FAQ

You should go for regular dental checkups and cleanings twice a year. The appointments are necessary to keep your oral health in check because they help your dentist identify and treat any developing problems early. Routine visits also help to remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing could miss and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your children will also get the same recommendation since regular dental care promotes healthy development and helps prevent common problems like cavities and gum disease.

Regular dental appointments are even more critical for children. These visits allow the dentist to monitor the growth of their teeth and spot alignment problems. Dentists could recommend preventive treatments like fluoride or sealants. Regular checkups also help to establish good dental habits. The child becomes accustomed to being in the dental office and caring for his teeth from an early age.

However, if you or your child has a dental problem, like pain, swelling, or a chipped tooth, do not wait for your next regular visit. Dental issues can quickly worsen without treatment and lead to more severe problems. Your dentist must address these dental issues immediately and treat them to prevent them from worsening. Whether it is an emergency or a minor issue, you must visit the dentist as soon as possible to protect your oral health.

If you visit a family dentist, you can expect various dental services, all aimed at meeting the needs of your entire family, from infants to adults. A family dental practice focuses on the following:

• Preventive care

• Restorative treatments, and

• Cosmetic services

Family dentistry is founded on preventive care. Regular checkups involve dentists checking each family member’s oral health. Professional cleanings are usually part of these appointments, during which dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar that can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Dentists also offer valuable advice about effective brushing and flossing techniques so that patients can keep their oral hygiene in top condition at home.

On the other hand, restorative treatments address current dental issues and attempt to restore functionality to damaged teeth. Fillings fix cavities, and crowns protect severely decayed teeth. Root canal therapy can save an infected tooth and avoid further problems. Family dentists are trained to address many restorative needs, providing continuity of care within one practice.

With cosmetic dentistry, dentists attempt to enhance the aesthetic appearance of a smile. Teeth whitening procedures brighten smiles, while veneers and bonding can fix chips and gaps. By providing these services, family dentists also help individuals achieve the smile transformations they desire while keeping treatments appropriate for all ages.

Families with young children need pediatric dental care. Family dentists use techniques to create a welcoming environment that usually lessens the anxiety most experience during dental visits. They review your teeth and gums during dental checkups to identify potential issues before they become more serious. Family dentists also help parents teach their children healthy oral care habits.

Family dentists go beyond providing core services and educate their patients on the effect nutrition has on oral health. They provide tailored advice suited to individual needs and help families make well-informed choices to improve dental wellness. With this comprehensive step, dentists address immediate problems and endorse the overall measures to retain oral health over the long term.

During your dental appointment at Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry, you can expect a friendly, professional atmosphere that encourages open communication.

You may wonder if you need a pediatric dentist or if your family dentist will do just fine for your child’s dental care. Many dental clinics have pediatric specialists available, and children are seen in the same setting as family visits. Pediatric dentists have the expertise to treat developmental problems, preventive treatments, and early orthodontic problems. They also make the area child-friendly to help ease anxiety and make the experience more comfortable for younger patients.

Visiting a clinic with both general and pediatric dentists makes it easy for your family to simplify their dental care and get everyone the proper treatment in one place. Pediatric dentists have specialized training in dealing with pediatric dental problems and managing children’s behavior during appointments, making them the perfect choice for more complicated cases or children who feel uncomfortable in the dentist's chair. Pediatric dentists consider your child’s unique oral health needs and address the prevention of cavities and monitoring growth patterns in their teeth.

Dentists use X-rays to find dental problems that cannot be seen on a regular examination. The images provide critical details about the structures beneath the gums and within the teeth, which dentists can use to detect cavities, infections, gum disease, and bone loss. They also help to evaluate the placement of teeth about to erupt, like wisdom teeth. They are also used to monitor the results of root canals or orthodontic adjustments. X-rays allow many serious dental problems to be detected before they are more advanced and more challenging to treat.

X-rays fall into different categories and serve various purposes as follows:

• Bitewing X-rays are used to check the spaces in between your teeth to see if there is hidden decay

• Periapical X-rays give a complete view of the tooth, from the crown to the root, which is needed to diagnose an infection or structural problem.

