Family Dental Care for All Ages

Routine cleanings and checkups are typically recommended every six months, but frequency can vary depending on your unique needs. For most patients, biannual visits help maintain oral health and catch any developing issues before they progress. Regular cleanings remove plaque buildup, while checkups allow us to monitor for early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other concerns.

Our team will ensure you feel at ease during your visit while we thoroughly care for your teeth. Cleaning removes plaque and tartar that daily brushing can’t reach while polishing leaves your teeth feeling smooth and refreshed. We’ll also examine your gums, teeth, and mouth to assess for any signs of issues, such as cavities or gum inflammation. If necessary, we may recommend an X-ray or apply fluoride to strengthen and protect your enamel.

Regular checkups and cleanings do more than just keep your teeth clean—they help establish a baseline for your oral health and identify any issues early on. Your mouth can show signs of health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and immune changes. By keeping up with your checkups, you’re protecting your smile and overall well-being.

Fluoride benefits people of all ages, but it’s especially important for infants and children between six months and 16 years. This period is crucial because baby teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth, which must develop strong enamel to resist decay. However, fluoride is also valuable for adults, as it protects against cavities and strengthens enamel over time.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps replenish essential nutrients in your enamel, making it more resilient to acid attacks from bacteria. During fluoride treatment, we apply a concentrated varnish to the surfaces of your teeth. This quick, painless application allows the fluoride to penetrate and strengthen enamel, repairing early signs of decay and helping to prevent future cavities. Although fluoride is found in tap water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses, in-office fluoride treatment provides a higher concentration for maximum benefit.

Fluoride treatment is a practical preventive step, especially for those at higher risk of cavities due to fluoride deficiency or other factors. By reinforcing tooth enamel, fluoride helps reduce the chances of decay, tooth sensitivity, and the need for more invasive procedures. This simple, added layer of protection supports your oral health between checkups, giving you greater peace of mind.

Sealants act like raincoats for your teeth, creating a protective layer over the chewing surfaces of molars and other cavity-prone areas. When bacteria in the mouth combine with leftover food particles, they produce acids that can wear away tooth enamel and cause cavities. Sealants keep these food particles and bacteria out, preventing them from settling into the grooves and crevices of your teeth—just like a raincoat keeps you dry during a storm. The application is quick and painless, bonding the sealant to the tooth’s surface to form a strong, lasting barrier

Children, teenagers, and adults can benefit from sealants, though the earlier they’re applied, the better. First molars usually appear around age 6, with second molars breaking through around age 12, making these ages ideal for sealant application to protect the teeth right from the start. By blocking out bacteria, sealants help prevent decay in these cavity-prone areas, saving time and money for future dental work. If you’re curious about sealants, we can help determine if they’re the right choice for you or your family.

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, often happens during sleep, meaning many people don’t realize they’re grinding until they start noticing symptoms. If left unchecked, bruxism can wear down your teeth, causing them to become shorter, develop jagged edges, or even crack and break. Common signs of nighttime grinding include waking up with jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or a tired feeling in the facial muscles. If these symptoms sound familiar, a custom nightguard can help protect your teeth and relieve discomfort.

While over-the-counter nightguards are available, they’re not customized to fit the unique shape of your teeth, often leading to discomfort and reduced effectiveness. A custom nightguard from Relax Family Dental is designed using precise impressions of your teeth, creating a snug, comfortable fit that stays in place throughout the night. This personalized guard will help prevent grinding, protect your enamel, and promote more restful sleep.

Using a nightguard can be an effective way to manage bruxism, but it’s also important to understand the underlying causes, which may include stress, misalignment, or lifestyle factors. If you suspect you grind your teeth at night, we can assess your symptoms and discuss potential contributing factors to create a treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and the source of grinding.

Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth or throat, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth. This form of cancer can often go unnoticed in its early stages, making regular screenings vital to catching it early, when it’s most treatable. Spotting unusual growths, persistent sores, or other changes in the mouth as soon as possible takes a trained eye, which Dr. Popa has honed over her decades of practicing dentistry.  

While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors can increase risk. Those over age 40, smokers, and people who drink alcohol regularly may be more vulnerable. Even frequent sun exposure can heighten the risk of lip cancer. An oral cancer screening can help detect warning signs before they escalate, so we perform them at every exam free of charge. 

The good news is that when oral cancer is detected early, it’s often highly treatable. Regular screenings check for signs of cancer and help identify other health concerns. We’re here to monitor your overall oral health, giving you peace of mind and a proactive way to stay healthy.

A chipped tooth can occur for various reasons, such as a fall, a sports injury, or even the gradual wear and tear caused by tooth decay. No matter how it happens, promptly addressing a chipped tooth is crucial for maintaining oral health.

A chipped tooth affects your smile and can lead to discomfort, sensitivity, and difficulty with chewing. If left untreated, it may increase the risk of infection in the tooth’s pulp or alter your bite, resulting in further dental issues. Repairing a chipped tooth allows you to return to normal eating habits while protecting your overall dental health.

The right treatment for your chipped tooth will depend on the extent of the damage and its location. Common options include dental fillings or bonding to restore its shape and function. During your visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine the best approach tailored to your needs, helping you regain both function and confidence in your smile.