We recommend bringing your child to our Cooper City dental office around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early dental visits help your child become comfortable with the setting and allow us to monitor their oral health from the start. These initial checkups are important for spotting any early issues and giving parents guidance on caring for their child’s teeth and gums. 

Generally, your child’s first visit to the dentist should be no later than age 3. We encourage parents to bring their children in for an orientation to familiarize themselves with the office at any time before their first scheduled dental visit.

Our office recommends that all patients should regularly visit the dentist every 6 months. Patients who are at greater risk of developing oral health issues such as gum disease or infections that require root canal therapy may need to come in more than twice per year. Our skilled and experienced team can determine how often you should come into our office for regular checkups once they have understood your unique oral health standing and needs.

A comprehensive oral exam is required to diagnose all types of oral health conditions. When undergoing a new patient exam the following is included: bitewing X-rays and a panoramic radiograph in addition to photographs. After the exam is complete, our dentists will discuss all their findings and show you the X-rays and photos. We encourage all patients to ask questions during this time and discuss any concerns you may have.

Over time, the bristles on a toothbrush eventually wear down and become less effective, especially if you are following the required brushing recommendation (twice per day for 2 minutes each). Adults and children are recommended to change their toothbrush every 3-4 months. When using an electric toothbrush, read the instructions, as you may not need to change the toothbrush heads as frequently.

Yes, you do! When you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you must be even more mindful of your oral health standing and scheduling regular visits. With braces, food can get caught behind brackets or wires where your toothbrush may not reach. This is why it’s important to receive regular cleanings and check-ups to ensure your teeth are in good standing as they move into position.

You might want to consider tooth replacement if you’ve lost one or more teeth due to decay, injury, or disease. Replacing missing teeth is crucial for maintaining proper mouth function, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting, and preserving facial structure. Options like dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures can also improve your ability to chew and speak, while restoring the aesthetics of your smile. Schedule a consultation with our dentists today to determine the best option based on your specific health needs and lifestyle.

Invisalign clear aligners are transparent, removable trays used to straighten teeth in a more discreet way. Unlike metal braces, which use brackets connected by wires, clear aligners are custom-made from smooth plastic and fit snugly over the teeth. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, offering greater convenience and comfort. Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day to make adequate progress, however.

Good oral hygiene involves several key practices: brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline, eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, and replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed or worn. Additionally, consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash or a fluoride mouthrinse to further reduce plaque and prevent decay.

Dental X-rays are essential for diagnosing underlying issues that aren’t visible during a regular oral exam, such as cavities between teeth, jawbone damage, impacted teeth, and dental abscesses. Modern dental X-rays emit very low levels of radiation and are considered safe for patients. Protective measures, like a lead apron, are used to minimize exposure further.

On average, dental X-rays need to be taken approximately once per year. However, every patient is unique and requires different types of treatment according to their oral health. For example, our dentists may recommend you need more than one set of X-rays taken per year.