Services
family dentistry
Pearly Smiles for the Whole Family
Visit our beautiful, state-of-the-art office to feel and experience the difference! The kids will enjoy the kid’s cave that has a variety of fun toys, books, and Netflix in each chair
We offer a myriad of family services including:
Family Appointments:
Family members can be seen at the same time or one right after the other to make visits more convenient. Many parents take advantage of this to allow them to have their visits completed while the little ones are being seen too. Having siblings see each other’s visits go well can be a great way to give confidence to someone who is not sure about jumping into the dental chair.
TV/DVD in all rooms:
Each dental chair is set with Netflix for your viewing pleasures and to allow a more comfortable environment.
Our Office
With a focus on your comfort, care and oral health. Etheridge Family Dentistry is here to make you smile.
The Importance of Tooth Brushing
- Brushing helps remove plaque and food from your teeth.
- Proper brushing can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Tooth brushing for at least 2 minutes twice a day will help remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth.
- Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush that is not worn out or frayed. Your toothbrush needs to be replaced every 3 to 4 months.
- Never share toothbrushes – it will spread germs.
- Adults and children over age 3 years should use a toothpaste with fluoride. The use of topical fluoride, which is in toothpastes, gels, and rinses, has been shown to safely reduce dental cavities.
- It is important that young children are closely monitored when using fluoride-containing products so that they do not swallow an excessive amount.
- Only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is necessary for a child to use.
- Children under 7 years old need an adult’s help brushing and flossing their teeth.
- Eat balanced meals and limit food that is high in sugar
Steps for getting the most out of your brushing:
- Place the toothbrush against your gum line (where the teeth and gums meet) at a 45-degree angle. Use a small circular motion to brush your teeth and gums.
- Brush the inner surfaces or backs of your front teeth with the front part of your toothbrush.
- Brush back and forth on the chewing surfaces of your teeth holding the brush flat.
- Brush for at least 3 minutes, twice a day. Be sure to brush at bedtime to remove bacteria that can cause decay while you are sleeping.
- Don’t forget to brush or scrape your tongue to remove harmful bacteria and help control bad breath!
The Importance of Flossing
- Flossing cleans between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Flossing also helps control bad breath.
- By combining flossing and brushing each day, you can thoroughly remove plaque and prevent cavities and gum disease.
Here are some tips for healthy smiles
Healthy teeth are key to a healthy childhood: kids need them for chewing, speaking clearly, and having a bright smile. And thanks to advances in dentistry and oral care products, today’s children are more likely than ever to grow up with strong, healthy teeth. As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s dental health: in fact, good oral care begins with you.
It is especially important to keep your child enthusiastic and motivated about caring for his or her teeth. So whether you’re teaching your children how to brush properly or taking them to the dentist for a checkup, remember that it’s up to you to set a good example. And don’t forget to praise your child afterwards for clean teeth and a healthy smile!
Children should first go to the dentist sometime between the eruption of their first tooth and their first birthday. The dentist will examine your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw; check for any early signs of problems; and show you the right way to clean and care for your child’s teeth. This is also a time to ask how your child’s teeth are developing.
What about Fluoride Treatments?
Tooth decay, or cavities, used to be a certainty. But the arrival of fluoridated drinking water and toothpaste has changed that. Fluoride is a natural mineral that safely strengthens tooth enamel (the hard outer “shell” of your tooth) and helps stop cavities from forming. All children, and adults, can really benefit from fluoride. If your child isn’t getting enough fluoride from the drinking water, or they continue to get cavities, your dentist may suggest a fluoride treatment.
Here are some tips and simple guidelines to help you with your child’s teeth development and home care:
- Brush at least twice a day – in the morning and just before bed.
- Spend two minutes brushing – concentrating on the chewing surfaces and back teeth, where cavities often first develop.
- Use a pea-sized amount of children’s fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to spit out any toothpaste that is left after brushing.
- Look for a brush that is suitable for your child’s age and dexterity.
- Don’t share brushes between children – it will spread germs.
- Brushing your teeth together sets a good example and helps your child to learn, by watching and imitating you!
- As early as you can, start cleaning in-between your child’s teeth. Ask your dentist for advice on when this should begin, and how to do it.
- Avoid putting your baby to bed with his or her bottle.
- Get your child’s teeth and gums checked at least every six months.
- Guide children away from sugary foods and drinks and reduce the number of times they have them during the day.
Remember, good oral care begins with you!
A lifetime of good oral health can be a reality for your child if you get him or her off on the right track early. Keep them motivated by setting a good example yourself and create a consistent and fun environment for tooth brushing. Soon, they’ll learn to recognize it as part of their daily routine, just like eating breakfast or reading a bedtime story. So, remember, starting early and starting right will ensure that your child’s smile stays healthy and bright!
Tooth Decay/Shark Teeth
When things go right, baby teeth fall out on their own without any special attention. The permanent teeth, which lie right below the gums, come in directly underneath the baby teeth. As the permanent teeth grow in, the roots of the baby teeth dissolve away, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out.
Sometimes, permanent teeth don’t come in directly under the baby teeth. As a result, the roots of the baby teeth remain strong and fail to dissolve as they should. Other times, the baby teeth become loose, but not loose enough to fall out on their own. In these cases, the permanent and baby teeth end up sitting side-by-side, and we must remove the remaining baby tooth.
Likewise, if crowding is likely to occur while baby teeth are being replaced by permanent teeth, then some baby teeth may have to be extracted. These planned extractions should create enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt into and allow them to be properly aligned. The extractions may avoid the future need for complicated orthodontic treatment.
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When it comes to your oral health, the team of professionals at Etheridge Family Dentistry is ready to serve you!