Hampton Family Dentistry - Family Dental Care New York

Tips for Caring for Your Child's Teeth

As a parent, the example you set when it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth will influence the level of importance that your child places oral hygiene for the rest of his or her life. A great way to encourage your children to care for their teeth is by showing them that brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist are very important activities to you. You should also take time to explain to them the importance of good oral hygiene and show them proper ways to care for their teeth.

Infant Dental Care
Your baby begins to form their teeth during the second trimester of pregnancy and at birth they have 20 primary teeth developed in the jaw. To help your baby’s teeth grow in properly, you should run a damp washcloth over the gums each day. This will help remove harmful bacteria from your baby’s gums. As teeth grow in, you can begin to brush them each day with an infant toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste.

Adolescent Dental Care
Your child should have their first appointment with a dentist by their first birthday. During this initial visit, your dentist will explain proper brushing and flossing techniques for your child. At home, young children should be supervised while brushing their teeth until they are five years old.

Teenage Dental Care
By the time your child is a teenager, their permanent teeth should be fully grown in. Once the permanent teeth come in, your family dentist can look at your child’s bite and teeth straightness to determine whether or not orthodontic treatment is necessary. Even though braces are commonly associated with teenagers, children can now begin this kind of orthodontic treatment as early as seven years old.

For more tips on caring for your child’s teeth, schedule an appointment with Hampton Family Dentistry. We are a family dentistry practice in Middletown that can care for your child’s teeth throughout each stage of development. You can reach us at (888) 686-3856. 

Make Sure You Are Taking The Steps Necessary To Protect Your Oral Health By Visiting These Links

A healthy smile is one of the first things people notice about others. Check out these links for more information about improving your Invisalign success and the importance of dental X-rays. Give the dentists with Hampton Family Dentistry a call at (888) 686-3856 to learn more about our Middletown and Walden services.

• Did you know that Invisalign treatment is more beneficial to your oral health than traditional braces? Explore this article from Invisalign.com for more information.
• Invisalign treatment can help correct a number of oral malocclusions. Learn more about the different types of malocclusions with this article from WebMD.com.
• Why are dental X-rays important? Find out with this guide from the American Dental Association.  
• What types of things can your dentist see with dental X-rays? Read over this link from MedlinePlus.gov for more information on the uses and indications for dental radiographs.
• Learn how you can have whiter, healthier teeth by following the tips discussed in this Reader's Digest article. 

Tips for Ensuring Successful Invisalign Treatment

Oral malocclusions, also known as “bad bites,” refer to abnormalities of the teeth and jaws that interfere with a person’s bite. Most people think that the only way to correct malocclusions such as overbites, underbites, crowding, and spacing is to undergo orthodontic treatment using metal brackets and arch wires. However, thanks to advances in dental technology, you can now improve your smile without the need for these painful devices. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth in a much less noticeable way. Continue reading to make sure you make the most out of your Invisalign treatment. 

Wear Your Aligners as Instructed
Each aligner is typically worn for a period of two weeks before being exchanged for the next aligner in the series. It is important to wear your aligners as instructed by your orthodontist, typically 20 to 22 hours per day in order to ensure that you stay on top of your treatment schedule.

Keep Your Aligners Clean
Studies show that the Invisalign system can improve your oral health as the removable aligners make it easier to brush and floss your teeth, ultimately reducing the chances of tooth decay and gingivitis during treatment. However, it is still important to clean your aligners daily to prevent food debris and plaque from building up and sticking to your teeth.

Avoid Drinking or Eating with Your Aligners
Your aligners may be nearly invisible to others, but only if they remain clear. For this reason, you will want to remove your aligners when eating or drinking dark fluids, taking the time to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
One of the best ways to ensure successful Invisalign treatment is to visit your orthodontist on a regular basis for checkups. This will not only help make sure you are on track, but will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions.

For more information about the benefits of the Invisalign system, contact the Middletown, NY dentists with Hampton Family Dentistry at (888) 686-3856 today! We also offer cosmetic and general dentistry services. 

The Importance of Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are often performed as part of routine dental checkups and in preparation for certain treatments such as orthodontics. In this video, the American Dental association discusses the uses and benefits of dental X-rays.

Also known as radiographs, dental X-rays show your dentist things that cannot be seen during a visual examination of your mouth. This includes cavities between teeth and those that are hidden by fillings, infections of the bones, periodontal disease, cysts, abscesses, and tumors. Watch the full clip to learn what to expect from dental X-rays. 

For more information on dental X-rays, oral examinations, and professional teeth cleanings, contact the dentists in Middletown at (888) 686-3856. You can also set up an appointment with Hampton Family Dentistry by visiting our website. 

Why X-Rays Are an Important Part of Routine Dental Care

Dental X-rays, also known as radiographs, are a major component of most dental visits, as they provide your dentist with information about the overall health and status of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Most dentists will require all new patients to undergo a full set of dental X-rays, whereas other patients will require scheduled radiographs based on their risk factors and current symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of dental X-rays.

Diagnosing Cavities and Periodontal Disease
Not all dental conditions cause symptoms during the early stages. Cavities and gum disease, for example, may not cause any pain or visible problems until the infection has spread and caused significant damage. Dental X-rays allow your dentist to diagnose cavities that are not visible to the eye, especially those that affect the roots or areas between the teeth.

Identifying Dental Abnormalities
In addition to helping your dentist better diagnose cavities and gum disease that are not evident during a visual examination, dental X-rays allow your dentist to find other abnormalities affecting your teeth and jaws. These may include impacted teeth, deep fractures, cysts and abscesses, infections of the jawbones, and cancerous tumors. Dental X-rays can also be used to analyze developmental abnormalities of the jawbones and palates in pediatric patients. 

Aiding in Treatment Planning
Certain dental procedures will require X-rays in order to create an appropriate treatment plan. This plan may include orthodontic treatment, the placement of dental implants and other restorations, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgery, and TMJ surgery.

The best way to determine if it’s time for you to undergo a new set of dental X-rays is to visit your Middletown or Walden, NY dentist. Let the dentists with Hampton Family Dentistry help you maintain a healthier smile by contacting us at (888) 686-3856. You can also visit us online for more information about our services.