Family Dentistry in Dallas TX

Family Dental Care Tips

When selecting a new dentist, there are many choices. If you have children, it adds to the pressure of choosing a dentist that can see everyone in the family. Family dentistry is very much like general dentistry but includes children and adults of all ages.

While a general dentist may only choose to see adult patients and a pediatric dentist specializes exclusively in the care of children’s dental needs, a family dentist can see everyone in the family from newborns to grandparents. We understand that tots, teens, and adults have different dental needs and concerns, and we are proud to help keep everyone’s smiles in tip-top shape through the years.

Toddlers and young children need different care from their dentist than patients in their 20’s or 70’s. It is important to bring your child in for his or her first dental exam by the first birthday. While he or she may not have many teeth yet, this early visit allows your dentist to evaluate the gums, teeth that are under the gums, and any “baby” (primary) teeth that have emerged.

Additionally, to help care for your child(ren)’s primary teeth we recommend the following:

• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle as it can lead to tooth decay
• At around six months old, switch your child to a straw or hard-spout sippy cup instead of a bottle to avoid tooth decay
• Begin gently flossing once the teeth begin to touch
• At about age two, your child should learn to spit after brushing, but avoid giving water to rinse or swish with because it increases the likelihood of swallowing toothpaste
• At age three, your child can begin brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Supervise all children under age eight while brushing because they are still likely to swallow toothpaste
• At all ages, limit sugary and sticky foods like candy and dried fruit to limit the chances for cavities to develop

While many of the recommendations remain the same as secondary teeth begin to come in, we understand that as you (and your teeth) age, different issues may develop. Even though enamel is the hardest substance in the body, problems such as cavities, cracked, and sensitive teeth are common. Additionally, gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral cancer can develop as well, which is why regularly seeing a family dentist is so crucial to your overall health.

We are happy to welcome new patients and love to help keep everyone in the family’s smiles as healthy as possible. Your health and comfort are our highest priorities, and we carefully attend to each patient, addressing any concerns you have.

If you have any questions about braces or would like to schedule an appointment to see if you need them, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (972) 290-0903.