A family dentist offers various services that ensure oral health at every life stage. Family dentists are trained to handle a variety of dental issues. They use advanced techniques and technology to ensure the best care for each patient. At Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Garland, TX, we serve patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors.
From baby teeth to dentures, our family dentist office provides essential services to ensure lifelong oral health. We understand the unique needs of each age group and offer tailored care to ensure the best outcomes for every patient. Family dental services are part of our general dentistry services. With family dental care, we can help maintain and improve your family’s dental health.
Family Dentistry in Garland, TX: Pediatric Dentistry
Children need special care because teeth and gums are still developing. As a family dentist, we understand that dental fear and anxiety are common in younger patients. For this reason, we ensure children feel comfortable. We use a gentle approach and explain procedures in a way kids understand.
Regular Dental Visits
Preventive care is key for patients of all ages dental health. It includes regular check-ups and cleanings. Early detection of issues prevents bigger problems. Family dentists recommend check-ups every six months, or twice a year for all ages. This helps catch issues early.
- Routine exams
- Professional cleanings
- X-rays
- Gum disease, cavity, and oral cancer screenings
Your child’s first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. We recommend that your child visit by 12 months of age or within six months of the first tooth emerging. Your child can sit on your lap as we provide a dental exam. We also recommend that you bring your child’s favorite toy or blanket to their visit. Familiar objects can help your child feel more relaxed.
Why Baby Teeth Are Essential
Many patients wonder why you must keep baby teeth are healthy even though they are temporary. Proper care of baby teeth is essential. Baby teeth play a role in speech and chewing. They are essential for your child’s oral development.
Decayed baby teeth can cause pain and infection, which can affect a child’s health and well-being. The baby teeth also hold the space for permanent teeth and guide them into the correct position. If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, other teeth may shift. This can lead to crowding and misalignment of permanent teeth.
Proper care of baby teeth includes regular dental visits. Dentists check for cavities and other issues. They also teach children good oral hygiene habits.
Proper brushing and flossing should start early. Before your child even grows their baby teeth, wipe their gums with a clean cloth. When your child’s baby teeth grow, use an infant toothbrush and rice-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush.
Cavity Prevention in Children
Preventing cavities in children involves both at-home care and regular dental visits. Parents play a crucial role in their children’s oral health, and teaching good habits from a young age can make a big difference.
- Brush twice daily.
- Floss at least twice a day to remove food particles from between teeth.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
- Drink water throughout the day.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups
Regular professional cleanings remove plaque that brushing might miss. We also recommend fluoride treatments and sealants after routine cleanings to protect the teeth from cavities.
We can place a fluoride varnish over each tooth. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens enamel, making it more decay-resistant. After we place the varnish, we recommend that patients wait 30 minutes before they eat, drink, brush, or floss. Waiting will allow the fluoride to enter the enamel. These treatments are effective for patients of all ages.
Sealants cover grooves in the teeth where food can get stuck. We apply sealants over the molars, which are more prone to cavities because they can be hard to reach when brushing and flossing. Dental sealants also protect baby teeth from decay.
We only recommend sealants for children as their first and second molars grow. Sealants can last two or more years. We can reapply sealants at your child’s regular dental visits.
Senior Dental Care
Seniors have unique dental needs that a family dentist understands. Our office provides care for issues like gum disease and tooth loss. Tooth damage, infection, or loss can happen as you age because of medical conditions, reactions to medication, or problems like lifelong smoking.
Senior dental care focuses on maintaining oral health and addressing age-related changes. Regular check-ups and cleanings are essential. They can address dry mouth, a common issue in seniors often caused by medications, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Gum disease is common in seniors and can lead to tooth loss if untreated. Our gum disease treatments help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevent problems like gum recession and tooth loss.
Missing teeth are more common among older patients. Dentures are the traditional option to replace missing teeth. However, removable dentures slip around the mouth. We use dental implants to secure a single tooth crown, bridge, or denture. Implants provide a permanent solution.
Patient Education
Education is a key part of family dentistry. Our family dentist teaches patients about oral health. We can provide tips to help you properly brush and floss. Our office can also discuss diet and its impact on teeth.
Patient education can empower you to take control of your oral health. We can guide you in choosing the right dental products, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Education is essential for children as it sets the foundation for lifelong oral health. We will work with you and your child to ensure your child stays healthy with routine care at home and cleanings in our office.
Payment and Insurance Options
Many family dentists accept insurance and offer payment plans that make dental care more affordable. Patients can get the care they need without financial stress. Family dentists work with various insurance providers to help patients understand their coverage. Flexible payment options, including monthly payment plans, allow patients to spread the cost over time, making it easier to manage expenses.
Our office accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Delta Dental. We are in-network with over 100 plans and also accept payment from CareCredit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my child may need dental sealants?
If your child has deep grooves or pits in their molars, they may benefit from sealants to protect against cavities. Frequent cavities, especially in back teeth, can also indicate a need for extra protection. If your child struggles with thorough brushing or has a high-sugar diet, sealants can help prevent decay. Your dentist can assess their teeth and recommend sealants if they’re at higher risk for cavities.
How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
Your child is likely getting enough fluoride if they drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste. Regular dental checkups help monitor their fluoride levels and detect early signs of deficiency. If your child is at high risk for cavities, Dr. Giang may recommend fluoride treatments or supplements. Too little fluoride can increase the risk of decay, while too much may cause mild enamel discoloration (fluorosis).
What is the number one cause of cavities in kids?
Frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks is the leading cause of cavities in children. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth. It produces acids that weaken enamel and lead to decay. Poor brushing habits and lack of dental checkups can make the problem worse. Encouraging good oral hygiene and limiting sugary snacks can help prevent cavities.
Why do I get so many cavities even though I brush and floss?
Cavities can still form despite good brushing and flossing due to factors like diet, genetics, dry mouth, or weak enamel. Frequent snacking, sugary or acidic foods, and lack of fluoride can increase decay risk. Certain medical conditions, medications, or mouth bacteria may also make you more prone to cavities. Regular dental checkups and a fluoride-rich routine can help strengthen enamel and reduce cavity risk.
How can seniors prevent dry mouth?
Seniors can prevent dry mouth by staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, and using alcohol-free mouthwash. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can also help. If medications cause dry mouth, talk to your doctor about possible adjustments. Using a humidifier at night and saliva substitutes can provide additional relief. Regular dental checkups help monitor and manage dry mouth-related issues.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
First, check for food stuck between their teeth and gently floss the area. Have them rinse with warm salt water to reduce irritation. If swelling or pain persists, apply a cold compress and give child-safe pain relievers as needed. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the gums. Schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to find the cause and prevent further issues.
Improve and Maintain Your Dental Health
Get family dentistry services in our Garland, TX, dental office. Call Cornerstone Family Dentistry at 972-848-7749 or schedule an appointment with us on our website. If you have any questions about family dental care, please let us know at your next visit. We will be happy to help.