There are many advantages to choosing a family dentist. Storts Family Dentistry offers dental care for all family members, regardless of age. Our team of dentists understands the importance of being flexible and providing each patient with the unique care they need. Each stage of life requires special oral care needs. If you are looking for a new dentist, we provide family dentistry in Southern Oklahoma for children, teens, adults, and seniors.
Family Dentistry in Southern Oklahoma
As a family dentist office, Storts Family Dentistry provides oral health care for patients at every stage of life. Our dentists are qualified to care for the unique needs of small children as well as adults. If you have a family with members ranging in age, then choosing a family dentist will be more convenient for you.
Dentistry for Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child see a dentist when their first baby tooth erupts or by their 1st birthday. Your Storts Family Dentistry offices located in Ardmore and Madill, OK treats children of all ages. We know that the dentist can be intimidating initially, especially for children. Your child’s first visit with us is a “Happy Visit” when they meet their dentist and become familiar with our dentist office.
Our dentists and staff are passionate about working with kids. We want your child to learn how to care for their teeth and create lifelong habits. After a child’s first visit with us, we will proceed with a regular hygiene schedule. Your child should visit us every six months for a check-up and hygiene appointment.
Starting a dental hygiene routine at a young age will give your child a long-lasting smile and will lower their chances of developing a dental disease. Our family dental services in Southern OK help younger patients keep their smiles healthy. We also provide comprehensive dental services to the public in Oklahoma.
Dental Services for Children
We can catch and treat many types of oral issues in the early stages. We offer orthodontics for children if your child requires it. Both Invisalign and traditional braces are great options for correcting a child’s teeth. Our orthodontic services are helpful for issues including but not limited to overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowded teeth, gap teeth, open bite, and crooked teeth.
We also offer tooth extractions for children who suffer from severe decay or need their wisdom teeth removed. Lastly, our two locations in Ardmore, OK and Madill, OK provide sedation dentistry for children who become anxious when visiting the dentist. We utilize nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” to give anxious children a calm and comfortable experience.
Preventing Cavities in Children
Across the country, childhood cavities are a major issue we face. At Storts Family Dentistry in Southern Oklahoma, we make it a point to prevent cavities in children. Cavity prevention starts at a young age through good oral hygiene habits and dental education.
Beginning routine visits with your child is vital. At these visits you will learn how to properly care for your child’s teeth, we will clean their teeth, and examine their entire mouth for potential dental issues.
Diagnosing a dental cavity in the early stages allows us to treat it right away. This is when treatment is most conservative and we can preserve most of your child’s natural tooth structure.
To prevent cavities, you can do many things to ensure the health of your child’s teeth:
- Brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (over age 2)
- Flossing once a day
- Limiting sugary drinks and beverages
- Following recommended guidelines for nursing, taking a bottle, and sippy cup use
Keep primary teeth (baby teeth) in place and healthy until they are lost naturally. Primary teeth are essential for maintaining good nutrition, allowing children to chew properly. Likewise, primary teeth are critical for proper speech development and help to promote good self-esteem.
Dentistry for Seniors
As people get older, their dental needs change. Seniors face unique oral health challenges, such as tooth loss, gum disease, dry mouth, and difficulty maintaining daily dental care. However, with regular checkups and good oral hygiene, seniors can keep their teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
Common Dental Problems for Seniors
Certain issues are more common as we age. It’s important to ensure seniors get the extra care they need for these issues.
Tooth Loss
One of the biggest dental issues seniors face is tooth loss. Over time, teeth experience wear and tear from chewing, grinding, and exposure to acidic foods and drinks. Gum disease and untreated cavities also contribute to tooth loss. While losing teeth is common, it is not a normal part of aging. With proper dental care, seniors can prevent tooth loss and keep their natural teeth longer. For those who have lost teeth, options like dentures, dental implants, and bridges can restore function and appearance.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is another major concern for seniors. It occurs when plaque builds up along the gumline, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and, in severe cases, tooth loss. If left untreated, gum disease can affect overall health by increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes complications. Seniors should brush and floss daily, visit their dentist regularly, and watch for signs of gum disease, such as swollen or bleeding gums.
