Family Dentistry Gaithersburg, MD

Are you looking for a dentist office that is able to meet your entire family’s dental care needs? If so, consider visiting with Dr. Anolik at TotallySmiles, your family dentist office in Gaithersburg, MD. Our office welcomes new patients of all ages. We are equipped to provide various services for all types of smiles.

Whether this will be your first dental appointment with our dentist in Gaithersburg or your first dental appointment of all time, we are here to help. We want you to improve and maintain your smile for lifelong dental health. No matter your age, we will provide you with compassionate care. We’re here to keep you calm, comfortable, and informed as we offer you your age-appropriate dental procedures. Continue reading to learn more about our family dentistry services.

Family dentist in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Family Dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD

Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are your experienced dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. Together, we help families like yours achieve excellent lifelong dental health. From senior adults to young children and everyone in between, we have dental services that will improve and maintain excellent oral health at any stage of development.

Patients love visiting our family dental office because we provide high-quality dental services in a warm and welcoming environment. We put you and your dental health first. The following are the family dentistry services that our family dentist can provide in Gaithersburg, MD:

Children’s Dentistry

It’s essential to get your child comfortable with visiting the dentist early. You should bring your child to the dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Starting good dental habits early helps kids value their oral health as they grow.

Oral health is closely tied to overall health. Since the mouth is the entryway to the body, keeping it healthy is key. We’re here to give your child dental care that matches their age and needs, helping them build a foundation for lifelong oral health.

We also make sure parents stay informed about their child’s dental development. Catching small problems early can prevent bigger issues later. We explain our tools and procedures to your child in simple, friendly ways so they feel comfortable and confident about their care.

Our team can also help your family with tips for improving oral hygiene at home. For added convenience, we can often schedule parent and child appointments at the same time. Just ask our front desk team to assist with scheduling.

Family Dentistry FAQs

Do you have some questions about family and pediatric dentistry? Well, we have answers.

What is the oldest age at which to see a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists see patients up to age 18. However, some people continue to care through college, around age 21. The transition to a general dentist usually happens in the late teens. It depends on the patient’s individual needs and development. Some pediatric offices set their age limits.

What age do most kids get cavities?

Kids can get cavities at any age, even as babies. The most common time is between ages 6 and 14. However, cavities in children are largely preventable if you teach and encourage good oral hygiene and a diet low in sugar. 

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Dental X-rays are safe for children. We use low-dose radiation and protective gear like lead aprons and thyroid collars. Moreover, modern digital X-rays expose kids to even less radiation than traditional films. Our office only takes X-rays when necessary, not at every visit.

When should my child get dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars), where cavities are most likely to develop.

Your child’s first permanent molars usually come in around age 6. This is a good time to ask our dentist about getting sealants because these molars are more prone to cavities. The second set of molars usually comes in around age 12. This is another time to get sealants to protect these teeth from cavities as they’re used for chewing food.

Some children have deep grooves or pits in their molars. These grooves can trap food and bacteria, making cavities more likely. Sealants can protect these areas from decay. In addition, if your child has a history of cavities or doesn’t brush well, we will recommend sealants.

Can adults get dental sealants?

Yes, adults can get dental sealants! While dental sealants are often associated with children and teenagers, adults can benefit from them too. If you have deep grooves in your teeth that are hard to clean or if you’ve had problems with cavities in the past, sealants can provide extra protection.

Is a dental cleaning the same as a checkup?

Dental cleaning and checkups are different but often happen during the same visit. The cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. A hygienist usually performs this part. The checkup involves the dentist examining your mouth for issues like cavities or gum disease.

They’ll also check previous dental work and screen for oral cancer. Together, these procedures form a comprehensive dental visit. We recommend both twice a year for most patients.

Should I brush my teeth before using whitening strips?

Yes. Brushing removes plaque and debris, allowing the whitening gel to work more effectively. However, wait a few minutes after brushing to avoid irritation from the whitening gel on your gums. Follow the instructions on the whitening strips package for optimal results.

Can children’s teeth get fluoride treatment, or is it too early?

Yes, children can get fluoride treatments, and it is not too early. Fluoride treatments are safe and beneficial for children’s teeth. Most pediatric dentists recommend starting young to strengthen their enamel and protect against cavities. These treatments are essential if the child is at high risk for tooth decay. 

Schedule An Appointment

TotallySmiles is the perfect dental clinic if you need one to treat everyone in your family. We have all the necessary experience for a hassle-free dental experience. Schedule an appointment with our exceptional dentists online today. You can also call for family dentistry services in Gaithersburg, MD, at 301-701-5861

Let us know if you have questions for our office. We look forward to seeing you and your family very soon.