Kiln Lane Dental is regarded as a leading practice for family dental care in St Helens.
Essentially, that means we’re a ‘one-stop shop’ for all the family.
Newborn babies. Toddlers. Infants. Teenagers. Adults. Seniors. Patients young and old. Unlike ‘general dentists’, who typically restrict the age group they’re willing to treat (e.g. to 16+), we offer preventative and restorative dental treatments for absolutely everyone.
We have a deep understanding of the changes that occur throughout life and the varying dental needs of different age groups. As such, no matter where you are in ‘life’s journey’ – from early childhood through to adulthood and old age – our St Helens family dentists can deliver specialised care and help you to preserve a happy and healthy smile (that knows no age limit!).
Family dental care – from baby teeth to dentures
Maintaining dental health is a lifelong process.
From the eruption of the first baby tooth through to your elder years, each stage of life demands its own unique oral care. And as a family dental practice, we can assist you every step of the way.
Infancy
Did you know, a baby’s primary (baby) teeth are present in the jaw at birth?
That’s why good oral hygiene habits should start from day one.
In those first few months of your child’s life, cavities, ‘baby bottle’ tooth decay and early childhood caries are possible. And if a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a permanent tooth may erupt into the empty space instead of where it should be – potentially leading to crowding and alignment issues.
It’s therefore incredibly important to clean your newborn’s gums at least twice a day. As soon as the first teeth start to appear (usually at around 6 months), brush the surface with a child-size brush and a tiny bit of fluorinated toothpaste. And book their first routine check-up with our St Helens family dentists.
Early childhood
During this transitional phase – as children begin to lose their baby teeth and their permanent teeth start to grow – it’s crucial to establish an effective at-home dental care routine. It’s an impressionable stage of life, so building good habits will stand them in good stead for the future.
It’s also vital that they attend regular examinations and dental hygiene appointments.
Not only will this help to prevent dental cavities, which are a frequent problem in young children, but it also gives our family dentists a chance to monitor your child’s oral development – therefore detecting any issues in the early stages and determining any future treatments that may be required.
Some of the most common treatments for children of this age include space maintainers, fluoride administration, sealants and mouthguards (to help prevent dental emergencies).
Teenagers and young adults
Once a child reaches their teenage years, our family dentists often turn their attention to any orthodontic treatments that may be required. For example, if the permanent teeth are overcrowded or crooked and misaligned (perhaps causing a bad bite), braces or Invisalign® may be suggested.
Teenagers are particularly susceptible to cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. This can sometimes be due to their diet, lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. In other cases, orthodontic issues (such as those mentioned above) can make it much harder for them to clean between the teeth.
At this age, wisdom teeth should also begin to erupt – which can be problematic for some.
That’s why, it’s important to keep up with routine check-ups at a family dental clinic. The progress of their wisdom teeth can then be closely monitored, and any issues identified and fixed early on.
Adulthood
Family life can be hectic. As an adult with a busy schedule, it can be tempting to skip routine appointments – but your dental health is just as important as it is for a growing child or teenager.
After the age of 35, you’re at a higher risk of:
- gum disease
- cavities and tooth decay
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
- oral cancer
- sensitivity
- dry mouth
- discolouration and yellowing
A combination of restorative treatments – such as crowns and bridges – and elective procedures (e.g. teeth whitening, veneers, orthodontic alignment) may be required to maintain a fully functional smile.
What’s more, looking after your teeth at this stage will help you to avoid severe dental issues later in life. So no matter how busy you are, try to make time to visit your family dental practice regularly.
Seniors (65+)
Maintaining good oral health in your senior years is particularly important. Not only can unhealthy bacteria in your mouth be damaging for the teeth and gums, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition (e.g. diabetes) – so it’s always worth attending your dental check-ups.
As your body continues to age, you’re also at a higher risk of developing certain diseases – including everything from gum disease to oral cancer. And you may be faced with new oral challenges. For example, certain medications (such as those prescribed for high blood pressure, cholesterol, pain etc.) can cause dry mouth – and will also increase your likelihood of getting cavities as a result.
Continue to practice the same oral care habits you’ve relied on throughout life, and be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year – allowing any issues to be detected and resolved as quickly as possible.
Book an appointment at our St Helens family dental practice today
Whether you’re young, middle-aged or in your senior years, looking after your pearly whites is always important. And as the no.1 family dentist in St Helens, we welcome every age – and can assist with every stage of your dental journey.
We’re also currently accepting new patients.
So, if you – and the rest of your extended family – are interested in joining our St Helens family dental clinic, and have any questions about family dentistry and the age-tailored treatments that we offer, please feel free to get in touch. You can either call us on 01744 25776, or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.
Alternatively, to book a new patient consultation, simply use our online booking system and choose a time and date that works for you.