Aug 10, 2023 | Family Dentistry, Dental Topics 2, Blog
Your family dentist knows that your child’s pacifier serves an important purpose. It soothes and comforts your child during difficult or stressful events. During the time of infancy, pacifiers are common and valued. Extended use of the pacifier during the development of the teeth, however, can lead to unwanted changes to your toddler’s mouth.
Sucking too hard on a pacifier, just like sucking too long on fingers or a thumb, can have serious consequences to a child’s teeth and even to the shape of the child’s face. Your family dentist will tell you that you should take away your child’s pacifier by the age of two years, preferably by the end of the first year. Failure to stop the use of a pacifier can lead to extended orthodontic care in the future.
Your family dentist can show you research that indicates that pacifier use beyond the second year is linked with crossbites, open bites, misaligned bites, a narrowed jaw, tongue thrust and malformed palate. It is also associated with an increased risk of a middle ear infection.
If your infant is using a pacifier, follow these guidelines:
- Clean the pacifiers regularly and properly to prevent bacterial growth.
- Discard and replace pacifiers that exhibit any signs of discoloration or cracking.
- Clean any new pacifiers prior to giving them to your baby.
- Make pacifiers available only during specific times, such as at naptime or bedtime.
- Purchase pacifiers specifically recommended by orthodontists for minimal damage to the mouth.
- Never allow your baby to “wear” the pacifier by tying it around his or her neck. This is dangerous. Pacifier clips can allow you to clip the pacifier to your baby’s clothing with a short, safe length of material.
Your family dentist will have important tips for you when you begin to wean your child away from pacifiers. Don’t let this habit extend beyond being useful to becoming harmful.
If you need a dentist in Conyers contact us today
Aug 17, 2023 | Family Dentistry, Dental Topics 2, Blog
You may be diligent about keeping up with your yearly physical with your general physician, but you may not be as careful about seeing your family dentist as often as you should. People tend to neglect dental checkups, thinking that if their teeth aren’t hurting then there’s no reason to go to the dentist. This is untrue! Regular checkups and cleanings play an important role in your health and should not be overlooked.
The most obvious reason for every member of your family to go to your dentist is the potential medical benefits. Even if you perform proper oral hygiene routines at home, you can still develop medical problems that require intervention. Plaque and decay in hard-to-reach places may create cavities that need fillings. Gum disease can start off as minor gingivitis but worsen into advanced periodontal disease without treatment, and untreated gum disease might put you at higher risk for heart disease or diabetes. A tooth’s interior section called the pulp can become infected and die, eventually risking tooth loss. So skipping your regular dental examinations can have serious medical consequences.
In addition to protecting your health, family dentists keep your smile looking its best. Professional cleanings make your teeth brighter and healthier, and you’ll also likely end up with more self-confidence. At your dental visits, if you have concerns about the appearance of your smile, you can also get information and recommendations about cosmetic dental procedures that might improve your smile even more.
Another benefit of maintaining regular dental checkups is that it can cost you less money in the long run. If you think skipping a visit is financially smart, you’ll also be missing the opportunity to catch problems early and handle them before they reach the stage of expensive oral procedures.
It’s never the best idea to avoid dental care with your family dentist. Schedule and keep your appointments every six months for ideal oral health.
If you need a dentist in Conyers contact us today
Sep 7, 2023 | Family Dentistry, Dental Topics 2, Blog
Every member of your family needs a dedicated dental professional who is specialized in handling the oral health needs of each age group. Regular checkups, proper hygiene, and professional cleanings all contribute to a healthy and attractive smile. Whether it’s the parents, kids, or grandparents, everyone should visit the family dentist.
Children:
Pediatric patients require special treatment based on their oral development as well as their emotional stages. Family dentists are familiar with the evolving needs of young patients, who grow from no teeth to baby teeth to permanent teeth. They teach children how to properly care for their teeth and gums, and advise on the do’s and don’ts related to diet and safety. The dentist and staff are also well-trained on keeping children happy and engaged while in the dental office. Family dentists can make kids feel comfortable and confident in the dentist’s chair so they’ll have a positive dental experience for life.
Adults:
With adulthood comes challenges such as increased risk for gum disease, tooth loss, decay that may require root canal treatment, cavities that need replacement, and more. Even with good oral hygiene, normal wear and tear on the mouth can cause issues. That’s why regular checkups are important to catch problems early, plus professional cleanings to combat the signs of age and environment on the teeth. Issues like heart disease or diabetes are also more likely during the adult years, and can impact your oral health.
Seniors:
Older adults require regular dental care for their unique needs. Family dentists offer dental implants or dentures for missing teeth, and are experienced in dealing with dry mouth and other problems common with seniors. After having a long relationship with their family dentist, seniors are able to continue that into their later years so that they have the best oral health possible.
Schedule your appointment at our Conyers dental office
770-483-0029 
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1151 NorTec
