At Bladenboro Family Dentistry, Dr. French helps patients of all ages receive high-quality treatment. Our team emphasizes the importance of cavity prevention, especially in younger patients. Children who experience high rates of tooth decay or get cavities are more prone to oral health issues later in life.
However, infection is preventable with routine dental care and good oral hygiene. At regular general dental visits, our team can spot early signs of decay and disease using modern dental technology. Visiting the dentist on a regular basis as a child also helps establish the foundation for healthy oral hygiene habits.
If you are looking for a family dentist in Bladenboro, NC, call Dr. French today.
Your Child’s First Dentist Visit to Bladenboro Family Dentistry
At your child’s first dental visit, we will provide:
- Dental x-rays
- Comprehensive oral health exam
- Dental cleaning
- Routine cavity screening
- Fluoride treatment
- Dental sealants
Our office recommends that parents schedule their child’s first dental visit after their first tooth emerges. Regular pediatric visits allow our team to monitor any changes in the bite, jaw, teeth, and gums. We also recommend that parents clean their child’s gums even before their teeth erupt.
Using a wet cloth, parents can wipe off food particles from the gums. A buildup of these particles as well as harmful bacteria can lead to gum disease and tooth decay later on. Our team also helps younger patients learn how to care for their oral health once their baby teeth have come in. We find that reinforcing good oral health habits from a young age leads to better overall oral health later on.
Dental Treatments for Adults
As we age, we can encounter oral health problems like darkened tooth enamel, damaged teeth, and even tooth loss. At Bladenboro Family Dentistry, our dentists provide implant restorations, veneers, bonding, and teeth whitening treatment to address these problems.
Dental implants are sturdy titanium posts that replace single missing teeth or can be used to secure dental restorations. Bridges help to replace multiple consecutive missing teeth and dentures can replace full arches of lost teeth. Chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth may be treated with dental veneers and tooth bonding.
Although both of these treatments are similar, veneers are made of shells of porcelain ceramic while dental bonding uses resin composite material on teeth. Tooth whitening treatment can erase years of tooth stains for a brighter smile. Our office uses professional-grade bleaching agents to whiten teeth by multiple shades.
Family Dentistry FAQs
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Your child should visit the dentist at least bi-annually for a regular checkup. The dentist monitors their oral health to make sure everything is progressing as it should. Permanent teeth are extremely susceptible to decay when they first come in. If we notice problems, we may recommend dental sealants and/or more frequent dental visits.
How often should an adult visit the dentist?
It’s standard for everyone to visit the dentist at least twice a year for a dental cleaning and a thorough exam. Just like with children, our staff monitors your oral health to make sure things are going smoothly. If we notice anything problematic, we’ll let you know the steps to move forward.
Why do primary teeth still need care if they aren’t permanent?
Primary teeth have a more important role in the mouth than you may realize. These teeth allow your child to speak, chew, and eat properly. But they also act as a placeholder for permanent teeth. If the primary teeth are lost too early, the permanent teeth can erupt too soon.
Permanent teeth that come in early are more likely to be crooked and cause further issues in the future.
Is fluoride safe for my child and me?
It’s true that fluoride is toxic in extremely large doses. But the levels of fluoride in things like public drinking water and toothpaste are safe and beneficial to our teeth. Fluoride works by reacting with other minerals in your teeth. It makes your teeth less susceptible to decay and keeps them strong. Fluoride is safe as long as it’s administered properly.
How do dental sealants work?
Dental sealants are often recommended to help prevent tooth decay in children. The dentist paints the material onto the surfaces of the teeth. They provide an extra layer of protection between your tooth enamel and the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay. Sealants protect the teeth for years after their application.
How safe are dental x-rays?
Particularly in this modern age, dental x-rays are safer than ever. Dentists provide all necessary precautions to make sure that patients stay safe. X-rays provide valuable information that helps our staff protect your oral health. They give us information to catch things like tooth decay in the earlier stages, making it easier to treat.
What can I do at home to help prevent tooth decay?
Make sure every member of your family is brushing and flossing regularly at home. Maintaining a proper diet also contributes to oral health. Keep things balanced with fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods and drinks with too much sugar and make sure everyone is drinking plenty of water.
What toothbrush and toothpaste should I be using?
In general, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Choose a brush that has bristles that are varied and angled, not flat and uniform. They clean the nooks and crannies of your teeth thoroughly. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months so that it stays clean and effective.
We recommend toothpaste that has the ADA seal of approval. Based on your latest dental exam, we may recommend specialized toothpaste to help with issues specific to your smile.
Contact Our Bladenboro Dentist Office
Are you looking for a family dentist in Bladenboro, NC? Do you need to schedule dental appointments for every member of your family? Call Bladenboro Family Dentistry for comprehensive dental care today at 910-469-4592. Feel free to schedule a dental consultation with Dr. French or a member of the dental team on our website.
Let us know if you have any questions about how to care for your child’s teeth or schedule their first appointment. We will be glad to help.