Blog, Dental Topics 2, Kids Dentistry
It is vital for parents to understand not to wait until an oral health problem arises to begin dental treatment for their kids. Parents should be aware that in order for children to have the best chance for healthy teeth and gums throughout life, preventive dentistry is one of the keys.
Good oral care should begin when your child is an infant. As soon as babies start drinking milk, sugars can attack the gums even though there aren’t any teeth yet. To avoid damage, clean your child’s gums by gently rubbing them with a damp soft cloth. Around age one, schedule your child’s first appointment with the dentist. The examination will include looking for any issues, teaching home care, and allowing your child to become accustomed to a dentist setting.
As you child grows, dentists and parents can partner together to teach preventive dentistry habits to children. Dentists can show parents the ideal ways to guide children in proper brushing and flossing, and parents can ensure that the methods are carried out consistently at home. You and your dentist may decide together as your child grows whether to opt for dental sealants to help protect your child’s teeth from potential decay and cavities.
Another aspect of good oral health that parents should be involved in is providing nutritious foods for their children. Your dentist can educate your family on the best foods for your teeth and gums, as well as the foods and drinks to avoid. Some items are known to contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and staining. Teaching your child to make healthy diet choices will promote a healthy mouth.
Preventative dentistry both at home and in your dentist’s office will make your child feel confident about oral care and become comfortable with the dentist. If the time comes for more extensive services, your child will likely trust the dentist and have less apprehension about the dental visit. Good preventive care, however, helps avoid problems and your child will be less likely to encounter major problems requiring painful procedures and lots of time in the dental chair.
If you need a dentist in Gaithersburg contact us today
Blog, Dental Topics 2, Kids Dentistry
Your teeth and gums are physical assets that you want to keep healthy your whole life, and the best way to do that is to take care of them. Proper dental care needs to begin at a young age so that good habits are established for life. It is a parent’s role to teach children proper hygiene, and to ensure they get professional treatment. Here are some ways that you can help your child learn good dental habits.
Supervise brushing:
Parents should watch children brush their teeth, especially for ages seven and under, to ensure the appropriate amount of toothpaste is used and that none is swallowed. Have your child brush for about two minutes, and make sure all areas of the teeth and gums are cleaned. Provide tips and help as needed.
Establish good eating habits:
Teach your child that diet impacts oral health. Some foods worsen plaque buildup and introduce damaging acid into the mouth, leading to increased tooth decay and higher risk for cavities and gum disease. Certain foods and drinks are also known to stain teeth, or cause bad breath.
Promote water consumption:
Drinking water not only is good for your overall health, it’s also helpful to your mouth. Encourage your child to drink water after eating, especially if it’s not possible to brush teeth right away. Also, fluoridated water is proven to help fight cavities.
Visit the dentist:
Begin taking your child to the dentist around age one, so that the child gets good dental care and learns that dental visits aren’t scary. Have a positive attitude about checkups, and consider taking your child to a pediatric dentist who specializes in children’s oral health.
Be a role model:
As the saying goes, practice what you preach. Set a good example of brushing at least twice daily, flossing every day, limiting your intake of staining foods and drinks, and visiting your dentist regularly.
If you live in the Gaithersburg area contact us today
Blog, Dental Topics 2, Family Dentistry
Experts recommend that each member of your family see a dentist every six months for ideal oral health. One of the most convenient ways to accomplish this is to establish a relationship with a qualified family dentist. This type of dentist sees patients of all ages and oral conditions, so that you can all get the dental care you need in one place.
Dental checkups are usually considered to be rather routine. During the visit, you generally will have your entire mouth examined, X-rays taken if recommended, and professional teeth cleaning performed. Evaluations will be made for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or any other issues that might be of concern. You can expect all of these typical treatments from your family dentist.
Another important part of your dental visit is to discuss your oral condition as well as your overall health with the dentist. If you are the parent of a young child, you will need to voice any issues with the dentist that your child may have. Some of the topics to discuss with your dentist include changes you’ve noticed in your oral condition, pain or other problems you are experiencing, medications that you are taking, and any other health problems that are present. Your oral health and your general health can be linked in many ways, so it’s important to be open and thorough in your discussions with your family dentist.
Family dentists are experienced in handling all kinds of patients and their concerns. Dental anxiety or phobia is one example, since it’s not uncommon for patients to be nervous about the dentist. Young children are especially susceptible to this concern, but family dentists are well-versed in treating them. Senior patients bring their own unique set of issues, and family dentists are able to successfully treat this age group as well. Family dentists are also able to make recommendations for other types of specialists as needed, such as orthodontists, endodontists, or oral surgeons. The goal is good oral health care for every member of your family, and that is what family dentists are trained and experienced in providing.
We treat patients from Gaithersburg and the surrounding area
Blog, Dental Topics 2, Root Canal Treatment
Pain, sensitivity, and trouble eating or sleeping are only a few of the uncomfortable symptoms of a damaged tooth. Sometimes the inside portion of a tooth, or its pulp, becomes so damaged that action must be taken. It could come in the form of extracting the tooth or it might be able to be saved through root canal treatment.
Virtually every dentist recommends root canal therapy over tooth extraction. It’s almost always better to save your natural tooth. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a hole in your smile and the problems that accompany it.
A tooth can be damaged for a variety of reasons such as severe decay, trauma, or deep cavities. The damaged pulp contains nerves, which is one reason that many patients experience severe pain. Although dental fillings can remedy some cavities or decay, when the situation advances to the extent of harming the tooth pulp, fillings are not enough. Root canal treatment is usually the best way to repair the tooth without having to pull it.
A root canal procedure involves drilling into the tooth so that the pulp can be completely removed and the canal thoroughly cleaned. Then the area is filled with special material and sealed to prevent future damage. Often, a dental crown is placed on top of the restored tooth to provide added protection. This process alleviates any symptoms and give you back your fully functional, natural tooth.
If you were to opt for tooth extraction instead of root canal treatment, you’d be choosing a more invasive approach. The procedure can be intrusive, time consuming and costly. Recovery from tooth extraction can be uncomfortable and take longer than root canal therapy. Careful oral hygiene is necessary after extraction to avoid infection or complications. You’ll also be left with an unappealing hole in your smile that can make eating and speaking more difficult, and your other teeth will likely start moving into that empty space.
To determine the best treatment for you, consult a reputable dentist. You’ll learn about the options and how root canal therapy may be the best choice in restoring your oral health and your smile.
If you need a dentist in Gaithersburg contact us today
Blog, Dental Topics 2, Invisalign
Invisalign Teen is a revolutionary way to straighten your adolescent’s teeth without the hassle of traditional metal braces. Invisalign utilizes a system of clear, removable aligner trays that are custom fit to your teen. The aligners are worn over the teeth and changed for a new set every two weeks. Over time, your teen’s teeth move into place, resulting in a beautiful, straight smile. If you are considering Invisalign Teen, make sure you learn the facts.
- With proper use, Invisalign is capable of treating mild to more extreme orthodontic problems. This includes underbite, overbite, gaps, and excessive crowding.
- Because they are removable, Invisalign allows your teen the flexibility to play sports without worrying about damaging the appliance. Musicians are also able to play their instruments without wires and brackets getting in the way.
- Your teen can continue to enjoy favorite foods with Invisalign, unlike traditional braces that come with a long list of foods that should be avoided.
- Invisalign aligners are easily removed for cleaning and tooth brushing and flossing.
- The normal treatment time is approximately the same or less as with metal braces, but will depend largely on the condition of your teen’s teeth.
- For optimal results in the least amount of time, it is recommended that your teen wears the Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours per day. Invisalign Teen has a built-in indicator that alerts your orthodontist if the aligners are being worn the minimum about of time required.
- Your teen will enjoy less time at the orthodontist’s office with Invisalign. Traditional braces require routine adjustment and also often have broken brackets and wires that need repair. With Invisalign, your teen only needs an office visit every 4-6 weeks.
- Most adolescents who need orthodontics are candidates for treatment with Invisalign. Your teen should be evaluated by an orthodontist who is a qualified Invisalign provider.
Contact your orthodontist to find out if treatment with Invisalign Teen is offered so your child can start enjoying the benefits of a perfect new smile.
If you need a dentist in Gaithersburg contact us today
Blog, Dental Topics 2, Dentures
Dentures have improved dramatically over the past several years. Whether it’s your first set of dentures or your fifth set, you probably have questions. Below are some commonly asked questions and answers about dentures:
- Will dentures change how I look? Today’s dentures are personalized to your mouth, making their appearance more natural than ever. Dentures also support your cheeks and lips, making you look years younger.
- Will dentures change how I feel? After a period of adjustment, dentures should make you feel more confident than ever.
- Will dentures alter my speech? While speaking may be difficult initially, with practice, your speech should quickly return to normal. Practicing reading and counting out loud will help to speed up the adjustment.
- Will dentures affect how I eat? Eating may take some practice, and you should start with a soft food diet while you adjust to the differences between eating with your natural teeth and dentures. Take small bites and try to chew on both sides of your mouth at the same time. Avoid hard, crunchy or chewy foods that can damage your dentures.
- How do I care for my dentures? Clean dentures daily, brushing immediately after every meal if possible. Use a soft brush and gentle cleanser, taking care to avoid hard abrasives. Be careful when they are out of your mouth not to drop them or clean them on hard surfaces.
- Once I have dentures, will I still need to see the dentist? Regular dental examinations and professional denture cleanings are vital to maintaining your oral health. Have your dentist periodically check the fit of your dentures to ensure they are comfortable and last for as long as possible.
- When will I need to replace my dentures? With care, dentures typically last 5-10 years. Because your mouth continues to change shape as you age and denture teeth wear down, you should have them checked yearly to avoid any significant problems.
Consult with your dental professional about any additional questions or concerns you may have about your future with dentures and your potential for a bright, new smile.
Our dental office is located in Gaithersburg
