At Derby Dental, we focus on oral health for all ages. Our services include preventive care, dental cleanings, and exams. As a family dental practice, we address your family’s needs in a friendly place where everyone can feel at ease getting dental treatment.
Located in Austin, Texas, we offer comprehensive dental services to ensure your family’s oral health. We understand the unique needs of each age group and provide tailored care for every family member. Our comprehensive approach ensures long-term oral health for everyone.
Preventive Dental Care for Children and Adults
Our dental office is cozy, friendly to kids, and welcoming to everyone in Austin, TX. Derby Dental is a place where both children and adults can relax during their visits.
Preventive care is crucial for maintaining oral health. Regular dental cleanings and exams help identify issues before they become severe. Our preventive care services include fluoride treatments and sealants to protect teeth from decay. Regular check-ups can catch small problems early, saving you time and money in the long run.
Dr. Whitehouse and Dr. Kilkelly also emphasize patient education, teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques. Additionally, we offer advice on diet and lifestyle habits that contribute to better oral health for older adults.
Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings get rid of plaque and tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Our hygienists use special tools to clean your teeth really well and polish them to remove surface stains. We recommend getting a cleaning every six months to stop harmful bacteria from building up.
Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease and make your teeth look brighter. Many patients feel fresher after a cleaning, which boosts their confidence and helps them keep up with good oral care habits.
Dental Exams
Exams are important for finding problems early. During an exam, we check for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. We use X-rays to spot issues that aren’t visible to the eye. Regular exams can help prevent more serious problems and give you a chance to ask questions.
Our dentists also check the health of your gums and look for signs of infection or swelling. By examining your tongue, throat, and mouth, we can find any unusual things. Catching problems early leads to better treatment and overall health.
Dental Care Tips for Children
Children’s dentistry is a big part of our family practice. We use special methods to make kids feel comfortable and teach them how to brush and floss properly. Regular visits help kids build good oral habits and prevent future problems. These check-ups include cleanings to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
We know kids might be scared of the dentist, so we use a gentle approach to help ease their anxiety. We make visits fun and interactive, which helps them take an interest in caring for their teeth. Getting used to dental care early on sets them up for a lifetime of good health.
Teach your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and show them how to brush in small circles. They should start flossing as soon as their teeth touch.
Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These foods give calcium and vitamin C, which are important for strong teeth and gums. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks like candy, soda, and juice, as they can cause early decay and cavities. Instead, choose water and healthier snacks like fresh fruit and protein-rich foods.
Common Dental Problems in Children
Tooth decay, which often leads to cavities, is a common issue in children. It happens when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on teeth and creates acids that damage tooth enamel. To prevent tooth decay, make sure your child brushes their teeth regularly and limits sugary snacks.
Another problem is gum disease, or gingivitis. Poor brushing and flossing can cause swollen or bleeding gums in children. Teaching them to brush and floss daily, along with regular dental check-ups, helps prevent gum disease and keeps their gums healthy.
Malocclusion, or crooked teeth, can also be an issue. It affects how a child bites and can make chewing or speaking difficult. Dentists can spot malocclusion early and fix it with treatments like Invisalign clear aligners.
Accidents and dental injuries are also common. To prevent these, especially for active kids, use mouthguards during sports. Teach them safe play habits and avoid chewing on hard objects to reduce the risk of injuries.
The Lifelong Impact of Family Dentistry
Family dentistry provides care for everyone in the family, no matter their age. From young children getting their first teeth to grandparents needing special dental care, everyone gets the right treatment.
Kids who grow up with family dentistry are more likely to keep good oral habits. This means regular dentist visits, good brushing and flossing, and healthy eating. It helps them build a strong foundation for good dental health throughout their lives.
Family dentistry also keeps detailed records of each family member’s dental history. This helps track how their dental health changes over time and spot any patterns. It also allows us to provide care that fits each person’s needs.
Regular dental visits help kids get used to the dentist’s office and reduce their anxiety. Kids who have positive experiences at the dentist are more likely to continue taking good care of their teeth as they grow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions concerning family dental care.
When should my child start using toothpaste with fluoride?
Children should start using fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth appears. Use a rice-grain-sized smear for kids under 3, then increase to a pea-sized amount for ages 3-6. Always supervise brushing until around age 7 to ensure they spit out excess paste rather than swallowing it. Early fluoride use dramatically reduces cavity risk during crucial developmental years.
What’s the best way to prevent cavities in young children?
Establish a consistent brushing routine with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and limit sugary snacks and drinks. Avoid putting babies to bed with bottles containing anything but water, as milk or juice pools around teeth during sleep. Regular dental visits starting by the first birthday catch problems early. Consider dental sealants for permanent molars to protect their deep grooves from trapping food and bacteria once they emerge.
What should I do if I have sensitive teeth after a cleaning?
Use desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne for a week and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Post-cleaning sensitivity typically resolves within a few days as your gums settle back around your teeth. Avoid very hot, cold, or acidic foods temporarily until discomfort subsides. Contact us if sensitivity persists beyond two weeks or worsens suddenly, which might indicate a different underlying issue needing attention.
How do I know if my child is brushing and flossing correctly?
Check for plaque by using disclosing tablets that temporarily stain missed areas bright pink or blue. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed during gentle brushing or flossing – persistent bleeding suggests inadequate cleaning. Watch them brush occasionally, ensuring they reach all surfaces, especially back molars where most cavities form. Consider apps with timers or electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors designed specifically for kids’ proper technique.
When should I consider orthodontic treatment for my child?
Most children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 when adult teeth start emerging and jaw growth patterns become apparent. Early intervention catches problems like crossbites or severe crowding before they worsen. Not every child needs immediate treatment – sometimes we monitor and wait for more permanent teeth. Treatment timing varies widely – some issues require early correction while others wait until most permanent teeth have emerged around age 12.
What dental problems are common in seniors?
Dry mouth tops the list for seniors, often caused by medications and affecting over 30% of older adults. Root cavities become more common as gums recede and expose vulnerable root surfaces. Many seniors face increased gum disease risk, tooth wear from decades of use, and complications from existing dental work needing maintenance. Oral cancer risk rises significantly after age 45, making regular screenings essential.
How can older adults maintain strong teeth and gums?
Stay vigilant with brushing and flossing despite arthritis or dexterity issues – consider electric toothbrushes with large handles. Combat medication-induced dry mouth with special rinses, frequent water sipping, and sugar-free lozenges. Don’t skip dental appointments thinking problems are inevitable with age – many conditions remain preventable. Focus on controlling gum disease through regular professional cleanings, as it’s the leading cause of tooth loss among seniors.
Visit our Austin dental office for an exam and cleaning today. You can call us at 512-795-0128 or request an appointment online on your own time.