Dr. Samantha Leatherwood‘s office is a space for families to receive comprehensive dental care. At Leatherwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we see patients of all ages. We offer family dentistry in Denton, TX, and are dedicated to ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Leatherwood and her friendly dental office team work with patients one-on-one to find the best solution to their dental problems. We want all of our patients to feel welcome in our office
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Tooth decay and cavities are some of the most common dental problems that younger patients face. We recommend that parents schedule their child’s first dental visit at age 2 or 3 when their baby teeth are emerging. Dr. Leatherwood and her team know that visiting the dentist can feel daunting to some children, which is why they take the time to make their first visit a positive experience.
During your child’s first dental visit, we will educate both parents and children on how to brush and floss properly. We may also perform one or more pediatric treatments that we offer including dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
We recommend sealants for children from the ages of 5 to 7, when the molars first come in. Dental sealants protect the teeth from bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Our fluoride treatments support healthy tooth enamel and are great for children, who are at high risk of developing cavities.
WHY ARE BABY TEETH IMPORTANT?
Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they are important placeholders that need to be cared for properly. Also known as primary teeth, baby teeth help children develop proper speech and nutrition. They save room in the jaw for proper adult tooth development.
Parents need to clean their child’s mouth even before their first tooth shows. Cleaning the gums with a wet washcloth removes food debris and keeps the mouth healthy. When the teeth do begin to emerge, an infant toothbrush is the best choice to gently brush a child’s teeth. Brushing and flossing baby teeth regularly can prevent tooth decay or gum disease from developing.
TREATING AGING SMILES
Discolored tooth enamel, tooth damage, or even missing teeth are some of the most common problems patients face as they age. However, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments can help patients get back to smiling with confidence. Patients with one or more missing teeth benefit from receiving dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures.
Dental crowns, veneers, or tooth bonding can be used to cover tooth damage or to strengthen worn teeth. Years of stains can be erased with our GLO professional teeth whitening treatment. This treatment can brighten the tooth enamel by multiple shades in just one office visit.
FAMILY DENTISTRY FAQS
WHAT ARE DENTAL SEALANTS?
Dental sealants are a thin coating that your dentist will brush on the molars. The molars have lots of tiny groves that are more susceptible to decay. We suggest placing the sealants on the molars as the erupt.
Your child’s first set of molars will erupt around age 6. The second set erupts around age 11 – 14. Dental sealants are highly recommended because they will drastically reduce the number of cavities your child will get.
IS FLUORIDE SAFE FOR MY FAMILY TO USE?
Fluoride is safe for a majority of people. There are some people that have allergic reactions to it, however this is very rare. It is common practice for us to use fluoride treatments on children to tackle childhood tooth decay.
It has been proven to be very effective and very safe. There are many people that believe it is unsafe however the amount we use is minimal and pose no threats.
WHY DO BABY TEETH NEED DENTAL CARE?
It is important for baby teeth to remain healthy until they are ready to fall out. They act as place holders for permanent teeth. Baby teeth help your child learn to chew food efficiently and speak clearly.
Additionally, a dentist does more than care for their baby teeth during a regular check up. They are also looking for various abnormalities. Early intervention may help your child avoid serious dental care in the future.
Schedule a Dental Consultation Today
Are you looking for a family dentist that sees patients from Denton and Corinth, Texas? Contact Leatherwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry by calling (940) 220-3566. You may also request an appointment with Dr. Leatherwood online. Please let us know if you have any remaining questions about the services we provide for our patients. We are always happy to help.