Seeing a family dentist provides more convenience and flexibility for the entire family. Dr. Emily Ann Reece provides family dentistry in Cary for all ages at Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Patients of all ages, including children, teens, and seniors, can expect the appropriate care to meet their unique needs. This kind of patient-focused oral care will have you feeling good about the care you and your family receive.
Family dental care is a part of general dentistry. General dental treatment helps maintain your dental health and prevent future dental problems. Our dental office provides cleanings, routine treatments, and recommendations for patients of every age. Regular dental visits and preventive dental treatment are essential in every stage of life.
Family Dentistry in Cary, NC
As a family dentist, Dr. Reece provides dental services for children, teens, adults, and seniors. We will customize every dental service and treatment to fit each patient’s individual needs. Children need special care that adults and seniors don’t because their mouths are still developing. Our dental staff is prepared to meet these unique needs.
We want patients to feel at ease whenever they come to our dental office. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time at the dentist, we make our office a warm and comforting space. Please let us know if you have any current concerns or questions for us; we will be happy to answer them for you.
Dentistry for Children
We encourage parents to bring their children to the dentist early in life. This is essential for many reasons. We teach them about oral health maintenance at pediatric dental visits. This allows children to become familiar with the dentist’s office.
Establishing a relationship with the dentist will also help reduce the anxiety many children experience surrounding dental visits. Many children may be anxious or scared on their first visit. However, our staff has the training and care to make them feel comfortable.
Routine pediatric dentistry visits can include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Charting of teeth and existing tooth conditions
- Dental cavities screening
- Gum evaluation
- Examination of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and jaw position
Early intervention and prompt treatment can avoid more complex dental problems if we discover any dental issues. Early dental issues can affect speech and jaw development and your child’s long-term oral health. In addition, resolving issues like tooth cavities as soon as possible is essential so they do not worsen.
Here are some more tips to keep in mind when helping your child get the dental care they need:
- Discuss the dentist before their first visit so that you can assuage any fears or concerns that they may have.
- Check to see if your water has fluoride in it; talk to us about supplement choices.
- Ask us about dental sealants. This dental application can protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth.
- Teach your child about brushing when they are around 2 or 3 years of age, and teach them about flossing when they are around 7 or 8.
- Be aware of bottle tooth decay, which happens when teeth are exposed to sugary liquids.
Dental Care For Seniors
Family dental care is truly for every age. As we get older, our dental needs change as well. The biggest change is the enamel on the teeth will naturally wear down. Many seniors have dull, discolored, and stained teeth from consuming staining foods and drinks. We offer several types of cosmetic dentistry treatments to help seniors improve the appearance of their teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry can enhance the quality of life for seniors by addressing oral health issues that are common as we age. A simple teeth whitening treatment can brighten teeth and create a radiant-looking smile. Porcelain veneers can completely alter their smile, and create a bright and symmetrical smile. These treatments help you regain confidence by taking years off your teeth and overall appearance.
Seniors are also more likely to suffer tooth loss. When you lose one tooth, you’re more likely to suffer further tooth loss and increase your chances of gum disease and tooth decay. Anyone suffering from missing teeth should replace them, especially seniors, even if it’s just one tooth. Our office can help you with multiple tooth replacement options, including dental implants.
Family Dentistry FAQs
The following are frequently asked questions about family dentistry in Cary, NC. To learn more about our services, read through these questions and answers. Please contact us if you have further questions or concerns.
How Important are Primary Teeth?
Primary or “baby” teeth help children speak and chew and provide a blueprint for permanent future teeth. Taking care of primary teeth is important because cavities and infections are still concerns early on.
How Do You Care for Primary Teeth?
When your child’s first tooth shows, you can clean them with a wet washcloth. You may use an infant toothbrush that is the correct size for your child. We also suggest limiting sugary snacks and drinks and encouraging healthy eating habits.
Schedule dental check-ups every six months once the first tooth erupts. Proper dental care will help set the foundation for lifelong dental health.
Where Does Decay on the Primary Teeth Occur Most Often?
Tooth decay often occurs on the upper front teeth or chewing surfaces. Infection can build between teeth, where food particles get stuck. This attracts harmful bacteria, makes areas harder to clean, and easier for cavities to develop. Regular flossing and cleaning of these primary teeth is crucial to preventing decay and cavities.
When Should I Start Using Toothpaste on my Child’s Teeth?
Use an infant toothbrush or wet washcloth to clean your child’s gums before their teeth come in. When teeth come in, use a very minimal amount of toothpaste and an infant toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth twice daily.
By age 3, using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrush is safe. You should teach your child to spit out the toothpaste by this time. Always supervise your child while they brush their teeth to ensure they do not swallow the toothpaste.
Why is Dental Care Important for Seniors?
Proper dental care is very important for us as we age. Seniors need to maintain their oral health for many reasons. They are more prone to tooth loss. Once teeth are lost, it can be harder to maintain proper nutrition and digestion.
Also, poor oral health can contribute to systemic health conditions. Seniors already have a higher chance of these illnesses. Good oral health is crucial as we age.
What Can Seniors do to Manage Tooth Sensitivity?
Seniors experiencing tooth sensitivity should use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene with a soft bristle toothbrush and regular flossing will also help. You can also try to avoid acidic foods. If you are still experiencing tooth sensitivity, consult our dentist for tailored solutions.
What Can Seniors do About Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is also a common dental concern some seniors may face. You can manage dry mouth by staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on lozenges, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
There are dental products that can help with dry mouth. If you have chronic dry mouth interfering with your life, visit our dentist to find the right treatment for you.
How Often Should Seniors Visit the Dentist?
Like other age groups, seniors should visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and dental cleaning. If you experience increased dental problems, we suggest you visit us more often. We will help you find the right dental schedule to meet your needs.
Expert Family Dentistry in Cary, NC
If you need a new family dentistry office, call Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. You can contact us at 919-646-6294 to schedule your dentist appointment. You may also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Reece on our website.