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When to Take a Child to a Family Dentist

Considering seeing a family dentist? These general dentists undergo training to learn how to care for patients of different ages, including children. Family dentists are great resources to utilize as they can provide oral health care for the entire family, thus making them convenient options for parents looking to get everything done at once. Additionally, these dentists are typically familiar with the entire family's oral health history, which makes it beneficial for children to be seen by one. When should children see a family dentist? Outlined below are a few scenarios when children should be taken to a family dentist. Parents should review this information to get a better idea of maintaining good oral health in their children. Routine care First and foremost, children should see a family dentist when needing routine oral health care, such as cleanings, examinations, or x-rays. The family dentist can perform all of these things on a regular basis to ensure that children obtain and maintain good oral health as they develop. Traditionally, family dentists recommend check-up appointments twice a year, which will include an examination, fluoride application, and cleaning. X-rays are typically done once a year unless there is a need for them to be done during both check-ups. Parents can opt to take their children in for more frequent cleanings if desired. Additionally, the family dentist may recommend more frequent examinations if there are certain risks or developmental problems present. Abnormalities or imperfections Family dentists should be seen when there are any noticed abnormalities or imperfections. Outlined below are a few signs that parents can keep an eye out for: * Redness or inflammation of the soft tissues * Black or brown spots on the teeth * White or yellow patches on the soft tissues * Protruding teeth that are growing in improperly Abnormalities and imperfections may be signs of cavities, gum disease, or dysfunction in the entire jaw. Parents should look out for these signs when helping children with oral hygiene each day. Preventive care Another time when it is necessary to take children to a family dentist is when preventive care is required. Preventive care may include dental sealants, fluoride applications, or crowns, all of which can be used to ensure that the teeth remain strong, healthy, and free of cavities. Family dentists often apply fluoride twice a year to keep the enamel mineralized and strong. Sealants are done on a more specific basis for children that are at risk of developing cavities. Many children benefit from having sealants, which is why they come so highly recommended by family dentists. Find out more from a family dentist Looking for further information on taking children in for dental care? Talking to a family dentist is the best place to start. Questions and concerns can be addressed, and an evaluation can be done in order to determine if any special care is required. Reach out today to get scheduled for an appointment or to learn more. Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryinredmond.com or call Essence of Dentistry at (425) 249-7789 for an appointment in our Redmond office.

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Since some of the warning signs associated with oral cancer can be confused with other less serious dental problems, it is important for patients to learn more about the warning signs of oral cancer. Understanding the signs can help you determine whether or not the symptoms you are currently experiencing are indeed cancer-related. You can only know for sure by making a dental appointment for a thorough mouth examination. About oral cancer Learning more about oral cancer will not only help in diagnosing the condition, but it can also help you understand how to prevent a cancer diagnosis in the future. Oral cancer can be located anywhere inside the mouth, e.g. lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, or hard palate. It can even develop in the tonsils and the back of the throat, making it more difficult to see. According to the American Cancer Society, around 53,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2019. In many cases, oral cancers can be treated and managed in their early stages when caught early. Routine dental checkups consist of checking for cancer warning signs in order to catch any signs early and prevent the progression of cancer cells. Warning signs of oral cancer The following is a list of some of the common warning signs associated with oral cancer. When a patient experiences any of these warning signs for many weeks, they need to be examined by a professional as soon as possible. The sooner oral cancer is diagnosed and treated, the higher the patient’s chances of experiencing successful treatment and results. Ongoing mouth pain When someone experiences pain in their mouth that does not go away or a sore throat that does not seem to heal, they need to be checked for oral cancer. White or red patches are present White or red patches that are present on the gums, tongue, and tonsils, or located anywhere in the lining of their mouth, is a sign that oral cancer may be present. Experiencing difficulty chewing and swallowing food Experiencing difficulty when chewing or swallowing food is a warning sign. This includes experiencing problems moving the tongue or swallowing because the tongue is numb in certain areas. Loose teeth, ongoing bad breath While many people associate having loose teeth and bad breath with gum disease, they are also warning signs of oral cancer. This is why it is essential for everyone to make regular dental appointments, as a dental professional will know whether or not these signs are associated with gum disease or oral cancer, both of which require immediate treatment. Learn more about oral cancer treatment If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of oral cancer, the only way you can be sure is by making an appointment with a dental professional. We will conduct a full and thorough examination, which will let you know exactly what is going on. Once your examination is complete, we will discuss the results and any necessary treatments. Whether or not a cancer diagnosis is made, these signs and symptoms should be evaluated and treated immediately. Our team can help you understand more about oral cancer and any symptoms you are experiencing or schedule a consultation appointment for a thorough evaluation. Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryinredmond.com or call Essence of Dentistry at (425) 249-7789 for an appointment in our Redmond office.

