Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal oral health, especially for growing children. At Thomson Family Dental, your trusted Dentist in Thomson GA, we emphasize the importance of scheduling routine six-month check-up exams for patients of all ages, with a particular focus on children.

Children’s mouths are constantly evolving, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. By establishing proper oral health habits early on, we can help ensure these habits become a lifelong routine. During your child’s visit, our team will thoroughly screen their mouth for signs of tooth decay and gum disease while also providing a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Our friendly and experienced team members take the time to educate children on proper brushing technique and oral hygiene practices, tailoring our approach based on each child’s age and individual needs. We may also recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay. Additionally, we may suggest the application of sealants to protect your child’s molars and premolars from cavities.

Sealants are a highly effective preventive measure, particularly for the grooved surfaces of molars and premolars, which are prone to decay. The application process is quick and easy, involving thorough cleaning of the teeth followed by the application of a liquid solution and curing with a special light. Once applied, sealants act as a barrier, protecting the enamel from plaque and acids for several years.

While sealants offer excellent protection against decay, they are not a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices. It’s essential to maintain regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings to ensure continued oral health. Additionally, sealants do not protect between teeth, so daily flossing remains crucial.

At Thomson Family Dental, our dentist and knowledgeable team are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth at every stage of childhood. Whether you’re seeking preventive care or treatment for existing dental issues, we’re here to help. Contact our office today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

When it comes to making a lasting impression, your smile speaks volumes. If you’re seeking a simple yet effective way to rejuvenate your appearance, teeth whitening may be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Thomson Family Dental, your trusted Thomson GA Dentist, we offer professional whitening services to help you achieve a brighter, more youthful smile.

Over time, even with diligent oral care, teeth can become stained or discolored due to a variety of factors such as genetics, antibiotics, tobacco use, and certain foods. As we age, it’s natural for our teeth to lose their brightness. Fortunately, our experienced team can help reverse these effects and restore your smile’s radiance.

Whether you opt for an in-office treatment or choose to whiten your teeth at home, the basic principles of teeth whitening remain the same. A specialized whitening agent is applied to the teeth to bleach away stains and enhance your smile’s brilliance. During a consultation, our dentist will discuss your whitening goals and help determine the best approach for you.

In-office teeth whitening offers the fastest route to a whiter smile. With the guidance of our skilled dental professionals, a stronger bleaching solution can be utilized compared to over-the-counter options. This leads to quicker and often more effective results, helping you achieve a more youthful appearance with minimal hassle.

During an in-office whitening treatment, we’ll begin by thoroughly cleaning your teeth. The whitening agent is then carefully applied, with precautions taken to protect your gums and soft tissues. A special laser light may be used to expedite the process, and the treatment may be repeated for optimal results.

If visiting our office isn’t feasible for you, at-home whitening kits can provide a convenient alternative. While over-the-counter products offer some whitening benefits, custom-made whitening trays provided by our dental team offer a more precise fit and often deliver more consistent results. While at-home whitening may take longer to achieve noticeable results compared to in-office treatment, it can still help brighten your smile over time.

If you’re ready to unlock a brighter, more youthful smile, contact Thomson Family Dental today to learn more about our professional whitening options or to schedule a consultation. Let us help you achieve the confident, radiant smile you deserve.

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.