Finding the right dentist is important for your whole family.

As a parent, you spend a lot of time looking for just the right doctor or pediatrician for your child. It’s not something you want to leave up to chance, right? You want someone with a friendly chairside manner who knows how to work with kids and their unique personalities, especially when they have the wiggles. 

The way we see it, it’s not that different when looking for a family dentist. Of course, you want a dentist who is great with kids, especially those two and up. But when you need to visit every six months, the last thing you want is to be racing across town to different dentists for each member of the family. That’s why finding the right Williamsville family dentist is so important. In this article, we’ll tell you how to do just that.

Good Dental Hygiene and Regular Visits to Your Family Dentist

Just as it is with our health, caring for our teeth and gums is a multiphased approach. There’s the oral care you do at home to keep those smiles happy and healthy. And then there is that visit to the dentist, every six months, for some extra love and attention for those pearly whites. To make those visits simpler, we’ve got some recommendations for you.

• Brush twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes each time. Set a timer on your mobile device to make sure you are brushing long enough. For kids, play them a toothbrushing song like this one from KLT Wild.
• Floss daily: Flossing helps remove plaque, food remnants, and particles from between your teeth and under the gumline. Trust us, there are areas your toothbrush just can’t reach. Not sure how to floss correctly? Check out this video with instructions from the American Dental Association.
• Use mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Eat a balanced diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Replace your toothbrush: Change your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
• Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause gum disease and oral cancer.

5 key factors to look for in a family dentist.

Now that you know what to do at home to protect your teeth and gums, let’s talk about what to look for in a family dentist. The keyword here, of course, is family. The purpose of finding a Williamsville family dentist is so that you don’t have to go to multiple dentists all over the place to see just one person in the family. A family dentist such as Dr. Kathleen Balthasar, DDS, can do it all.

That said, here is what to look for:

1. Convenient Payment Options

It might surprise you that this is at the top of our list, but finding an affordable dentist in Williamsville should be a priority. An article published by Nasdaq suggests that 92% of patients would actually delay their dental care because of costs. But doing so can have a dire effect on not just your oral health, but your overall health, too.

That’s why you should look for a dentist that not only accepts dental insurance, but cash, checks, and credit cards, as well.

2. Strong Patient Focus

When you go to the dentist, you don’t want to feel like you’re just a number. You want a dental team that cares about you as a person and that makes you feel at home. What does that look like? It means a warm, welcoming environment where the staff knows your name, listens to your concerns, and prioritizes your comfort. 

A family dentist who takes the time to explain procedures and options clearly can make all the difference in your overall experience and satisfaction.

3. Expert Care and Personalized Treatment

You don’t want to feel like your dentist is working an assembly line, either. You want them to pay attention to your unique needs and circumstances. This means creating personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific dental health, lifestyle, and preferences. 

An expert family dentist will take the time to thoroughly evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and provide recommendations that suit your individual situation.

4. Emphasis on Patient Education

Remember that list we shared above? The one with all the recommendations on how to care for our teeth and gums at home? Well, the fact is that no matter how hard we try to get it all right, we can often do it better. That’s why you want a dentist and dental team that teaches you how to care for your smile. From brushing and flossing to understanding tooth-friendly foods, your dentist can help you grow your knowledge base.

Here are some examples of the kind of education a great family dentist provides: 

• Proper brushing technique: Guidance on how to brush effectively to remove plaque and prevent cavities
• Flossing instruction: Demonstrate the best way to floss to ensure you’re properly cleaning between your teeth. Flossing is tricky—most of us can use some extra training now and again.
• Diet and nutrition tips: Advice on foods that promote healthy teeth and gums and what to avoid
• Preventive care tips: Information on how to prevent common dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease
• Oral health for kids: Special instructions on how to care for children’s teeth as they grow and develop
• Managing dental anxiety: Tips and techniques to help you and your family feel more comfortable during dental visits

5. Comprehensive Care for the Whole Family

As we said before, you want to find a dentist who provides general dentistry services for the entire family. Comprehensive dental care typically includes routine cleanings, thorough evaluations, preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride applications, and restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and bridges. 

Additionally, a good family dentist should offer emergency dental care—or let you know where to go outside of office hours—and education on maintaining oral health. This ensures that every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, receives the necessary care to keep their smiles healthy and bright.

Ready to find the best family dentist in Williamsville, New York?

If you are looking for the best family dentist in Williamsville, you’ve come to the right place. At Kathleen Balthasar DDS, we prioritize comprehensive dental care for you and your family. If you are looking for a new dental home, we encourage you to request an appointment with us today for a new patient consultation.