What Is Meant By Family Dentistry?

 

Family dentistry deals with the dental health of the whole family – from pediatric to senior dentistry. One of their goals is to stop the transmission of infectious diseases. 

Family dentistry is the professional dental care, is performed by the specialist for the patients of all ages. It covers the first dental visits of a child, the care and preservation of the teeth of the parents, and even the supply of dentures for older generations.

 

Family dentist Lakewood deals with all areas and treatment methods of dentistry. However, since there are infectious diseases, such as caries or periodontitis, which can be transmitted quickly, especially within a family, so-called partner or family prophylaxis is often recommended. In addition to partner and family prophylaxis, individual prophylaxis for children and adults is of course also offered. The transmission of infectious diseases is already possible through kissing and can be favored, for example, by testing baby bottles in young children. Individual prophylaxis is there to help children learn the correct oral hygiene and brushing technique since the care of the teeth is of great importance from the first milk tooth.

Children should be introduced to the visit to the Littleton dentist from an early age to avoid the possible development of dental anxiety.  Individual prophylaxis for children is the right way to do this. Interesting facts: legally insured children between the ages of 6 and 17 are entitled to individual prophylaxis, also called IP benefit.

How does prophylactic treatment for children work?

During prophylactic treatment in children, dental plaque is visualized with the help of a special coloring liquid. Based on the discolorations, children can see where they need to brush and care for their teeth better in the future. Not only does the consultation and education of the child about the individual state of oral health, possible causes of the disease, and their prevention play a major role, the parents are also involved. Fluoridation and fissure sealing is also part of individual prophylaxis in children. 

 

Fluoride is applied to the teeth as a varnish and, in addition to fissure sealing, is an effective measure to prevent the development of caries. After the tooth eruption, especially the permanent molars are particularly at risk of caries. To counteract caries in these places, fissure sealing, also called dimple sealing, is performed on the chewing surfaces.

 

What is the difference between normal prophylaxis and a partner or family prophylaxis?

Partner or family prophylaxis is basically about interrupting chains of infections that have been caused by transmissible infectious diseases, such as caries or periodontitis, and can spread quickly. Using modern test methods, it is possible to determine the number of different types of bacteria in saliva. An individual pension plan can then be developed. To protect close people from such infectious diseases and to prevent the spread of bacteria, it makes perfect sense to take advantage of partner and family prophylaxis. However, it should be said that all family members should also take such a prophylactic treatment.