Dry Mouth
Many seniors experience dry mouth, a condition where the body does not produce enough saliva. Saliva is essential for washing away bacteria and protecting teeth from decay. Dry mouth is often a side effect of medications that treat high blood pressure, depression, and other common conditions. Without enough saliva, seniors are more likely to develop cavities and gum disease. Drinking plenty of water, using saliva substitutes, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can help relieve dry mouth symptoms.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Cavities can develop at any age, but seniors are at higher risk due to receding gums and dry mouth. When gums recede, they expose the roots of the teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent cavities and keep teeth strong.
The Benefits of Choosing a Family Dentist
Choosing a family dentist will provide you with many benefits. If your are searching for a new dentist for your family, here are some reasons why you should Storts Family Dentistry:
- As a family dentist office, our dentists provide a wide range of services under one roof. Its easier to schedule appointments for the entire family at one time.
- When you visit us multiple times a year, we hope to establish a familiar and comfortable relationship. Your dentist will know your family dental history which will only enhance the personalized care we can provide you and your family.
- Family dentists provide dental care to patients of all ages. This includes routine cleanings and exams to more complex procedures. A family dentist can continue the dental care each patient needs from childhood into adulthood.
- Family dentists can offer advice for each patient that is tailored to their age and needs. This includes education about preventive care, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices suitable for every family member. This is vital to help patients attain and maintain healthy oral hygiene habits.
- Having one dentist treat your whole family allows for easier tracking of genetic or recurring dental issues. Your dentist will offer effective dental health preventive strategies and treatments.
- Regular visits to the same family dentist can help instill the importance of dental hygiene in children, seeing it as a normal part of health maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my kid getting so many cavities?
Kids can get cavities for several reasons. One common cause is a diet high in sugary snacks and drinks. Poor brushing and flossing habits also contribute to children’s cavities. Sometimes, kids don’t brush long enough or miss spots. Additionally, genetics can play a role. Some people may naturally have weaker enamel. Bi-yearly dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can help a child prevent cavities.
At what age are dental sealants most effective?
Dental sealants work best when dentists apply them to children’s molars as soon as they come in. This usually happens around age 6 for the first molars and around age 12 for the second molars. Applying sealants early helps protect these teeth during the cavity-prone years. However, sealants can be beneficial for people of all ages who are at higher risk for cavities.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Dentists use the lowest possible radiation dose to get clear images. Modern X-ray equipment and techniques reduce exposure even further. Moreover, protective gear like lead aprons and thyroid collars add more safety. X-rays help dentists detect issues that are not visible during a regular exam.
Can cavities grow under sealants?
Dental sealants are effective at preventing cavities. However, decay can potentially develop underneath them in certain situations. This can occur if a dentist does not apply the sealant properly or if it chips or wears away over time. However, when a dentist applies sealants correctly to teeth without decay, they provide excellent protection against cavities.
At what age can a child get Invisalign?
Children can start Invisalign treatment once they have most of their permanent teeth. This is typically around the age of 12 to 14. Additionally, the dentist must assess whether a child’s teeth and jaw have developed enough for Invisalign. Invisalign can be a great option for children who need orthodontic treatment but want a discreet alternative to braces.
What sedative can a dentist use for a child?
Dentists can use several types of sedatives for children. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a mild sedative a child can inhale through a mask that helps them relax while staying awake. Oral sedation involves a liquid or pill a child can take before the appointment to make them drowsy. Lastly, IV sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation but requires careful monitoring. The dentist will choose the appropriate sedative based on the child’s age, health, and the procedure’s complexity.
Contact Your Local Family Dentist in Southern Oklahoma
Call (580) 260-3410 or request a dental appointment with us online. Our skilled and experienced dentists are proud to serve a wide range of cities and towns in southwestern Oklahoma, such as Ardmore, Madill, Thackerville, Springer, Wilson, Mannsville, Kingston, and countless other areas! We recommend dental cleanings and check-ups twice per year. Bring your child in for a cleaning today!