Welcome to Halliburton Family Dentistry. As a family dentist in Ellicott City, MD, we treat patients of all ages. Dr. Denise Halliburton ensures that each patient feels comfortable and confident in her care. She wants everyone, from children to adults, to learn how to maintain oral health properly and feel confident in their smiles.
Family dentistry is a general dental treatment method that uses routine care for children and incorporates restorative and cosmetic solutions for older adults. Dr. Halliburton and her team can help parents care for their child’s teeth and provide the care needed for growing and aging smiles. Family dentistry can make it more convenient to keep everyone in your household’s oral health and wellness on track under one roof.
Caring for Primary Teeth
The primary or baby teeth are important building blocks for your child’s future oral health Caring for these first teeth helps children develop proper speech and nutrition. They serve as placeholders for adult teeth. Parents must clean their child’s mouth before their child’s first tooth shows.
Cleaning the gums with a wet washcloth removes food debris and bacteria. When the teeth begin to emerge, we recommend using an infant toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. Brushing and flossing baby teeth regularly can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
We recommend that parents schedule their child’s first dental visit after their primary teeth emerge. During your child’s first dental visit, we will:
- Examine the teeth, gums, and mouth
- Evaluate habits like thumb sucking
- Teach you about caring for your child’s smile
- Schedule your next dental visits
We can also provide your child with dental sealants or a fluoride treatment. Dental sealants are best for children ages 5 to 7 when the molars first come in. They are applied to the teeth as a protective barrier against harmful bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Our fluoride treatments help fight cavities and support healthy tooth enamel. Our fluoride varnish is safe for younger patients and is used in small amounts.
Preventing Dental Anxiety
When you bring your child in regularly, it helps them get used to the dentist office. You can sit in with your child during their appointment and reassure them as they get their dental care. We also let them sit with you during your appointment. Seeing their parent getting care helps them understand that there’s nothing to worry about from the dentist. Getting them comfortable with the sounds and experiences in the office as a child helps them avoid a fear of the dentist as an adult.
Adolescent Care
As children age further, their mouths continue to grow and change. When permanent teeth come in, we monitor their placement and ensure they come in properly. If there are problems, we’ll refer them to an orthodontist or recommend treatment with Invisalign to have a straight, even smile. Crooked teeth are harder to clean and have a higher chance of developing tooth decay or gum disease. Straightening teeth helps to prevent these issues.
Wisdom teeth tend to come in during the late teens or early twenties. Most of the time, our mouths aren’t equipped to fit this extra set of molars. We monitor the progress of these teeth to ensure they don’t cause further problems in your mouth. If they erupt, your teeth can become cramped and crooked. If they’re impacted, they can cause pain and infection. Most of the time, we recommend a tooth extraction in the interest of your oral health.
Treating Adult Patients
As we age, we can develop problems like tooth damage, discoloration, and even missing teeth. Our restorative and cosmetic dental treatments help enhance the smile’s health, look, and function. If you have one or more missing teeth, we recommend dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures.
Our office provides dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and tooth bonding for worn teeth or extensive tooth damage. Additionally, we provide professional teeth whitening treatment that can erase years of tooth stains and brighten the tooth enamel in multiple shades. Staying on top of your oral health needs and scheduling routine dental appointments can help prevent future oral health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions patients have about family dental care services.
Can fluoride treatments help adults, or are they just for children?
Fluoride treatments can benefit adults, especially those at higher risk for cavities or with exposed roots. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, reduce sensitivity, and protect against decay. It’s particularly helpful if you have a dry mouth, gum recession, or a history of frequent dental work. Dr. Halliburton may recommend it during regular cleanings to maintain long-term oral health.
What foods should my child avoid to maintain healthy teeth?
Children should limit sugary snacks, sticky candies, and acidic drinks like soda or sports drinks. These can feed harmful bacteria and lead to cavities or enamel erosion. Encourage water, fruits, vegetables, and dairy instead, which support healthy teeth and gums. It’s also important to avoid frequent snacking between meals.
When should I consider professional teeth whitening as an adult?
You might consider whitening if your teeth are stained from coffee, tea, smoking, or age-related discoloration. Professional whitening is safe and more effective than store-bought products. It’s a good option if you’re looking to boost confidence or before a special event. Dr. Halliburton will check if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment.
Do dental implants require special daily care compared to natural teeth?
Implants don’t require anything drastically different but need consistent brushing, flossing, and routine checkups. Unlike natural teeth, they can’t get cavities, but the surrounding gums and bone still need protection. Using a soft brush and avoiding overly hard foods helps keep them stable. A water flosser or special floss may be recommended for easier cleaning around the implant.
How can I recognize early signs of gum disease in myself or my child?
Early signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing. Bad breath, gum recession, and tenderness are also common indicators. In children, you may notice gum irritation or minor bleeding when they brush. Catching it early makes it easier to reverse with professional cleanings and better home care.
Can adults benefit from dental sealants, or are they just for kids?
While sealants are more common in children, adults with deep grooves in their molars can benefit too. They help prevent decay in hard-to-reach areas, especially if you’re prone to cavities. The application is quick and painless. Ask Dr. Halliburton if your teeth are good candidates based on your oral health and cavity risk.
What symptoms indicate my wisdom teeth might need removal?
Common symptoms include pain in the back of the mouth, swollen gums, jaw stiffness, or repeated infections. You may also notice shifting teeth or difficulty cleaning around the area. Even without pain, impacted wisdom teeth can still cause problems. A dental exam and X-rays will confirm if extraction is needed.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Are you looking for a family dentist in Ellicott City, MD? Call Halliburton Family Dentistry for comprehensive treatment today at 443-232-0656. You can also request a dental consultation with our team online. Feel free to let Dr. Halliburton or a member of her team know if you have any remaining questions or concerns. They will be glad to help you. We also serve Columbia, Elkridge, and Howard County, Maryland patients.