your schedule is and do whatever he can to work around it.

Your family’s oral health is not something that should be taken lightly. Selecting the right dental practice will go a long way in keeping your children’s teeth, gums and mouths clean and healthy for the foreseeable future. To this end, limit your choices to practices that are meticulously thorough, provide detailed oral cancer screenings and offer flexible scheduling.

About the Author: James Sheldon is a New York City-based graphic designer and part-time musician. Whenever he needs his teeth cleaned or has any concerns about his oral health, he places a call to Park Slope Dentistry. With first-rate customer service, fantastic pricing and an unbeatable level of care, PSD is James’ go-to practice for all things dental.

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