by Dr. Adkins | Feb 4, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Family Dentistry
Proper dental care and oral health should start early in life. Because children’s needs and dental procedures are different than those of adults, it’s important to find a family dental practice that can meet the needs of even the youngest members of your family. Your child’s first dental checkup should take place before the age of one, as soon as the first tooth has erupted. Some of the pediatric dental care options to look for in a family dental practice include:
- Child specific dental health exams and risk assessment
- Preventative oral care including cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments
- Care for dental trauma such as fractured, displaced or knocked-out teeth
- Treatment of dental cavities and defects
- Identification and treatment of gum inflammation and disease
- Early assessment, treatment, and recommendations for misaligned teeth or an improper bite
Along with the proper pediatric training, it’s essential that your family dentist is equipped to make your child feel comfortable and relaxed at dental visits. Many practices offer child-friendly amenities such as game rooms, videos, and prizes and rewards for completing a successful visit. Ask your family dentist if they allow parents to accompany children in the treatment room, as this will put both you and your child at ease.
To ensure a lifetime of excellent oral health, your child should visit the dentist every six months for dental cleanings and checkups. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, and with the right family dental practice they should never have to develop that fear. Take the time to find a family dental practice that understands the special attention required to treat children so your entire family can enjoy visiting the dentist.
Schedule your appointment at our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | Sep 24, 2021 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, Family Dentist
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may not recall the process for a regular checkup. These visits are an important part of your oral health care. If you are in good dental health, your dentist will probably suggest twice-yearly visits. Individuals with gum disease or other oral health concerns may need to schedule more frequent appointments. Feel free to ask your dentist questions or raise concerns at the visit.
Your dental checkup will usually include:
• Full Health History
Because oral health affects your overall wellness, your dentist will want to have a complete picture of your whole situation. A member of the dental team will ask you questions and gather relevant details about your present status. Make sure to provide helpful information like current medications and any pressing issues.
• X-Rays
Typically, your dentist will take X-rays about once a year. These images provide a clear view of your teeth and gums. Often, X-rays will identify problems, like impacted teeth, cysts, abscesses, or decay between teeth that might otherwise go undiagnosed.
• Complete Evaluation
During your checkup, the dentist will perform a periodontal assessment, bite analysis, and tooth-by-tooth inspection. If the dentist discovers a problem, your provider will make treatment recommendations to address the issue and restore your oral health.
• Thorough Cleaning
If everything checks out, the hygienist will typically remove plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth. At this time, the hygienist may also polish and floss teeth to refresh your smile.
Our dental office is located in McDonough
by Dr. Adkins | Aug 6, 2021 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, Family Dentist
You may know all about basic dental care. Most people can tell you about the importance of brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. If you asked friends and family, they could probably list the virtues of eating whole grains, lean meats, and green vegetables to keep teeth and gums healthy. The majority of individuals, though, probably don’t know these fun facts:
- Approximately 33 percent of people squeeze their toothpaste from the middle.
- As early as 700 BC, people carved false teeth out of animal bones.
- During ancient times, the barber cut your hair, gave you a shave, and extracted injured teeth.
- Each year, Americans fork out more money on hair care and lottery tickets than they do on their dental health.
- In 1994, a West Virginia inmate scaled a wall and escaped prison using a rope made from dental floss.
- Modern toothpaste was first manufacture by the Colgate Company.
- People brushed their teeth with twigs or their fingers before toothbrushes were invented.
- Poor individuals sold their teeth to the wealthy during the 18th century and these people used them as replacement teeth.
- Surprisingly, cows don’t have upper teeth.
- The Mexican version of the Tooth Fairy, called the Tooth Mouse, takes the lost tooth and leaves behind a small gift.
- To win the 1986 National Spelling Bee, the top contestant correctly spelled odontalgia, another word for toothache.
- When asked, 73 percent of Americans said they would rather grocery shop than floss their teeth.
We treat patients from McDonough and the surrounding area
by Dr. Adkins | Jul 16, 2021 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Family Dentistry
The importance of having a family dentist who can take care of every family member’s oral health needs can’t be emphasized enough. You can prevent cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss by visiting your family dentist regularly. Not only that, your overall health and your appearance will also benefit.
Better oral health:
Regular examinations by your family dentist will check for problems like tooth decay and cavities. Gum disease is another oral health issue that your dentist will look for, so that it can be detected and treated early. Dental problems are much easier to handle when they are caught early, before they can advance to more serious stages which may even mean tooth loss. Your teeth will also have a thorough professional cleaning at dental visits, getting rid of unhealthy plaque and tartar. Children can begin visiting the family dentist around the first birthday, and checkups should continue throughout life.
Improved appearance:
In additional to advantages for your oral health, your smile will look more appealing when you maintain regular family dental visits. Your teeth will be in the best condition possible when you have examinations and cleanings as recommended. If you are interested in further treatment that your family dentist doesn’t specialize in, you may be referred to a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist.
Enhanced overall health:
You may not realize it, but seeing a family dentist does more than protect your teeth. Your overall health will be improved when you care for your oral health. Gum disease has been linked to health problems like heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and pregnancy complications. So your risk for these serious health problems may be decreased with regular visits to your family dentist. Another health problem that dental checkups can catch is oral cancer. Most dentists perform routine oral cancer screenings during examinations, so that your chances for recovery are much greater with early detection and treatment.
Our dental office is located in McDonough
by Dr. Adkins | Jun 25, 2021 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, Family Dentist
Your smile can be one of your strongest assets, or it can be one of your biggest detriments if you don’t take care of it! Studies show that people are more likely to underestimate your age if you are smiling. On the flip side, a smile containing yellow or damaged teeth has the opposite effect of making you appear older. Luckily, there are many options available to help. Here are some tips for achieving an awesome smile.
Don’t forget to floss
Many people are in the habit of brushing their teeth every day, but flossing is often neglected. It’s the best way to get rid of plaque and bacteria in those hard-to-reach areas around your teeth. Otherwise, food particles and bacteria will build up and harm your teeth and gums.
Get your calcium and Vitamin C
Strong teeth and jaw bones are a sure way to a healthy mouth. Calcium, most often found in dairy products and vegetables, will help you develop strong teeth and bones. Vitamin C, often found in citrus fruits and vegetables, also strengthens teeth by repairing tissues and preventing bacteria from accessing your gums.
Avoid food and drink enemies
Some foods and drinks have a negative effect on your oral health. Avoid sugary foods, sodas, and sticky items. Foods high in acid content can weaken your tooth enamel. Also steer away from foods and beverages that commonly stain teeth, like coffee, red wine, and dark berries. If you consume staining foods, perform good dental hygiene afterwards.
Give professional bleaching a try
Teeth whitening at your dentist’s office is effective and provides quick results.
Whiten your teeth at home
A less expensive whitening option is done at home with products you can purchase at your drugstore. Whitening strips and toothpastes can help brighten your smile, although you have to be more patient than with the professional methods.
Learn makeup tricks
Believe it or not, your makeup techniques can help your smile appear brighter. Lipstick shades with a blue undertone and bronzer make ups that darken the skin both provide a greater contrast to your teeth and help them look brighter.
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