Preventive Dental Procedures from a Family Dentist

Regular, preventive dental procedures from a family dentist are key to preventing oral diseases, maintaining healthy oral health, protecting your teeth from pain, and ensuring your smile can last a lifetime. Preventive dental procedures allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and locate any minor issues before they become painful, expensive issues that can have a long-term impact on your oral health. Like any other form of preventive care, dental procedures can help protect you and your body from harmful issues that can ultimately be avoided with a few simple steps. Your dentist will help ensure that you are receiving the necessary preventive procedures that are right for you.  What are preventive dental procedures?  Preventive dental care is the typical services that you think of when you imagine your annual appointment with your family dentist and include (but are not limited to) the following:  * Professional cleanings include a few steps but focus on a physical exam, removal of plaque and tartar, and thorough cleaning. The physical exam typically involves a small mirror that’s used to check the inside of your mouth for signs of inflamed gums and other potential issues. Next, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup using a scaler tool, which often creates a scraping sensation. Finally, you will receive a deep cleaning that involves a gritty toothpaste to deep clean and thorough flossing.  * Fluoride treatments are used to protect your teeth from cavities and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a mineral that helps your teeth stand up to acid and sugars present in our modern diets.  * X-Rays are a common step preventative dental procedure that allows your dentist to look beyond your mouth tissue to examine your teeth and jaw in feather depth, identifying oral issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.  Benefits of preventative dental procedures  Many benefits result from regular preventive oral care. As most dentists will share, this type of care can prevent the progression of minor issues to major, expensive procedures. Issues with oral hygiene are typically caught in these procedures and allow for your dentist to provide corrective behavior, often avoiding the negative impacts that can accompany. Additionally, dental insurance typically covers preventative care at little or no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. It is common for dental plans to cover two cleanings per year, ensuring that any issues can be caught quickly and monitored by your dentist every six months. A final benefit is the proper habits and oral hygiene that is encouraged by regular care.  Although many people avoid regular dental appointments, undergoing regular preventative care can ultimately protect you from painful, expensive procedures in the future - and the best part is, your dental insurance usually covers this treatment. Your family dentist is a great resource to ensure that you and your family are receiving the regular, preventive care that will keep your smile shining for many years to come!  Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryinredmond.com or call Essence of Dentistry at 4252497789 for an appointment in our Redmond office.

