Ensuring your child develops healthy dental habits from a young age is vital for their lifelong oral health. At Thomson Family Dental, serving Thomson GA, our mission is to make dental hygiene enjoyable for children. Here are some creative tips to keep your child engaged and excited about oral care:

1. Choose a Special Toothbrush: Let your child pick out their own toothbrush in their favorite color or adorned with a beloved cartoon character. Child-size soft-bristled brushes come in various options designed to make brushing fun. Consider electric or battery-operated toothbrushes for added excitement and better plaque removal.
2. Select Children’s Toothpaste: Minty toothpaste might be too overpowering for children’s sensitive taste buds. Opt for children’s toothpaste available in soft mint, fruity, or bubble gum flavors. Allowing your child to choose their toothpaste flavor can make brushing more enjoyable and encourage them to brush for the recommended two minutes.
3. Use a Timer: Two minutes can feel like an eternity for a child. Help your child maintain focus and ensure they brush for the recommended time by using a timer. You can choose from a variety of options, including sand timers, manual stopwatches, or digital apps with engaging features that turn brushing into a game.
4. Brush (and Floss) Together: Set a positive example for your child by brushing and flossing together. Being a role model reinforces the importance of oral hygiene. It also allows your child to mimic your brushing technique and emphasizes the significance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

For more personalized tips on making dental care enjoyable for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to Thomson Family Dental. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Contact our office today for expert guidance on pediatric dental hygiene.

Early detection is key in the fight against oral cancer, just like with any other form of cancer. At Thomson Family Dental, we prioritize regular screenings as the first line of defense against oral cancer. Our Dentist in Thomson is thoroughly trained to conduct comprehensive screenings for oral cancer during your dental visits.

During your screening, our dentist will meticulously examine your lips, tongue, gums, mouth, and throat for any signs of abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer. We take into consideration any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as ear pain, mouth sores that don’t heal, white or red patches in your mouth, dramatic weight loss, lumps or swelling in or around your mouth, sore throat without other sinus symptoms, or pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue.

It’s crucial to note that one adult American dies of oral cancer every hour. While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors can heighten your risk, including genetic predisposition, prolonged sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, smoking, chewing tobacco, and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Additionally, oral cancer tends to affect men more than women.

However, regardless of the cause, the success of treatment hinges on factors like the size, type, and stage of the cancer. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful recovery, with oral cancers detected in the early stages boasting an 80–90% survival rate. Early or precancerous oral cancers can often be removed with less invasive procedures, whereas later stages may require more complex treatment due to the cancer spreading beyond the mouth.

If you’re seeking more information about oral cancer and oral cancer screening, don’t hesitate to contact Thomson Family Dental. Schedule a consultation or a comprehensive dental exam with our experienced team. We’re dedicated to your oral health and committed to providing you with the care and support you need.

Almost half of the population in the United States has been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can range from gingivitis (mild inflammation) to  periodontitis, a major oral disease that can result in soft tissue damage, bone destruction, and even tooth loss. Our experienced dentist is trained to treat all stages of periodontal disease in both new and existing patients. 

A main cause of gum disease is the lack of practicing proper oral hygiene habits.  Habits such as daily brushing and flossing, along with regular professional exams and cleanings, are the key to maintaining optimal oral health. When these practices are not followed on a regular basis, plaque forms on the teeth and underneath the gum tissue. If this plaque is not removed, within time it may harden become tartar. Only a dental professional can remove tartar from teeth during a dental cleaning. 

If gum disease is not treated during the early stages, tartar and bacteria may continue to multiply causing the disease to advance. Gums redden, swell, and become painful and prone to bleeding. When the disease reaches this point, professional periodontal treatment is needed to prevent further advancement. 

Periodontitis is generally considered the most advanced form of periodontal disease. With periodontitis, gums begin to recede away from the teeth, creating “pockets” in between the tooth, root, and gum tissue. These spaces are very difficult to clean and require professional attention. Without prompt and thorough treatment, bone, gums, and soft tissues may be destroyed by the disease. In fact, one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease.

Some of the most common risk factors for periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, smoking, genetics, and female hormonal changes. Some medications can even cause gum tissue overgrowth, which can increase difficulty in proper oral hygiene. 

Our dentist  has the training and experience to diagnose and treat every stage of periodontal disease. If you are experiencing bad breath, bleeding or painful gums, sensitive teeth, or teeth that are becoming loose, contact our office to schedule a periodontal evaluation. We provide excellent, comprehensive periodontal care for both new and existing patients.

