Our practice is family-friendly, and our dentists would love to become your go-to providers, regardless of your oral health journey. Family dentistry treatment in our Carrollton, TX, office addresses the needs of you and your loved ones.
This means we can provide dental treatment for children and adults so everyone can keep their smiles healthy. We also provide general dentistry services in our dental office. Here, we will give tips to parents on how to care for their smiles and build good oral health habits as they grow.
Family Dentistry in Carrollton, TX
You are not alone if you have trouble getting your children to cooperate with brushing their teeth. Luckily, there are ways to make your children not only brush their teeth on their own but come to love it, too. Below are our three favorite ways to get your kids to love oral hygiene!
Reward good brushing behavior.
Rewards can be as simple as stickers or marks on a chart whenever your children take ownership of their oral hygiene routine without complaint. You could even let your children choose dinner one night of the week if they have been good about brushing their teeth the week prior. No matter how small a reward may be, it will reinforce positive oral hygiene habits in your child.
Make it fun.
How can you make brushing fun for your kids? We recommend making a brushing playlist of songs they enjoy. You can even mix in some dental-themed songs. Whenever it is time for brushing, put a playlist on and brush your teeth with your children. You can also try letting your children pick their toothbrushes.
Most stores carry many toothbrushes for kids, many with beloved cartoon characters on them. There are many unique ways to get your children to view oral hygiene as necessary and fun. Soon, your kids will ask when it’s time to brush their teeth.
Teach your children the importance of oral health early and model good oral hygiene yourself.
Children tend to take on the behaviors they see in their parents, even if they don’t understand them. Oral hygiene is no exception. If a child sees their parents consistently brushing and flossing, they will think they should be doing the same. Creating a specific time for brushing for your kids at a young age will create a habit.
When they become old enough to take care of their oral care, a particular time will already be familiar with them. It is also essential to explain to children the reasons why certain behaviors are positive.
Preventive Dental Care for Children
Fighting cavities is essential to children’s dentistry. Children are more likely to develop cavities than other age groups. Factors that contribute to cavities include poor oral hygiene and sugary foods and drinks.
At home, you can help your child learn how to brush and floss for two minutes twice a day. You can also supervise your child as they begin to care for their smile on their own. Sugary drinks also contribute to tooth decay because they can coat the teeth and gums. Limit sugary snacks and help your child drinks enough water to help wash away sugar from the teeth and gums.
Sealants
In our office, we offer preventative cavity treatments to fight cavities and prevent the need for tooth extraction or fillings. Sealants are thin coatings we paint on the molars to protect them from cavities. These coatings also prevent food from getting trapped in the tooth’s grooves.
The molars are the teeth in the back of the mouth. These teeth are most prone to decay because they can be hard to reach. After a dental cleaning, we can paint sealants on the molars. We recommend sealants at age 6 and then at age 12. Sealants can last 2 to 5 years.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural mineral that benefits your oral health. When you drink fluoridated water or use fluoride toothpaste, you strengthen your tooth enamel or outer tooth layer. Our office provides fluoride treatment for patients of all ages.
We use a gel or varnish that we paint on the teeth after a dental cleaning. After we place the varnish, we recommend that your child avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to help the fluoride enter the enamel. We will recommend the frequency of fluoride treatments based on your and your child’s oral health.
How We Make You Comfortable
At Hebron Family Dental, we want patients of all ages to feel comfortable in the dental chair. We understand that dental anxiety is common among younger patients who may not know what to expect at the dentist. As a parent, you can help prepare your child for their first dental visits.
Our office will make your child’s visits more comfortable in multiple ways:
- We Encourage Comforting Objects: Your child can bring a blanket, toy, or headphones with music to their dental visit. If your child is sensitive to loud noises, you can bring noise-canceling headphones. These objects can help distract your child during their visit.
- We Talk to Patients: If your child is anxious, we will help calm their fears and pause as needed. We will also ask and answer your child’s questions to help distract from treatment. In addition, we can explain your child’s treatment in simple terms to help them understand what we’re doing.
- We Welcome Office Tours: If your child is new to our office or the dentist, we can help schedule an office tour before your child’s appointment. You and your child will visit our office staff and dentists. When your child meets our friendly team, it can help them feel more comfortable at dental visits.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Discover more about family dentistry in Carrollton, TX, with answers to these patient questions:
Are dental X-rays safe for kids and adults?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for both kids and adults. They use very low radiation levels to take pictures of your teeth and gums. Dentists use protective measures, like lead aprons and thyroid collars, to keep you extra safe.
Dental X-rays are especially helpful for children in spotting problems early, like cavities or how their teeth are growing. For adults, X-rays can find hidden issues like bone loss or infections, before they become serious.
Modern X-ray machines are designed to use as little radiation as possible, so the benefits of catching dental problems early far outweigh any small risks. If you’re concerned, talk to your dentist, and they can explain how X-rays are used safely
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. These routine visits help keep their teeth and gums healthy, prevent cavities, and catch any dental problems early.
Some children might need to see the dentist more often, depending on their oral health. For example, if they have braces or are more prone to cavities, your dentist might recommend extra visits.
Starting dental checkups early, as soon as their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, helps your child feel comfortable at the dentist and develop good habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
If your child has a toothache, first rinse their mouth with warm water. This will remove anything stuck around the teeth.
Then, gently floss around the sore area to make sure nothing is caught between their teeth. You can give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to their cheek. Place a cold pack for 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the area.
Contact our office with your child’s symptoms. We will help determine if your child needs emergency care or if we can schedule a later appointment.
Do family dentists provide services for adults?
Yes! Our family dental office offers a wide range of services for both children and adults. We provide general dentistry, which includes regular checkups, cleanings, and preventive care to keep your smile healthy. For adults, we also offer restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, and implants.
We also provide cosmetic services such as teeth whitening and veneers. Whether you need a routine exam or more advanced care, our team is here to care for patients of all ages, from kids to adults.
Is fluoride safe for kids?
Yes, fluoride is safe for kids when used in the right amounts. Fluoride helps protect teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to cavities. Most dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste for children as soon as they start brushing their teeth.
However, you must use the correct amount of toothpaste. For children under 3, a very small amount, about the size of a grain of rice, is enough. For kids ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount. Also, ensure they spit out the toothpaste after brushing and don’t swallow it.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Yes, while dental sealants are often used for children, adults can also benefit from them. Sealants can help adults who are at higher risk of cavities or those who want to keep their teeth in good shape. We can help you decide if sealants are right for you.
When can my child eat after fluoride treatment?
After a fluoride treatment, waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking is best. This gives the fluoride time to fully absorb. For the best results, your child should avoid eating sticky or hard foods right away. Always follow our dentist’s advice for the best outcome.
What age should my child first see a dentist?
Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday, or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early visits help make sure their teeth are developing correctly and can help prevent any future dental problems. Starting dental visits early also helps your child get comfortable with the dentist, making future visits easier and less stressful.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Call Hebron Family Dental for family dentistry services in Carrollton, TX, at 972-236-5871. You may also schedule a dental appointment online.
We serve Carrollton, Texas, and other surrounding communities such as Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, The Colony, Double Oak, and Bartonville. We also serve Lantana, Lewisville, Copper Canyon, Highland Village, and countless other cities and neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex!
Our dental care team brings years of top-notch experience and a passion for helping and getting to know others, which is one of the main reasons we are so beloved in our community. Let’s work together to keep your mouth healthy and give you a smile that you are proud of!