How many dentists does your family see? If it's more than one, you may be spending too much time traveling to appointments. Our Bethesda, MD, family dentist, Dr. John Kelly, explains why it makes more sense for everyone in your household to visit one dentist.

Scheduling a group appointment means fewer hours in the car

Do you spend more time on the road than you'd like? You're not alone. Americans spend more than 290 hours a year in their cars, according a survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Finding ways to reduce your travel time, such as consolidating errands into one trip, can decrease gas mileage and wear and tear on your car and even lower your stress level. When you choose one dentist for your family's dental needs, you'll no longer have to make multiple trips to ensure your family receives the care it needs.

Kids are welcome at family dentists

You don't become a family dentist or work at a family dental practice if you don't like kids. Dental offices can seem like scary places to young children, no matter how often you reassure them. Friendly, compassionate dentists can make the experience much more pleasant and help ensure that your child doesn't dread dental visits.

Regular visits to a family dentist help you ensure that your child receives prompt treatment should any dental issues arise. Family dentists not only treat tooth decay and apply sealants to prevent cavities, but carefully evaluate your child's dental health to ensure that his or her jaw, mouth and teeth are developing normally.

Family dentists make treatments comfortable for the entire family

Your comfort is paramount when you visit a family dentist. At our Bethesda office, we now use the Wand to fill cavities or perform other dental procedures. Normally, when you receive a lidocaine injection, one side of your mouth becomes numb. The Wand makes it possible to limit numbness to a single tooth. You'll also experience less pain when the anesthetic is injected into your gum and will spend less time in the dental chair because the anesthetic takes effect immediately.

Protect your family's health with regular dental visits. Call our Bethesda, MD, family dentist, Dr. Kelly, at (301) 657-3220 to schedule your appointments.