As a family dentist in Oxford, PA, Dr. Stefan Speck works with patients of all ages to provide high-quality dental care. Family dentistry offers general dental treatment to address current oral health problems and prevent future issues. Our dental team also helps parents learn the best methods of caring for their child’s smile.
Parents should clean their baby’s smile even before their primary teeth erupt. Wiping the gums with a damp cloth removes food particles and bacteria. When a child’s baby teeth do emerge, parents should use an infant toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. Gently brushing these primary teeth helps set children up for a future of healthy smiles.
Please let our dental team know if you have any questions about your child’s oral health and they will be glad to assist you.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
We recommend that parents schedule their child’s first dental visit once their baby teeth begin coming in, typically when they are 12 months old. Depending on your child’s age, their primary visit to our office may include the following:
- Dental cleaning
- Preventative exam
- Dental x-rays
- Dental sealants
- Fluoride treatment
Our dental sealants and fluoride treatments help prevent cavities, which are common among younger patients. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that we apply to the back molars. The chewing surfaces of the molars are particularly prone to tooth decay. Once the sealant covers the grooves of the teeth, they protect the enamel from decay. Children who are between the ages of 6 to 14 should get dental sealants.
Fluoride treatments help strengthen the tooth enamel and protect teeth against harmful bacteria in the mouth. For this treatment, we fill a mouth tray with fluoride gel. We place the tray on the teeth for several minutes. After we remove the fluoride tray, we ask that patients not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes. This ensures that the fluoride stays on the teeth.
Dental Care for Adults
As we grow older, our smiles can become more prone to injuries, discoloration, infection, and even loss. Over time, the tooth enamel wears down, showing the dark underlayer called dentin. For this reason, patients may require porcelain veneers or dental bonding treatment to cover areas of discoloration. Veneers and tooth bonding are still viable options when tooth wear or dental injuries occur.
Knocked-out or missing teeth are common problems among adults. Common causes of missing teeth include gum disease and tooth decay. For patients with signs of tooth or gum infection, we offer deep cleaning treatments. If patients have severely infected teeth that cannot be saved by a root canal, we provide dental extraction treatment. However, we can replace missing teeth at the socket with dental implants.
Implants may also secure dental bridges or dentures for patients with multiple missing teeth.
FAQs
How often should you get a dental cleaning?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you get a professional dental cleaning every six months. However, if you have gum disease or another oral health condition, your dentist may recommend you come in for cleanings more often.
What does the fluoride treatment do?
Yes, fluoride treatment is often worth it. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to prevent tooth decay and cavities. It makes the tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to acids that can cause cavities. Moreover, a fluoride treatment can also help to prevent new cavities from forming. Fluoride works by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid. Talk to your dentist to see if fluoride treatment is right for you.
Is a fluoride treatment worth it?
Yes, a fluoride treatment is often worth it. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to prevent tooth decay and cavities. It works by making the tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to acids that can cause cavities. It’s important to get a fluoride treatment if you are at high risk for tooth decay, such as if you have braces or other dental work, or if you don’t brush your teeth regularly. Talk to your dentist to see if fluoride treatment is right for you.
Does dental cleaning remove stains?
Yes, dental cleaning can remove stains from your teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to remove any plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, as well as any surface stains. If you have deeper stains that are harder to remove, your dentist may recommend professional teeth whitening treatments.
At what age should a kid go to the dentist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that a child visit the dentist by his or her first birthday. This is to ensure that their teeth are healthy and to prevent any cavities or other dental problems from developing. Additionally, going to the dentist at an early age can help a child develop good oral hygiene habits.
How long do dental fillings last on your teeth?
Dental fillings are designed to last a long time, but they will eventually need to be replaced. They can last anywhere from five to twenty years. Fillings made of gold or ceramic tend to last the longest, while amalgam fillings made of silver and mercury are not as durable. Regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist are crucial in prolonging the life of your dental fillings.
Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today
Are you looking for a family-friendly dentist in the West Grove or Oxford area? Contact Oxford Family Dentistry for care today at 610.753.4506. You may also request a dental consultation on our website.