When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist For the First Time?

The American Dental Association recommends that you bring your child in for their first visit when their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday, whichever happens first. Children who have teeth coming in can benefit from pediatric dental care services. These services include preventative care like cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays. Preventative care services help to keep teeth and gums healthy so children can maintain them throughout their lifetime.

Can Infants and Young Children Get Cavities?

Yes, children can get cavities as a result of poor oral hygiene. In fact, about half of all children between the ages of 5 and 11 have cavities. Poor dental hygiene habits, such as not brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, can lead to decay. You can also help your child prevent cavities by teaching them the importance of good oral health and taking them to see a dentist every six months for a cleaning. This will help keep their smile healthy and strong for many years to come.

What Are the Costs of Cosmetic Dentistry?

The cost varies depending on the type of procedure and materials used. Many patients choose to combine procedures to achieve their desired results. For example, a patient may choose to have a dental crown placed to restore a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. Since the crown will cover the tooth to hide the restoration, the patient may be able to avoid having dental implants placed if the tooth is structurally sound. If a patient is seeking a number of cosmetic enhancements for a smile makeover, the price of their treatment may be spread out over a longer period of time than if the same patient were seeking only one or two treatments. In this way, the cost of cosmetic dentistry may be more within reach for patients who want to achieve the smile they have always wanted.

Can I Have a Dental Bridge if I Have Gum Disease?

Yes, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge if you have gum disease. However, you will need to make sure your gums are completely healthy before the dentist can move forward with the procedure. During your first appointment, your dentist will perform a thorough oral exam and take x-rays to evaluate your current oral health. If you are suffering from gum disease, you will need to receive treatment for the condition first.

Are White Fillings Safe?

A lot of patients wonder if white fillings are harmful in any way. The truth is, they are completely safe. The materials don’t contain any mercury, which is often found in other types of dental restorations, such as amalgams. Instead, they use resin composite and other compounds that are naturally derived and do not contain any known toxins. You can be certain that the materials are safe and won’t cause any health problems. In fact, this type of restoration is often referred to as a tooth-colored filling or a tooth-colored restoration.

What should I do if I experience a dental emergency?

If you suffer from any threatening oral injury, such as a broken jaw or a tooth that’s been knocked out, you should immediately seek help from a dental professional as soon as possible. If your tooth has been knocked out completely, pick it up by the crown and rinse it with water to remove debris. Do not touch the roots of the tooth, as doing so can damage them beyond repair. Place the tooth back into the socket if possible, and bite down gently to keep it in place. If you’re unable to place the tooth back into its socket, place it in a cup of milk and get to the dentist right away.

To prevent further trauma to the affected teeth and mouth, do not attempt to remove any broken pieces from your mouth with sharp objects. Instead, keep the pieces in their place and seek treatment from a qualified dentist.

Does Zoom Whitening Damage Your Teeth?

No! When performed by an appropriately trained dentist, the hydrogen peroxide gel used in the Zoom treatment will not harm your enamel or your dentin. The gel is pH balanced and is designed to only penetrate the enamel layer of the smile. Once applied, the gel will break down, allowing the oxygen to penetrate into the tooth’s structure to whiten and remove stains. Your gum tissues and surrounding oral tissues will be untouched by the process. Common side effects like sensitivity and irritation are temporary and should be mitigated with over-the-counter or prescription medications your dentist can provide upon request.

How Long Is the Zoom Teeth Whitening Procedure?

On average, the Zoom whitening process takes about an hour to complete. The gel used for the treatment needs to be applied for a full hour to ensure the best results possible. However, you can choose to leave your trays in for up to three hours if your teeth are sensitive to the procedure. Your dentist can give you a better idea of how long your specific at-home care will take so that you can plan the rest of your day accordingly.

How Does Good Oral Hygiene Affect Overall Health?

Having excellent oral health is about more than having a healthy, bright smile. Regular visits to the dentist can help ensure your body is healthy as well. Here are just a few of the ways your mouth impacts the rest of your body:

Gum disease: If gum disease goes untreated, it can damage the gums and bones which support your teeth. This can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and even other serious health problems.

Heart health: Studies have found links between certain common oral bacteria and an increased risk of heart disease. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the mouth or nose and cause infection and inflammation throughout the body.

Diabetes: Periodontal disease has been associated with complications with diabetes because diabetics are more susceptible to infections that can affect their blood sugar levels.

How Often Should My Family See a Dentist?

Maintaining proper oral health is an important part of overall health for everyone in your family. Regular checkups and teeth cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and disease-free. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups, although in some cases, we may recommend more frequent visits. These visits are a good opportunity for us to provide preventive treatments, such as fluoride treatments and sealants, to prevent decay. We also perform an oral cancer screening at each checkup to look for signs of the disease. If we find an area of concern, we can provide treatment as needed or as part of an ongoing treatment plan. During these appointments, we can also answer any questions you have about your oral health and recommend necessary treatment options to keep your smile healthy for years to come.