You have heard the recommendation from your dental hygienist or dentist over and over again: “You need to start flossing. Flossing daily is important.” Although it may sound like a broken record at times, flossing truly is instrumental to both your oral and overall dental health. It is important to understand the benefits of flossing daily to keep your smile shining bright. 

Flossing not only protects your gum tissue, but also the surrounding bone support. When you floss, you clean the plaque (dental bacteria) in between your teeth. Simply brushing your teeth does not allow you to reach the areas in between where your teeth touch together. The bacteria can build up and eventually harden into tartar. A combination of bacteria in your mouth and tartar under the gumline can lead to periodontal disease and eventually tooth loss. 

Periodontal disease not only affects your oral health, but your systemic health as well. Long term, unresolved inflammation in your body can lead to many issues. The bacteria found in the mouth that cause periodontal disease have also been shown to circulate throughout the bloodstream. It has been proven that there is a correlation between these bacteria and heart disease, stroke, increased blood sugar levels/diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, among many other diseases. 

A consistent routine of flossing, when paired with brushing and professional cleanings, can save you money in the long run. Preventative care can reduce more severe problems down the road. Flossing can help decrease the amount of decay you develop in between your teeth, therefore decreasing the amount of dental work that needs to be done. It is a great way to stop the problems before they even begin. 

Although it may sound repetitive, you truly do want to heed the advice of a dental professional when it comes to flossing. The old saying “only floss the teeth that you want to keep” holds true. Contact our office for a full dental examination and a professional cleaning, including an evaluation of your oral hygiene habits and how they can be improved.

If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit, it may not be possible to regain optimal oral health care without the assistance of professional care. While creating your oral health plan, make sure to start by scheduling an examination and professional thorough cleaning with our team. Once you’ve received professional care, it’s imperative to adopt an at-home care plan to maintain your oral health between appointments.  

How often should you receive professional care?  

Your professional oral health care plan will vary based on your individual needs. For patients with mild to severe periodontal disease, a program involving 4 visits per year may be necessary to keep the disease from progressing. For others with a smile less susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay, 2 visits per year may suffice. Regardless of your individual needs, once set, do your best to keep to your regular schedule. This will prevent harmful bacteria from causing damage to your beautiful smile and affecting your overall health.  

Home Care 

Many don’t realize the regular dental appointments alone do not ensure optimal oral health. In fact, according to the research conducted by the American Dental Association, brushing should occur twice per day for 2 full minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Interdental cleaning should occur daily and can be done with floss or alternative methods, such as with the use of a Waterpik.  

Decay can occur in a few months or less of oral hygiene neglect. Decay can also occur due to an acidic oral environment, underlying health conditions or as a result of a poor dietary habit.  

Oral Health and Overall Health 

Your oral health is directly related to your overall health. The bacteria and infection found in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to important organs. It’s imperative to care for your smile, just as you would your heart, lungs or brain.  

Whether it has been only a few months or several years since you’ve last received professional oral health care, we welcome you at our practice. You’ll receive compassionate care, free of judgement. It’s our goal to help you achieve a smile that you’re happy to display.

Despite popular belief, there is no official dental specialty for cosmetic dentistry. There are, however, countless courses, training programs and advanced training which can allow a general dentist to master the art of dentistry. When considering cosmetic dentistry, start with a consultation.  

What to Expect During Your Cosmetic Consultation 

Just as you wouldn’t paint a house that has yet to be built, you wouldn’t want to address the aesthetics of your smile, prior to ensuring the foundation is healthy and functional. For this reason, you may learn that you have a need for restorative or orthodontic care before receiving the cosmetic plan. This can be disappointing for some patients, however, most agree that having a strong and healthy smile is even more important than its appearance.  

During your cosmetic consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to explain to our team how you’d like your smile to appear. With modern technology and procedures, our team can address and solve a variety of concerns, including:  

• Diastema (gaps between teeth) 
• Whitening a dull smile 
• Repairing chipped or cracked teeth 
• Building up worn teeth 
• Reshaping 
• Crown lengthening (to correct a “gummy” smile)  
• Misaligned or crooked teeth 

The services recommended during your consultation may include one or more of the following:  

• Porcelain veneers 
• Teeth whitening 
• Inlays and onlays 
• Dental Implants 
• Dentures 
• Tooth-colored fillings 
• Orthodontics 

During your appointment, you’ll not only express what you envision for your smile, but our team will provide you with a detailed plan for how to achieve your goals. From there, you’ll be able to plan the appointments, financing and more. Often a few small changes can drastically improve the appearance of a smile. It’s very possible that in 1-2 short visits, you can be smiling with confidence.  

If you’ve considered cosmetic dentistry, but aren’t sure where to start, contact us. Our team of professionals will provide you with an individual plan.