Family Dentistry
Crown Dentistry believes maintaining a diligent brushing and flossing routine is an essential part of keeping your smile healthy and beautiful. Regular examinations, cleanings, and screenings are also important for peace of mind and to remove any tartar left behind!
When we say that smiles are unique, we’re not referring to their appearances alone—in fact, appearances can be deceiving!
- Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body.
- Studies have shown tobacco users have more tartar than nonsmokers.
- Up to 40% of your tooth surfaces can harbor plaque and food debris if you skip flossing.
- There are 10-12 teaspoons of sugar in a single can of soda—sugar contributes to decay-causing enamel erosion.
- 78% of Americans have had a cavity by the age of 17.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush—manual or electric is based on your preference, but electric toothbrushes have been shown to remove 21% more plaque and 11% more gingivitis.
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and brush gently in small circular motions along your gumline.
- Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to remove bacteria from your tongue.
- Curve floss in a c-shape around each tooth and use a clean section each time you move.
- To avoid dry mouth, use an alcohol-free mouthwash. Swish and spit with water when out and about to reduce acidity and food debris.
- Wait 30 minutes both before and after eating to brush—this helps prevent enamel erosion.
Schedule a cleaning to get your smile gleaming.
Contact us today to put an appointment with Dr. Hawkins on your calendar!
Don’t make the mistake of thinking baby teeth aren’t important because there’s a permanent set to follow.
Baby teeth set the stage for a lifetime of oral health.
Crown Dentistry is happy to see children ages five and up! Your child’s 20 baby teeth should all be revealed by the age of three. Helping them brush and floss the same way you do can prevent them from experiencing decay and gum disease, which may cause premature tooth loss. Other habits that can contribute to dental problems include:
- Prolonged use of bottles and pacifiers
- Thumb sucking
- Nail biting
Boost their cavity prevention by installing a force field!
Okay, it’s not technically a force field, but sealants are a clear layer of protection that can prevent acids and bacteria from eroding your child’s tooth enamel. Applying sealants is quick and painless, and can reduce the risk of decay in your child’s molars by nearly 80%. It’s important for your child to maintain their brushing and flossing regimens, as sealants can dissolve more quickly when they’re not cared for properly.
Protect your child’s sweet smile with sealants!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with your Arlington family dentist, Dr. Hawkins!
Oral cancer rates are on the rise worldwide.
One American per hour dies of oral cancer. This is an alarming statistic, especially when the research shows that 25% of diagnoses are given to people without the most common risk factors. The reason for the low survival rate is late stage diagnosis—something we want to prevent, which is why we conduct oral cancer screenings at each visit!
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is seen as a higher risk factor for oral cancer than both tobacco and alcohol use.
- Less than 15% of dentists regularly screen patients for oral cancer.
- The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that 49,750 people will be diagnosed with oral oropharyngeal cancer this year.
- You can reduce your risk by avoiding excessive sun exposure, drinking only in moderation, and abstaining from tobacco use.
Wearing a mouthguard or nightguard can prevent injury to your smile, and the need for restorative dental work—it’s a win-win!
We can customize mouthguards and nightguards to fit your mouth (or your child’s) comfortably, whether it’s to protect your smile while you play contact sports, or to prevent the inflammation of your temporomandibular joint and the wear of your teeth from nighttime clenching and grinding. Having a mouthguard or nightguard made by Crown Dentistry ensures:
- A comfortable fit
- Durability to last longer
- Ability to be worn with braces
Come visit us already!
If you have any questions about our general dentistry services or are ready to grace us with your presence, contact your Arlington family dentist, Dr. Kasey Hawkins of Crown Dentistry, today!