How a Family Dentist Uses Dental Bonding

If you have damaged teeth, you can use a process called dental bonding to fix them. This is a quick, easy, and cheap way to repair your damaged teeth. Your family dentist can perform the procedure and reinvigorate your smile! Who needs dental bonding? Anyone suffering from minor cosmetic damage is a candidate, including people whose teeth are chipped, cracked, or misshapen. Minor decay and discoloration are fixable with it, as well. If tooth damage is more severe and the tooth's structural integrity is an issue, then this is probably not a viable solution. If you are unsure whether this is an option for you, you should talk with your dentist about your concerns. What are the pros and cons of the procedure? The most obvious benefit is that the cosmetic damage to your teeth will be fixed. You will be able to smile with confidence without worrying about gaps or cracks. Another benefit is the ease of the procedure. It takes just one quick trip to the dentist! You also most likely do not need to undergo anesthesia; therefore, your judgment will not be impaired, and you can even drive yourself home afterward. One issue is their integrity. They will eventually break and need to be replaced, and they are not likely to last more than ten years. However, you can take care of them with proper oral hygiene and not eat ice or hard foods. This will allow them to last longer. How does the procedure work? It is important to educate yourself on how the dental bonding procedure works. First, your dentist will determine the exact shade of your teeth so that the bonding resin matches them. Then, the dentist will prepare your teeth for the resin and mold the resin onto them in the desired shape. The resin will act as part of your teeth. Therefore, it can be used to reshape or cover your teeth and fill in gaps and cracks. After this, your dentist will use UV light to harden it. Lastly, they will polish the resin to remove imperfections and to make it match your teeth better. How to care for your teeth afterward For 48 hours after your appointment, it is a good idea to avoid coffee or other liquids that might stain them. It is also recommended to minimize coffee and smoking long-term, as they can also become stained over time. You should avoid chewing on ice and hard items or foods, as the bondings are not as durable as your natural teeth. This means you might have to try to break some habits, such as chewing on pencils or your fingernails. Regular dental care is just as important as before; you should brush your teeth and floss regularly to prevent bacterial build-up and plaque formation. You should continue with regular dental check-ups, as well. It is advisable to see a dentist for a cleaning every six months. If you follow these guidelines, your new dental appliances should last a long time! Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryinredmond.com or call Essence of Dentistry at 4252497789 for an appointment in our Redmond office.

Why Is a Dental Filling Considered a Direct Dental Restoration?

Wondering why a dental fillings is also known as a direct dental restoration? There are both direct and indirect restoration options available, with each option addressing a particular dental problem. Examples of indirect options include dental crowns, dental bridges, dental veneers and dental implants, as these types of restorations are constructed outside of the mouth. Dental fillings, on the other hand, are considered to be a direct dental restoration. About direct dental restorations Direct restorations are dental procedures that take place within the mouth, like dental fillings. According to WebMD, to treat a cavity the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Other examples of direct restorations include tooth extractions and root canals, as these are also dental procedures that are also performed directly in a patient's mouth. Dental filling materials When someone is in need of a dental filling, they can choose the type of material they want to be placed in their mouth. This makes it a good idea for anyone who is in need of one or more dental fillings to learn the advantages and disadvantages that come with each option. The list below includes three popular dental filling materials dental patients are choosing. Composite fillings Composite fillings are made using glass or quartz and can be used to fill small to medium fillings. They are durable, as they can withstand a good amount of pressure that happens during the chewing process. They tend to last between five and seven years, making eventual replacement necessary. While many people choose this filling material because it is strong and cosmetically pleasing, it is possible for them to discolor or stain. Ceramic fillings Ceramic fillings are made using porcelain, which means that they are tooth-colored and therefore blend in with one’s teeth when placed in the mouth. This dental filling choice is able to resist any stains, unlike composite fillings, making them a popular option for those who are concerned about tooth stains affecting their smile. Even though they are not as strong as other filling materials, they are still a popular option because they are so natural looking. Amalgam fillings Amalgam fillings are also known as metal fillings, as they are made using a combination of materials, e.g., silver, copper, tin, mercury. They are very strong, durable and accordingly can last upwards of 20 years with proper oral care. This choice is visible as the dental fillings are made of metal and can become sensitive when consuming anything that is either hot or cold. In need of a dental filling? Getting a dental filling requires one to undergo a direct restoration procedure, which means the entire treatment process will take place inside of the patient's mouth. When it comes to choosing the type of dental filling material, patients can choose the type of material they want or they can ask a dental professional to help them decide. Understand that cavities will only continue to worsen until they are treated. Are you considering getting a dental filling in the Redmond area? Get more information at https://www.dentistryinredmond.com.