At our dental office, we understand you’re looking for a place where everyone in the family can have the dental care they need. You don’t have to drive all around town, taking everyone to separate dental offices depending on their needs. As your trusted general dentist, Dr. Bowersox provides family dentistry services in Westminster, MD.
Our general dentistry office accepts all patients, regardless of age. From your child’s first tooth eruption to an elderly parent who needs an entire set of new teeth, we will ensure you have a great experience.
Our dentists can help your family at any stage in their dental health journey. We provide individualized care to each member of your family. Dr. Bowersox creates custom treatment plans specifically to meet your dental care needs.
Family Dentistry in Westminster, MD
We understand you want to ensure that your family is getting the best dental services available to them. Furthermore, at our dental practice, we treat each patient as an individual. We do not have a one-size-fits-all approach in our office. Instead, Dr. Bowersox takes the time with every patient to thoroughly evaluate the state of their smile.
Then, he will determine what treatment plan best meets their needs. In addition, we use some of the best dental tools and the latest technology available. These tools provide efficient and cost-effective care. Learn about our family dentistry services below.
Do you offer dental services for children?
Yes! Dr. Bowersox and his staff can provide children’s dental services in Westminster. You should bring your child to the office after the eruption of their first tooth or around their first birthday.
Our team offers friendly care to all our patients. We make sure to go over your child’s specific needs at every stage of their dental development. We will also advise them and help them practice good oral hygiene at home. Our pediatric services may include:
- Cavity Treatment: Our office diagnoses and treats caries (tooth decay). At regular dental visits, we will look for signs of cavities. If we find a dental cavity, we will plan the best treatment for your child. We may recommend a tooth filling to help preserve baby and adult teeth.
- Sealants: We place sealants when your child’s first and second molars emerge. After a professional cleaning, we place sealants to cover the tooth grooves in the molars. Because molars are in the back of the mouth, they can be hard to clean. Sealants help protect teeth from decay for multiple years.
- Fluoride: After dental cleanings, we provide fluoride treatments for teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride helps remineralize the tooth enamel and can reverse early signs of cavities. We will place the fluoride varnish over each tooth, and your child must wait 30 minutes before brushing their teeth for the best results.
- Tooth Extraction: We can remove loose baby teeth. Before the tooth extraction, we will numb your child’s mouth with a local anesthetic so they feel comfortable during treatment.
Dr. Bowersox is qualified in both general dentistry and pediatric dentistry. He will be able to diagnose any issues a child may have with their oral health care.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Learn about family dentistry in our Westminster, MD dental office with answers to these commonly asked questions:
I have a teenager who needs orthodontic care. Can you help with that?
Yes. We offer clear braces as the perfect choice for patients seeking orthodontic care. Our clear braces provide discreet treatment for patients of all ages who want to avoid traditional metal braces.
Teenagers are especially happy to hear they can avoid the brackets and wires with our ClearCorrect alternative. Instead, ClearCorrect works via an aligner system that slowly encourages teeth to shift into a straighter position.
What are our options to replace a full set of teeth?
If you or someone you know needs to replace a full set of teeth, bring them to our office for an exam. We can provide modern dentures and partials to meet their specific needs. Our team also provides dental implants to patients looking for more secure and permanent dentures.
With the help of a few dental implants, the dentures have something to keep them anchored into the mouth. We also offer a variety of other restorative dentistry options for patients in need. We can replace a single tooth or restore the health of their gums or jawbone.
What should I do to improve my gum health?
Your gums are the glue that keeps your mouth together. Gums hold your teeth in place and battle against harmful bacteria that grow in your mouth. You should floss frequently to care for your gums.
When you floss, you eliminate plaque and food particles, which can harbor bacteria. Over time, gum disease can lead to deep gum pockets and loose teeth.
You should also regular dental checkups. We want to ensure your gums are healthy and not bleeding or developing deep pockets.
How can I improve my brushing techniques?
You should spend two minutes brushing your teeth twice a day. Not everyone brushes their teeth properly.
You should move your toothbrush back and forth across your teeth in a circular motion. Brush each tooth on the outside, inside, and chewing surface. Those who stick to this method are less likely to have dental issues.
How can I care for my child’s oral hygiene at home?
Start by helping them brush their teeth twice a day, using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure they brush for two minutes each time, covering all sides of their teeth. Floss once a day before you brush their teeth, especially when your child’s teeth start to touch. Encourage healthy eating habits by limiting sugary snacks and drinks, which can cause cavities.
How does my child’s diet impact their dental health?
Eating a diet high in sugar like candy, soda, and even some fruit juices, can lead to cavities. This happens because the bacteria in the mouth turn sugar into acid, which then attacks the enamel on the teeth. Over time, this can cause tooth decay.
A balanced diet with healthy foods helps keep teeth strong. Foods like vegetables, fruits, cheese, yogurt, and milk provide important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, strengthening the teeth and protecting the enamel. Drinking water, especially with fluoride, also helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
Can patients of all ages get fluoride treatment?
Yes, patients of all ages can get fluoride treatment. While fluoride treatments are especially common for children, they also benefit teens and adults. Children often get fluoride to help protect their developing teeth. Adults can benefit from fluoride to protect against tooth decay, especially if they have a higher risk for cavities.
We may recommend fluoride treatment during regular check-ups to help keep your teeth strong and healthy, no matter your age.
Can dentists provide dental fillings for baby teeth?
Yes, even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they are essential for a child’s dental health and development. If a baby tooth has a cavity, filling helps protect it from further decay and prevents pain or infection. Filling baby teeth also helps keep space for permanent teeth to come in correctly. Our dental team will ensure your child is comfortable during the procedure and explain everything to help ease any worries.
Get Dental Care For Your Family
If you need family dentistry services in Westminster, MD, call Dr. Bowersox at 410-642-5634. You can also schedule an appointment with us online. Please let us know if you have more questions about your dental concerns or treatments in our office. We’re here to help.