Seeing a family dentist provides more convenience and flexibility for the entire family. Dr. Emily Ann Reece provides general dentistry services and family dentistry in Cary, NC for people of 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 to their unique needs. This kind of patient-focused oral health care will allow you to feel confident about the care you and your family are receiving.
Family Dentistry in Cary, NC
As a family dentist, Dr. Reece provides dental services for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Each dental service and treatment will be tailored to meet the unique need of the individual patient. Children require special care that adults and seniors to do not need. Our dental staff is prepared to meet these unique needs.
Dentistry for Children
We encourage parents to bring their children to the dentist early in life. This is very important for many reasons. We teach them about oral health maintenance and it allows them to become familiar with a dentists office. Establishing a relationship with the dentist will also help alleviate the anxiety that many children experience surrounding visiting the dentist. Although it is not uncommon for children to be anxious or scared at their first visit, our staff is trained to make children feel as comfortable as possible.
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
If we discover any dental issues, early intervention, and prompt treatment can avoid more complex dental problems. Early dental issues can affect speech and jaw development as well as your child’s long-term oral health. It is important to resolve issues like cavities as soon as possible so they do not get worse.
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.
- Determine if your water supply is fluoridated; if not, discuss supplement options with us.
- Ask us about dental sealants. This dental application can be used to 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 occurs when teeth are exposed to sugary liquids.
Dental Care For Seniors
Family dental care is truly for every age. As we grow and age, our dental needs change as well. The biggest change is the enamel on the teeth will naturally wear down. Many senior find their teeth dull, discolored, and stained from consuming various foods and drinks that will stain their teeth. We offer several types 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 they age. A simple teeth whitening treatment can brighten teeth and create a radiant looking smile. Porcelain veneers can completely alter their smile creating a symmetrical and bright smile. These treatments can take years off your smile and overall appearance and help regain confidence.
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 suffering from things like gum disease and tooth decay. Anyone suffering from missing teeth should replace, especially seniors, even if its 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. If you would like to learn more about this service we offer, read through these questions and answers. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact us.
How important are primary teeth?
Primary or “baby” teeth not only help children speak and chew but also 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?
As soon as 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 that your limit sugary snacks and drinks and encourage healthy eating habits. Schedule dental check-ups every six months once the first tooth erupts. Proper care sets 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 of the molars. It is also common in between teeth where food particles get stuck and bacteria can accumulate. These areas are harder to clean making it easier for cavities to develop. Regular flossing and cleaning these primary teeth is very important to preventing problems like 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 even before their teeth come in. When teeth do come in, use a very minimal amount of toothpaste and an infant toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth twice a day. By around age 3, a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste is safe to use. By this time, you should be teaching your child to spit out the toothpaste. 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. Senior already have a higher chance of these types of illnesses so good oral health is crucial as we age.
What can seniors do to manage tooth sensitivity?
Seniors experiencing tooth sensitivity should use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Also, simply maintaining proper oral hygiene with a soft bristle toothbrush and flossing regularly will help. You can also try to avoid acidic foods. If you are still experiencing tooth sensitivity, consult with your dentist for tailored solutions.
What can seniors do about dry mouth?
Dry mouth is also a common dental concern that some seniors may be dealing with. You can manage it by staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on lozenges, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. There are dental products that are designed to help with dry mouth. If your dry mouth is chronic and interfering with your life, book an appointment with your dentist to find the appropriate treatment for you.
How often should seniors visit the dentist?
Just like everyone else, seniors should visit the dentist every six months for a check up and teeth cleaning. If you are experiencing dental problems, we suggest that you visit us more often.
Expert Family Dentistry in Cary, NC
If you are looking for 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 or you can request an appointment with Dr. Reece on our website.