The Allen Dental Center is a family-friendly practice. Our dentists would love to become your go-to providers, no matter where you are in your oral health journey. We are here to provide family dentistry services in Allen, TX, to meet all your needs under one roof.
Our dentists bring years of top-notch experience and a passion for helping and getting to know others. This is one of the main reasons our community loves them. Let’s work together to keep your mouth healthy and give you a smile that you are proud of.
Are Baby Teeth Essential?
Yes! Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, are the first teeth that grow in the mouth. The baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. Keeping baby teeth healthy will ensure the child’s teeth, gums, and palate develop properly.
Even before your child’s first teeth grow, you must clean their gums. You can wipe your child’s gums with a clean cloth to remove leftover food from the mouth. can prevent gum disease.
When the baby teeth come in, you can gently brush them with an infant toothbrush. Use a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, on the toothbrush. Your child can begin to brush and floss with supervision around age 6.
Why Is Preventative Care Essential?
Preventative dentistry is a branch of dental care that helps maintain good oral health. Preventative dental care in our Allen, TX office
A good oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are essential to preventative care. Brushing twice daily and flossing before brushing will help patients of all ages maintain their smiles.
Regardless of age, we recommend visiting the dentist twice a year. During routine visits, we keep track of changes in patients’ smiles and thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. We can also answer questions and provide tips at regular visits to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Our team understands that patients can feel anxious about visiting the dentist. Patients who have had bad experiences at the dentist or fear pain can feel comfortable in our office. They can feel reassured that they are in capable hands.
Family Dentistry Services in Allen, TX
With dental care for the whole family, patients of all ages can get the proper care for their specific needs. Our family dental services can include:
Dental Sealants
Sealants are coatings we place after a dental cleaning that will help prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants are an excellent option for children. We can also recommend sealants for patients of any age prone to tooth decay.
We typically place sealants on the back teeth or molars. Because children have trouble reaching these teeth, cavities can develop there.
Fluoride Treatment
Dental fluoride in water and toothpaste helps strengthen teeth. Our fluoride treatments are no different. For this treatment, we apply fluoride to the teeth. Patients must refrain from eating for several hours to ensure fluoride penetrates the enamel.
Cosmetic Care
Over time, patients can notice signs of tooth wear or require treatment for dental injuries. Dental bonding or veneers can cover worn areas and ensure treated teeth blend in with the shape and shade of other natural teeth.
Restorations
Patients may need one or multiple restorative treatments as they age. Our restorative dental treatments help patients with damaged and missing teeth. Dental crowns, implants, implant-supported restorations, and even TMJ treatments restore the function and form of teeth.
Emergency Dentistry
If you have just lost a tooth, experienced tooth pain, or injured a tooth, you need an emergency dentist. Our friendly and highly trained staff can help you address your dental problem immediately. Your oral health is our top priority.
Family Dentistry in Allen, TX: Caring For Aging Smiles
Over time, you may notice dental problems that you haven’t experienced before. Medication side effects, medical conditions, and natural tooth wear can impact the feel and function of your smile.
This is why preventative dental care is important. If you notice any changes in your oral health, please get in touch with our office. We also take medications and medical conditions into account when providing dental care.
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Common problems like diabetes, dry mouth, and vitamin deficiencies can increase your risk of decay. Gum disease is a common infection that can lead to bleeding, receding, and painful gums.
Tooth decay is similar to gum disease but is a bacterial infection affecting teeth. Signs of tooth decay can include chronic toothaches, holes in teeth, sensitive teeth, and bad breath. Together, gum disease and tooth decay can permanently damage your smile. Our office provides dental cleanings, scaling, and root planning to prevent these dental problems.
Damaged and Missing Teeth
We can also fix damaged teeth and replace missing teeth in our office. If you have a chip or crack in a tooth, you must fix your injury, no matter how small. Harmful bacteria can enter the tooth, affecting the nerves that keep teeth alive.
We may recommend tooth bonding treatment for small areas of tooth damage. Dental crowns can also fully cover and protect damaged teeth.
When you think of missing teeth, your mind may go to dentures in a glass of water. However, patients who have missing teeth benefit from dental implants. Dental implants are small titanium posts a surgeon places in the jaw bone. Over time, the dental implants fuse with the jaw bone. Dental implants act as new tooth roots to secure restorations.
Implants can also secure dentures, meaning patients with removable dentures can get implants to support their smile. We recommend implants if you have a traditional bridge or denture but need more support.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to questions about family dentistry in Allen, TX:
Can family members get same-day appointments?
Yes, we make it easy for families to schedule same-day appointments. Our office can see multiple family members on the same day, saving you time and reducing the hassle of booking separate visits. Let us know your scheduling needs. We will find a time that fits your family’s busy routine.
At what age should my child get sealants?
Most children should get dental sealants when their permanent molars come in around 6 to 12 years old. The first molars appear at about age 6, and the second molars come in around age 12. Sealants work best when applied soon after the molars erupt before cavities can form.
How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
Preventing cavities in your child’s teeth is essential for their long-term oral health. First, make sure your child brushes their teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed. Brush for about two minutes to remove plaque and food.
Help your child floss between their teeth to remove food particles and plaque that a toothbrush can’t reach. This helps prevent cavities between the teeth.
Try to limit sugary snacks, sodas, and juice. If your child has sugary foods, encourage them to drink water afterward. Water helps wash away food particles.
When should my child get fluoride treatments?
Your child can start getting fluoride treatments as early as their first dental visit, which is typically recommended by their first birthday. Fluoride treatments help protect their teeth from cavities by strengthening the enamel, especially if they’re at higher risk for tooth decay.
Most kids start getting regular fluoride treatments around the age of three, when their permanent teeth begin to grow. If your child is more likely to get cavities, we may recommend more frequent fluoride treatments.
Can pregnant women go to the dentist?
Yes, pregnant women can and should go to the dentist. Taking care of your teeth during pregnancy is important for both your health and your baby’s health. In fact, it’s recommended to continue with regular dental checkups and cleanings during pregnancy.
Pregnancy can cause changes in your body that may affect your oral health, like an increased risk of gum disease or swollen, bleeding gums (known as pregnancy gingivitis). Your dentist can help manage these issues and provide treatments to keep your mouth healthy.
Let our dentist know you’re pregnant, so they can avoid certain treatments or medications that may not be safe during pregnancy. In general, routine dental cleanings and checkups are safe. We will avoid more complex dental treatments during the first trimester.
What can I do to help my child feel comfortable at the dentist?
Helping your child feel comfortable at the dentist can make their experience positive. Bring your child to the dentist for their first visit around their first birthday, even if they don’t have many teeth yet. Early visits help them get used to the environment.
Also, talk about the dentist in a positive way. Let your child know the dentist is like a “tooth doctor” who will help keep their teeth clean and healthy.
You can also read books or show your child videos that explain what happens at the dentist. This can help your child feel more familiar with the visit. At your childs visit, bring a favorite toy or blanket so they feel comfortable. After the visit, reward your child with a small treat or a fun activity to make them look forward to the next appointment.
How does my child’s diet affect their oral health?
Your child’s diet plays a big role in their oral health. Eating the right foods helps keep their teeth and gums strong, while certain foods can lead to problems like cavities or gum disease.
Foods that are high in sugar, like candy, sugary drinks, and snacks, can cause cavities. Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in the mouth, which produce acid that can weaken and damage teeth. Foods like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and milk help protect teeth. These foods provide vitamins and minerals that keep teeth healthy and help prevent tooth decay.
What should I do if my child sucks their thumb?
If your child sucks their thumb, it’s essential to address it gently and with patience. Thumb-sucking is a common habit among young children, and most kids stop on their own as they get older. However, if your child continues to suck their thumb past the age of 4 or 5, it could affect their teeth and bite.
First, explain why thumb-sucking is not a good habit for their teeth. Help them understand how it can lead to crooked teeth or mouth problems. Many children suck their thumb to feel comforted or relaxed, especially when they’re tired or stressed. Offer other ways to calm down, like a stuffed animal or blanket.
You can also praise your child when they don’t suck their thumb and encourage other distractions, like playing with their hands or drawing. If the thumb-sucking continues past the age of 5 or is causing dental problems, visit our dentist.
Contact Us Today
Are you looking for an office that provides high-quality family dentistry services in Allen, TX? Call 972.640.7564 or schedule your appointment with our team online. Let us know if you have any questions; we will gladly assist you. Our office works with you to schedule dental care for your whole family.
We serve Allen, Texas, and surrounding communities, including Plano, Carrollton, Richardson, and Garland. We also serve Rockwall, Frisco, McKinney, The Colony, and Lewisville. Our dental practice provides family dentistry services to patients from countless other cities and neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.