• Panoramic X-rays take a wide image of the mouth, including the jawbone and sinuses, and are great for planning surgeries or complicated procedures.

Although radiation exposures are a concern, modern dental X-rays have very low radiation levels, even less so with advances in digital technology. Most patients are exposed to minimal radiation, so it is considered safe. However, dentists take even more precautions, using lead aprons, thyroid collars, and other protective gear to shield patients during the procedure. The benefit of early detection and prevention with X-rays far outweighs any possible risks.

Please inform your dentist if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns. They can adjust the frequency or timing of X-rays to ensure safety.

Dentists recommend dental sealants as a preventive measure against tooth decay in children. Thin, protective coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces or biting surfaces of the back teeth (molars) because cavities in these teeth tend to occur in deep grooves and pits.

Dentists recommend sealants as soon as the first permanent molars appear, usually around age 6, and again when the second set emerges around age 12. Sealants help protect teeth from years when children often have problems brushing effectively, particularly in hard-to-reach places.

Sealants are a barrier against plaque and food particles that can cause decay. Studies have also shown that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by about 80 percent within the first couple of years after use. These artificial teeth' durability means that they protect you from future dental problems.

Sealants also play a preventive role in helping to reduce the likelihood that patients will require invasive treatments like fillings or crowns later. They not only spare children the discomfort but also relieve the cost of more extensive dental procedures.

The process for applying sealants is quick and painless, making them an ideal choice for young patients who may be a bit too anxious during dental visits.

Fluoride toothpaste is safe for infants when used correctly and plays a vital role in early oral health. Dental experts recommend fluoride toothpaste, which should be introduced as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. This usually occurs around six months. Fluoride assists in hardening enamel and protects against tooth decay.

To stay safe, use only a small amount of toothpaste, roughly the size of a grain of rice. This minimal quantity of fluoride offers the required benefits without increasing the risk of fluorosis, which can result in white spots on developing teeth. Children who ingest excessive fluoride during early dental development will develop fluorosis, so monitoring your child while brushing is important.

Ensure to use only a tiny amount of toothpaste during this period, as children may be unable to spit it out until they are about three years old. You can increase the portion to pea-sized as your child grows and becomes more advanced at rinsing and spitting. Furthermore, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants so their sensitive gums and emerging teeth are not abused.

Cavities, also called dental caries, develop when bacteria cause acids that eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Plaque builds up on your teeth. This erosion happens when you consume sugary or starchy foods. Plaque bacteria break down sugars and produce acids that erode the enamel until they create small cavities in the tooth's surface.

Cavities can grow deeper into the layers of the tooth, starting with the dentin and moving on to the pulp if they are not treated. The inner nerves are exposed once the decay reaches the pulp, and sensitivity and pain increase. Severe toothaches, infections, and abscesses can occur from advanced cavities, sometimes requiring root canal treatment to save the tooth.

Inadequate oral hygiene, frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and a lack of fluoride, which strengthens teeth and helps prevent decay, are all risk factors for cavities. Snacking regularly, especially on sugary snacks, gives bacteria in plaque a constant fuel source, and the decay process accelerates.

Dentists treat cavities by carefully removing the decayed tissue and replacing it with a restorative material like composite resin or amalgam. The earlier, the better. Smaller cavities are easier and less invasive to treat. Consistent oral hygiene, like twice-daily brushing, flossing, and fluoride toothpaste, is necessary to prevent cavities. By seeing your dentist regularly, he/she can spot the early signs of decay before they get worse and prevent further damage to your teeth and your long-term oral health.

Getting your child ready for their first dental visit lays the foundation for a good, lifetime relationship with oral care. The first appointment should be scheduled when your child is one or within six months of the first tooth appearing. This early visit allows the dentist to monitor your child’s oral development. It introduces them to the dental environment, hopefully easing any fears they might have about future visits.

