Call Us (208) 888-2026Every patient should have high-quality dental care, and your family is no exception. Our family dentists cater to people of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. Here, our team emphasizes the importance of specialized care for the little ones, including a dedicated focus on the unique needs of children, provided by our experienced kid dentists.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Once your child turns three, it’s time for their first dental visit! Things like baby bottles and thumb sucking can cause tooth decay, so starting dental visits early is essential to making sure your child’s teeth are in prime condition. The first visit usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and includes the following:
- Disclosing solution to reveal plaque
- X-rays to find cavities
- Fluoride treatment
After the appointment, the Millennium Family Dental team will go through proper brushing and flossing techniques to help reduce the risk of cavities forming in the future. Of course, we recognize that children may be nervous during their first appointment — you can count on us to create an encouraging, positive environment that puts children at ease.
Children’s Dentistry
Cavities are most commonly found in children and adolescents, which is why It’s important to receive regular dental check-ups at a young age. From answering questions and detailing oral care routines to evaluating the teeth and performing deep cleanings, our family dentistry team does everything possible to keep your child’s smile happy and healthy. Our children’s dentistry services include:
We specialize in preventive care, which means optimizing oral hygiene to prevent problems like cavities and tooth decay from rising in the first place. Of course, emergencies happen. Whether your child chipped a tooth in a fall or injured their jaw during a sports match, we’re prepared to help with our emergency dental care services.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are clear plastic coatings (made with resin or a glass ionomer) that are painted onto teeth to lower the risk of tooth decay. They help prevent food particles from settling onto teeth and causing cavities. It’s highly recommended that children between the ages of 6 and 11 receive dental sealants — according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), children without sealants are three times as likely to develop cavities than children who have them.
Although sealants are commonly administered to children, adults can benefit from them as well. If you are prone to cavities or have uneven teeth, dental sealants can protect against bacteria and smoothen the surface of teeth. To apply the sealant, the Millennium Family Dental team will create microscopic notches on your teeth using an Etch treatment. This helps the material adhere to your teeth, where it can remain in place for up to nine years.
No matter what your needs are, we want your dental visit to be as convenient and comfortable as possible, so schedule an appointment for your whole family at our office today!
Fluoride Treatment
According to the American Dental Association, you should receive a fluoride treatment every 3, 6, or 12 months. Fluoride, which is a natural mineral, is often added to toothpaste and water because of its teeth-strengthening properties. Benefits of fluoride include:
- Fortifies enamel
- Fights bacteria
- Repairs microscopic problems
Cavities occur when sugary and starchy foods mix with the natural bacteria in your mouth and form dental plaque, which coats the teeth and leads to tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens enamel to make it more resistant to bacteria, consequently reducing the likelihood of cavities forming. Fluoride also makes it more difficult for bacteria to grow and helps restore minerals to the teeth.
Fluoride treatments can reduce your chances of getting a cavity by 40%. To execute the treatment, the Millennium Family Dental team will apply fluoride to your enamel using a tool such as a brush or swab. The entire procedure should not take more than a few minutes. Once it’s done, you may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for about thirty minutes so that the fluoride can fully absorb and do its job.
Athletic Mouthguards
About 39% of dental injuries are caused by sports. While some injuries may result in minor jaw pain or tooth sensitivity, others can lead to chipped teeth, fractures and even tooth loss. Whether you play a high-contact sport like wrestling or a team sport like basketball, it’s recommended to wear an athletic mouthguard during matches.
Mouthguards are soft, plastic devices that cover the teeth and gums, helping reduce injuries to the mouth, teeth, jaw, face and head. By locking your jaw in place, mouthguards stabilize the muscles and lower the chances of concussion or whiplash.
While you can get athletic mouthguards over-the-counter, these are usually low-quality and do not offer a substantial level of protection. The most effective mouthgards are tailored to meet the exact proportions of your mouth. By taking impressions of your teeth and bite, the Millennium Family Dental team can create a mold of your mouth that is then used to form a perfectly fitting, comfortable mouthguard.
Emergency Dental Care
When it comes to dental emergencies, speed is key. The sooner you can get to our office, the higher the chance of mitigating the damage. In addition to saving our contact information in an easily accessible location, you should be able to recognize the signs of a dental emergency. These include:
- Bleeding or swelling that won’t stop
- Intense jaw or tooth pain
- Chipped, cracked or loose tooth
In the case that your tooth falls out, you should hold it by the crown and rinse it in saliva or milk. Touching the root or rinsing it in water can cause further damage and make it impossible to save.
If you experience a dental emergency, contact us as soon as possible. We can let you know if you need to come into the office immediately, or if you can wait a day or two. Keeping us informed is the best way to protect your teeth.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Whether you’re trying to schedule your child’s first dental visit or are interested in a custom mouthguard, the Millennium Family Dental team is here to help. We can shape schedules around your family’s needs and provide personalized treatment for each member. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
