Family Dental Care
Greer, SC

We advise establishing a dental home and scheduling a child's first dental visit either when their first tooth emerges or by eighteen months of age. This early introduction enables our team to detect any issues and suggest corrective measures proactively. Recognizing that dental visits can be intimidating for young children, we encourage parents to bring their children to their own cleaning appointments before the child's inaugural dental visit. This exposure helps children see that dental visits can be enjoyable experiences and alleviates any fears they may have.

For our younger patients, we might recommend dental sealants or a fluoride rinse. Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to teeth, typically focusing on the back molars which are more susceptible to cavities. Fluoride rinses also play a role in cavity prevention and strengthen tooth enamel.

At our Greer, SC office, family dentistry encompasses care for everyone, from the youngest children to the eldest seniors. Different age groups face varying dental concerns, with tooth decay being most prevalent among young children due to their high sugar diets and developing oral hygiene habits. Dental sealants provide an additional layer of protection for children's teeth, particularly those most susceptible to decay.

Central to children's dentistry is education and preventive care. We strive to ensure positive dental experiences for our youngest patients, fostering a sense of comfort and trust in dental visits. By promoting regular preventive checkups, we aim to instill a lifelong commitment to oral health. As integral members of each child's healthcare team, we identify areas for improvement to ensure sustained oral well-being. Following each visit, we offer dietary and home hygiene recommendations to enhance dental outcomes and minimize the risk of future dental issues.

As children grow older, concerns regarding crooked teeth may arise. Dr. Carraway can detect bite or alignment issues early on, working alongside a team of specialists including orthodontists, pediatric dentists, and oral surgeons as needed. Early intervention, often recommended around age seven after the emergence of the first adult tooth, allows orthodontists to address bite issues more effectively while the child is still growing. Identifying and addressing orthodontic concerns promptly can often circumvent the need for surgical intervention, with braces alone proving sufficient in many cases. Understanding that each smile is unique, we prioritize early detection and intervention to ensure optimal dental health outcomes.

As we age, our teeth undergo changes akin to other parts of our bodies. The outer enamel layer gradually thins, revealing more of the underlying off-white dentin layer. Lifestyle factors such as smoking or coffee consumption can exacerbate teeth staining. Professional teeth whitening treatments are effective in reversing years of aging on your teeth.

Wisdom teeth typically emerge during late teens or early twenties. However, due to evolutionary changes, our mouths often lack the space to accommodate these extra molars. This can lead to issues such as misalignment and other oral health concerns. In nearly all cases, we recommend the removal of wisdom teeth. Additionally, various solutions are available to address crooked teeth.

Seniors are more susceptible to tooth loss, a condition that develops gradually over time. Similar to teeth staining, this issue tends to worsen with age. Our practice offers multiple options for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Following a consultation, we'll work with you to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs.