Are you looking for a dentist that can treat your whole family? We’re here to help. At Broadway Dental, we help parents schedule time for themselves and their children to fit routine dental care into their day. Family dentistry services in our Galveston, TX, dental office can support a good at-home oral hygiene routine.
Dental care is essential for patients at any age. We recommend regular dental visits for preventative care for your child. Our office can also provide restorative, cosmetic, and general dental care treatments for adults. These treatments can help treat dental problems as you encounter changes in your teeth and gums.
At-Home Oral Hygiene for Children
Early dental care has a big impact on your child’s development. Problems like cavities and crooked teeth impact how permanent teeth grow. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can create lasting dental problems for your child.
You can clean your child’s mouth even before their teeth grow. Before the first teeth emerge, gently wipe your child’s gums with a clean cloth. This helps remove leftover food and bacteria from the mouth. Then, when the first tooth grows, use an infant toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of kid’s toothpaste.
When it’s time for your child to begin brushing and flossing on their own, make sure you supervise them. Ensure your child flosses between each tooth before brushing. Then, they should brush their teeth, gums, and tongue for about two minutes twice daily.
Family Dentistry in Galveston, TX
Bringing children to our office for routine dental cleanings and examinations is essential as teeth grow and develop. During these cleanings, we will first look for signs of cavities. Dental cavities are holes that form in the teeth from tooth decay.
Children are more likely to develop cavities because of diet and oral hygiene. Sugary foods and drinks attract decay-causing bacteria. Additionally, when children begin brushing and flossing, they may miss areas of the mouth where harmful bacteria can grow.
Proper supervision can ensure your child learns how to brush and floss properly. Additionally, regular dental cleanings help remove these bacteria. We can also provide recommendations for your child to help improve oral hygiene.
In addition, after we perform cleanings, we can recommend supplemental treatments, including sealants and fluoride treatment. These treatments strengthen teeth and help prevent cavities.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back teeth (molars). These teeth are most vulnerable to cavities and decay. Food can get stuck in the tooth grooves. The molars also help you bite and chew and are hard to clean as they are in the back of the mouth.
Molars first come in at around 5 to 7 years of age, with a second set between the ages of 11 to 14. We recommend sealants when the molars first come in for early protection.
To place a sealant, we first apply an adhesive to the teeth. Then, we place the sealant over the adhesive and paint a liquid onto the tooth.
The liquid hardens, creating a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Sealants last for about ten years. We can reapply sealants if necessary.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel. After a dental cleaning, we can evenly paint a fluoride varnish on each tooth.
After we apply the fluoride, we recommend waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This will ensure that the fluoride penetrates the tooth enamel. Fluoride treatment is safe for patients of all ages. We often recommend this treatment if your child does not get enough fluoride through treated water or toothpaste.
What are Tongue and Lip-Tie?
Tongue-tie occurs when a thin band of tissue tethers the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. Lip-tie is a similar problem. However, lip-tie occurs when a thin band of tissue connects the inside of the lips to the gums. Tongue and lip-tie can increase the risk of problems when eating or speaking.
A frenectomy can cut the band of tissue that restricts the lip and tongue. We perform this procedure with a dental laser. Laser treatment can be a more comfortable alternative to traditional oral surgery for younger patients.
The laser uses light and heat to cut the tissue gently. Tongue and lip-tie lasers are safe for younger patients. According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), lasers are safe and beneficial for pediatric dentistry.
Comfortable Dental Care
Our office ensures that patients of all ages feel welcome when they visit our office. We understand that some patients have dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist.
Young patients may feel fear because they don’t know what to expect. We encourage you to talk to your child before their first dental visit. You can also read books about the dentist or play pretend dentist with your child. This can help make the dentist’s office feel less daunting.
Our team will also gently explain dental treatment to your child. We will ask your child questions during routine cleanings to help distract them from treatment.
Caring for Your Teeth as You Age
Aging comes with many health changes, including dental health changes. Over time, you can experience increased dental problems for these reasons:
- Medications: High blood pressure medications, antihistamines, Parkinson’s disease medications, and other medicines can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when you do not produce enough saliva to wash away food and bacteria from the mouth. This problem can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Medical conditions: Problems like diabetes and heart disease can increase your risk of gum disease. Some medical conditions like arthritis can make it difficult to brush and floss. We can recommend products and provide thorough cleanings to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Tooth damage: Tooth wear is a natural problem that can develop over years of brushing and drinking acidic foods and drinks. If your tooth enamel weakens over time, you may need a professional opinion on preserving your teeth.
Professional teeth whitening, gum disease treatment, veneers, crowns, and other dental services can help renew your smile. Our office will also look for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer at regular visits. If you have reoccurring symptoms, including chronic gum infection, we may recommend you visit our office more often. We will provide preventive dental cleanings and screenings.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Family dentistry cares for the oral health of patients of all ages. Read the answers to these frequently asked patient questions to learn more.
How is family dentistry different from general dentistry?
While both family and general dentists provide similar services, family dentists specialize in treating patients of all ages. They are experienced in managing children’s dental needs and educating families on maintaining oral health, making them a convenient option for households with diverse age groups.
Why is it important to have a family dentist?
Having a family dentist fosters long-term relationships. It enables the dentist to understand your family’s dental history and tailor care accordingly. It also simplifies scheduling and ensures consistent dental care, promoting better oral health for every family member.
At what age should my child start seeing a family dentist?
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. Early visits help detect potential issues, familiarize your child with dental care, and set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits.
How often should my family visit the dentist?
Most people recommend regular dental visits every six months. However, the frequency may vary based on individual needs, such as managing gum disease or monitoring orthodontic progress. Your family dentist can provide personalized recommendations.
Can family dentists treat seniors?
Absolutely! Family dentists provide specialized care for seniors, including managing dentures, treating gum disease, and addressing dry mouth or other age-related dental concerns. They focus on maintaining oral health as an integral part of overall well-being for older adults.
How do family dentists accommodate busy schedules?
Family dental practices often offer flexible scheduling, including evening or weekend appointments, to accommodate busy families. They may also allow multiple family members to have back-to-back or simultaneous appointments for added convenience.
Contact Us Today
Are you looking for a family dentist? Receive care for your whole family. Call Broadway Dental in Galveston, TX, for family dentistry treatment at 409-235-0789. You can also schedule a dental appointment with us online.