Are you looking for a dental office that is able to meet your entire family’s dental care needs? Visit our trusted team at TotallySmiles, your family dental office in Gaithersburg, MD. Our office welcomes new patients of all ages.
Whether this will be your first appointment with our Gaithersburg dentists or your first appointment of all time, we’re here to help. We want you to improve your smile so you have the best lifelong dental health. No matter your age, we will provide you with compassionate care. We offer you age-appropriate dental procedures, and relevant patient-first treatments.
Family Dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are your trusted and experienced local dentists. Together, we help families like yours achieve excellent lifelong dental health. From senior adults to young children and everyone in between, we have the dental services you need at every 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 dental services that our dentists can provide:
- Regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Dental fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Dental implant services
- Teeth whitening treatments
- Invisalign
- Gum disease treatment (Periodontics)
- Cosmetic dentistry (Veneers, Bonding, and Reshaping)
- Dentures and partials
Children’s Dentistry
Getting your child comfortable with the dentist at an early age is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term health. We recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit when their first tooth comes in, or by their first birthday. Starting these visits early helps your little one get familiar with our office and teaches them that taking care of their teeth is a normal and positive part of life.
Good oral health improves your child’s overall well-being. Because the mouth is the entry point to the rest of the body, keeping it healthy helps support their general health too. At our office, we provide gentle and age-appropriate care designed to meet your child’s unique needs. Our goal is to help them build healthy habits that will protect their smile.
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik believe that parents are our partners in their child’s dental health. We make sure you leave every appointment well-informed about your child’s development and any recommendations we have. Finding and treating small concerns early can prevent more involved treatments later on.
To help your child feel safe and relaxed, we take time to explain what we’re doing in a way they can understand. We show them our tools and let them ask questions. We want them to feel confident and know they’re in a friendly and caring place.
We’re also here to support your entire family with practical advice you can use at home. We offer helpful tips to make oral hygiene easier. From brushing techniques, fluoride, nutrition, to how to help with thumb-sucking.
For busy families, we offer the convenience of scheduling back-to-back appointments for you and your child. Simply ask our friendly front desk team. We’re happy to find a time that works for you.
Family Dentistry FAQs
We have answers to your questions about family and pediatric dentistry.
What is the maximum age for seeing a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists don’t have a universal “oldest age” for patients. Typically, pediatric dentists specialize in treating children from infancy through their teenage years.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that adolescents continue to see a pediatric dentist until they’re ready to transition to an adult general dentist. It’s usually around the time they finish high school.
The best time for a patient to transition to an adult dentist is based on their individual needs and comfort level. Their pediatric dentist may also feel that they have completed their treatment and are ready for the change. Some young adults with special needs may even continue to see a pediatric dentist into their early 20s if it’s the most appropriate and comfortable setting for their care.
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, you can always prevent cavities in your child 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. 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 protective coatings dentists paint on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. We apply the sealant there because it’s 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 good time to get sealants to protect from cavities.
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. We will recommend sealants if your child has a history of cavities and can’t brush well.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Yes, adults can get dental sealants too! We can protect 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 for anyone.
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.
Your dentist will also check previous dental work and check you 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 so the whitening gel will 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 to get the best results.
Can children’s teeth get fluoride treatment?
Yes, children can get fluoride treatments, and it’s never 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 even more important for kids at high risk for tooth decay.
Schedule An Appointment Today
TotallySmiles is the perfect dental clinic for everyone in your family. We have all the necessary experience for a hassle-free dental experience. Request an appointment online with our exceptional dentists today. You can also call us at 301-701-5861 to speak to someone directly.
Let us know if you have questions. We look forward to seeing you and your family very soon.