When you’re looking for a local dentist in Towson, MD, we understand you need a practice that is willing and able to treat everyone in your family. A family dentist can treat every member of your family in a single visit. Minimizing the time you spend in a dentist office can also create time for other things in your life. Our dentists do everything they can to schedule parents and children during similar appointment times as often as possible.
Dental Excellence in Towson, MD, accepts patients of all ages. Our dentists, Dr. Patrick Ousborne and Dr. Rikki Esterson, and their entire dental staff provide compassionate and comprehensive family dentistry services. We promise to make sure all your family’s dental needs are taken care of under one roof. Our office also provides general and cosmetic dental care treatments to new and existing patients in and around northern Baltimore County, MD.
Family Dentist by Dental Excellence
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson are skilled family dentists in Towson, MD. They offer comprehensive and compassionate dental services to patients of all ages. Our staff understands that you want excellent dental care for you and your family. We’re excited about the opportunity to help you and your loved ones achieve lifelong dental health.
Experienced restorative and prosthetic dentists Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson also offer the specialized dental services that adult and senior smiles may need. Maintaining a healthy, stable, and comfortable smile as you age will also support your best quality of life.
Cavity Prevention in Children
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is a common childhood ailment. Taking good care of your child’s teeth and then teaching them how to do it is very important for long-term dental health. When your child has teeth, they should visit the dentist. You should also brush your child’s teeth every day from that point forward until they can do it themselves.
As your child gets older, our helpful dental staff will begin teaching them how to take care of their teeth. Limiting the amount of sugar they consume will also help keep their teeth cavity-free. Childhood tooth decay is very common. But teaching your child about the importance of oral health and hygiene can prevent cavities.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to common questions about family dentistry in our Towson, MD, dental office:
What dental problems do seniors have?
As we age, we can experience more dental problems resulting from medications, medical conditions, or natural tooth wear. Seniors may need special care to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Common dental problems that many older adults experience include:
- Dry Mouth: Many medications that seniors take for conditions like high blood pressure, allergies, or depression can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth happens when the body doesn’t make enough saliva. Saliva helps clean the mouth and protect teeth. Without enough saliva, the risk of cavities, gum disease, and mouth infections goes up.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. It’s more common in older adults and can lead to red, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, and even tooth loss if not treated early. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are important to prevent or manage gum disease. Our office also provides periodontal disease treatment for seniors.
- Missing and Damaged Teeth: Over time, teeth can become worn down, cracked, or even lost due to accidents, decay, or poor oral hygiene. Missing teeth can make it harder to eat and speak clearly. Thankfully, we provide many ways to replace or repair damaged teeth, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, or dental implants.
How often should my child see a dentist?
We recommend our patients schedule preventive appointments based on their individual dental needs. Our office will often recommend that patients of all ages visit our office twice a year. Our dentists need to keep a close eye on your child’s dental development so that we can catch any small issues sooner rather than later. Bring your child along to the dentist as often as you schedule your own preventative care appointments.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a simple and effective way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. We recommend placing sealants on the molars once they fully come in. We first apply sealants around age 6 for the first set and again around age 12 for the second set of molars.
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings that we paint onto the chewing surfaces of the molars. These back teeth have deep grooves and pits that can be hard to clean with a toothbrush and are more likely to develop cavities.
The sealant forms a smooth, protective layer over the tooth to blouck out food, bacteria, and plaque. The process is quick, painless, and doesn’t require any drilling or numbing. Once applied, the sealants can help protect your child’s teeth for several years.
How can I tell if my teeth are rotting?
If you’re concerned about your teeth rotting, visit our dentist for a proper evaluation. Toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, bad breath, and tooth discoloration can all be symptoms of tooth decay. If you experience these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. These symptoms will only get worse if left untreated.
How often should I floss my teeth?
You should floss your teeth every day, preferably before you brush your teeth. If you’re prone to plaque build-up and gingivitis, you may need to floss more often. Plaque build-up on your teeth can cause tooth decay and gum disease. The harmful bacteria in plaque can also lead to bad breath. You should speak to our dentist for more specific advice on how often you should floss.
Can a cavity go away on its own?
No, cavities can not go away on their own. Your cavity will get worse over time if you do not seek professional treatment from a dentist. Leaving a cavity untreated can lead to bigger problems down the road, such as an infection or loss of the tooth.
Never assume your cavity will go away on its own. Cavity treatment may involve a tooth filling, root canal therapy, or an extraction. Our office will recommend the right treatment depending on the severity of your cavity.
Can I get fluoride treatment for my child?
Yes, you can get fluoride treatment for your child and for yourself! Fluoride is a completely safe and natural mineral that helps protect teeth from cavities. It works by strengthening the enamel, which is the outer layer of the teeth. Strong enamel makes it harder for cavities to form.
Fluoride treatments at our dentist office are quick and easy. We only need to take a few minutes to paint a fluoride varnish on the teeth. These treatments give an extra boost of protection and are great for children still learning to brush and floss properly.
How often should I receive a dental X-ray?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people receive a full set of X-rays every two years. But our dentist may recommend more or less frequent x-rays based on your dental health. For example, if you have a history of cavities or other dental problems, we may recommend that you receive X-rays once or twice a year.
Dentist for All Ages in Towson, MD
Our office is currently accepting appointments from new and returning patients. We welcome patients of all ages to our Towson, MD dentist office. Please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to seeing you soon.