You should use a positive and encouraging tone when explaining the visit so it will be smooth. The dentist will count your child’s teeth and make sure everything is healthy. Avoid using words like 'pain' or 'hurt' that could make someone worried. Instead, present the visits as a fun way to take care of their smile. You can use engaging activities like reading books or watching videos about first dental visits to reinforce this idea. It allows the experience to feel familiar and exciting.

Practicing at home can further prepare your child. You can take turns playing the dentist, asking them to open their mouths and pretend to check or brush their teeth. This makes a dental visit more relatable and reduces any anxiety they might have about somebody examining their mouth.

When you go for the appointment, act calm and confident. Your children can pick up on your emotions, and if you keep a positive outlook, you will be more likely to put them at ease. Pediatric dentists are used to working with children and use playful and engaging techniques to help children feel comfortable during a visit.

When you have an appointment, praise their bravery and cooperation. This will solidify a positive experience and make dental visits seem normal and fun, as your child will start to see them as a regular part of your life.

There are several reasons to choose a family dentist. One of their main benefits is the ability to offer comprehensive care to all age groups. Family dentists treat everyone, from infants to seniors, so you and your entire family can get the dental care you need in one convenient location. Since your dentist can look at your family’s oral health history over time, this setup simplifies appointment scheduling and the continuity of care.

Another reason to choose a family dentist is that building lasting relationships with your dentist and his/her staff is important. After knowing your family’s dental history and preferences, the dentist creates a trusting and comfortable environment since a child’s familiarity with a dentist is crucial. The more familiar they become, the more likely they are to be calm during visits and to have good oral hygiene manners.

Most family dentists provide various services, from preventive and restorative care to cosmetic procedures. They handle routine check-ups, cleanings, cavity fillings, and orthodontic assessments. This allows you to care for various dental concerns without getting multiple referrals to specialists. This convenient all-in-one approach saves time and is more convenient for busy families.

Furthermore, family dentists pay great attention to patient education. Their guidance lets you and your loved ones gain the necessary knowledge for optimal oral health. They give tips on keeping your teeth and gums healthy, including how to brush and floss properly and what to eat to keep your teeth and gums strong. This educational aspect promotes proactive dental care and healthier habits that will last a lifetime.

Having a family dentist also makes making an appointment a lot simpler. Several family members can visit the dental office on the same day or close together, decreasing stress and time away from other commitments.

Diet plays a key role in maintaining oral health and is one way of preventing cavities. Eating the right foods can help avoid tooth decay.

Eating as many types of veggies as possible is the first step to better diet choices. Nutritious crunchy options like cucumber, carrots, and celery promote saliva production and are nutritious. Saliva is a natural defense against cavities that neutralize acids and flush food particles. Further, these foods are rich in essential vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and gums. Calcium and phosphate, which strengthen tooth enamel and help keep gums healthy, are found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. These nutrient-rich options form a protective layer for your teeth, preventing harmful bacteria from taking root.

Whole grains also help your dental health. Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread are all foods high in fiber and essential nutrients. Fiber is good for digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which helps reduce cravings for sugary snacks that can lead to cavities.

You should also include nuts in your diet. They are great snacks with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals. Their nutrient density promotes strong teeth and supports gum tissue, making them a valuable part of your diet.

On the other hand, some foods can increase your chances of getting cavities and should be consumed cautiously. Sugary snacks and beverages, including candies, cookies, and soda, contribute a lot to cavity formation. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that attack tooth enamel and cause decay. Sticky foods like dried fruits and granola bars stick to your teeth, so saliva cannot wash them away. Exposing sugar and acid to your teeth for so long allows them to develop perfectly for cavities.

Fruits also contain sugar, so it is best to eat them in moderation.

Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and sodas, can wash away enamel over time, making your teeth susceptible to decay. Although they may contain some nutritional value, acid from them can wear away the protective layers of your teeth. Sometimes, refined carbohydrates, including white bread and pastries, break down into sugars that can add to plaque buildup. These items can disrupt your oral environment and lead to cavities if you consume them often.