Groesbeck Family Dental provides high-quality dental treatment for patients of all ages. Dr. Todd Collins and Dr. William Jennings are passionate about helping patients improve their oral health. Oral development is important for all ages, and routine general dental care is key to a healthy smile.
We work with patients to help schedule appointments where parents and children can receive care simultaneously. Our office understands that work and after-school activities can make your schedule busy. We want to ensure that family dentistry services in our Groesbeck, TX, office are accessible to everyone.
Family Dentistry in Groesbeck, TX
Family dentistry aims to provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. We provide preventative care for adults and children and work to address dental problems specific to each age group. When your child visits our office, they will receive preventative care that slightly differs from care for adults.
Treatments that are a part of dental care for children include:
- X-rays
- Dental cleanings
- Fluoride treatment
- Dental sealants
- Extractions
We know that many children can have anxiety or a fear of the dentist because they expect pain or scary dental tools. Our hygienists will ensure that your child feels comfortable during their treatment and can explain parts of care that may seem scary to them. We will welcome you to sit in the room as your child receives their cleaning for extra support.
Additionally, we regularly take dental X-rays to keep track of your child’s oral development and dental health. With X-rays, we can see how their teeth and palate develop and take note of emerging permanent teeth and possible dental problems. We can offer a simple extraction if your child has a loose baby tooth. This quick procedure only requires a local anesthetic to numb the treated area for painless care.
Cavity Prevention
Dental cavities are holes or pits in the teeth caused by harmful bacteria. Harmful bacteria can build on the teeth and gums if you do not properly brush or floss. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches, and their digestive acids gradually break down teeth, creating cavities.
At-home cavity prevention is key. You can ensure you clean your child’s teeth properly up to the age of four. Then, your child can brush and floss independently but with supervision. When supervising your child, make sure that they:
- Floss between each tooth before brushing
- Brush for two minutes
- Clean their teeth AND gums
- Brush in circular motions
- Place their brush at a 45-degree angle
If you have any questions as you begin to teach your child proper oral hygiene, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we can assist you.
Our office provides preventative cavity treatments during and after dental cleanings. We recommend fluoride treatments during cleanings in our office for patients over one year old. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen the tooth enamel. A fluoride treatment can remineralize weakened enamel and prevent damage from dental cavities.
We will recommend dental sealants if your child is between the ages of 5 to 7 and 11 to 14. We place sealants on the first set of permanent molars, which typically emerge from 5 to 7. Then, we will apply the second round of sealants after the second molars emerge. Sealants are a protective coating on the molars because they can be difficult to clean and the most prone to cavities.
Caring For Aging Smiles
As you age, you can experience changes in your smile. Medical conditions, medications, and aging in general can increase the risk of dental problems, including tooth damage and wear, gum disease, tooth decay, missing teeth, and dry mouth. You may be more prone to gum disease and tooth decay over time.
More minor problems like dry mouth can be side effects of medications. Alcohol-free mouthwash, proper hydration, and professional dental cleanings can help treat the effects of dry mouth and reduce halitosis or bad breath.
Our office also provides cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers or dental bonding for tooth damage and discoloration. Depending on your cosmetic needs, we will recommend one treatment over another. For instance, we recommend veneers over bonding to treat all teeth in your smile line.
Missing teeth are a common problem for patients as they age. Tobacco use, medications, and dental trauma increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can contribute to lost teeth. Dental implants are the premier dental restoration for patients missing one or all of their teeth. The years of removable dentures are long gone. Implants can secure dentures so you can bite, chew, and speak easily.
All dental problems you can encounter as you age are treatable in our office. We will also recommend changes in your oral hygiene routine or lifestyle changes at routine appointments.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about family dentistry with answers to common questions that our patients have:
Why is family dentistry important?
Family dental care is important because it can keep you and your family in good oral health. A dentist who treats patients of all ages understands the unique needs of patients in different stages of life.
How often should I bring my child to the dentist?
We will recommend dental visits every six months or twice a year. Biannual visits allow us to keep track of your child’s dental health and oral development.
Will my child need braces?
If your child’s palate is not fully developed, they can experience overcrowding and crooked teeth. We can refer them to an orthodontist if they require orthodontic appliances and early orthodontic care. Your child may need a custom-made oral appliance to help their palate, teeth, and jaw develop properly.
Can I brush after I get a fluoride treatment?
You can begin to brush your teeth about 6 hours after you receive your fluoride treatment. During your first 6 hours, you must avoid hot or cold foods and drinks, alcohol, or hard and crunchy foods. It will take time for the fluoride to penetrate and protect your tooth enamel.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last up to ten years with the proper care. In the first two years, sealants can protect against most dental decay. Proper brushing and flossing will make dental sealants last.
What are the most common dental problems I can experience as I grow older?
Over time, you can be more prone to:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Oral cancer
This is one reason why routine dental appointments are so important as you age. Visiting the dentist regularly can potentially prevent complex dental problems and the need for lengthy or costly treatments.
Receive Dental Care For Your Whole Family
Schedule a dental appointment on our website for you, your child, and your whole family. You can also call Groesbeck Family Dental for treatment today at (254) 556-3973.