Family Dentist For All Ages
When looking for a family dentist in Athens, GA, families and their children love coming to Five Points Family Dental. Our caring and compassionate staff are specially trained to provide an enjoyable dental visit for children of all ages and backgrounds. Dr. Nelms finds that during restorative consultations with adult patients, it almost always starts with, “I had poor dental care and was traumatized as a child.” Dr. Nelms believes that with proper education and positive dental experiences as a child, dental fear is avoidable as an adult.
Putting Kids At Ease
Dr. Nelms has a special way of connecting with young patients. As a mother, she knows firsthand the hard work that goes into parenting and that each child has unique personalities and needs. For two years, she worked directly with preschool through high school-aged children treating Athens-Clarke County School District students in a school-based health clinic.
Kids with oral disorders and diseases can experience severe pain, leading to difficulty sleeping and eating. Our dental team provides your kids with a lifetime of good habits, healthy teeth, and beautiful smiles. As a trusted family dentist in Athens, GA, we will help your kids keep their smiles looking great as they grow into healthy adults.
Dental Sealants For Added Protection
The first permanent teeth a child has is their six-year molars, and by the age of 13, most kids have all of their permanent adult teeth in place. Expecting kids and teenagers to care for their permanent teeth is a big ask! That’s why we suggest dental sealants be placed on all permanent molars as they erupt.
Topical Fluoride Varnish
The Benefits of Topical Fluoride Varnish for Children
Topical fluoride varnish is one of the most effective preventative treatments for protecting children’s teeth from cavities. Regular fluoride varnish applications strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. Fluoride varnish provides ongoing protection by continuously releasing fluoride over time, helping prevent early tooth decay and promoting stronger enamel. We also recommend topical fluoride varnish applications every 6 months for our high-risk adult and elderly patients.
Why Choose Elevate FluoriMax® Varnish?
At Five Points Family Dental, we prioritize offering the best products for your child’s oral health, which is why we use Elevate FluoriMax® varnish. This breakthrough formula stands out in several ways:
- More Efficient Fluoride Uptake: Research shows that FluoriMax® varnish delivers the same or better fluoride uptake with just 2.5% fluoride concentration compared to traditional 5% fluoride varnishes. This efficiency means your child’s teeth benefit from the maximum fluoride protection without unnecessary overexposure.
- Scientifically Proven Efficacy: A study from the University of Colorado confirmed that fluoride “saturation” occurs at 2.5% sodium fluoride (NaF), filling both tightly and loosely binding sites in enamel. This means FluoriMax® offers optimal protection while being less concentrated.
- Non-Tacky and Ultra-Thin: FluoriMax® varnish dries to a non-tacky, ultra-thin coating—up to 40 times thinner than traditional varnishes. This not only improves comfort for your child but also provides a smoother experience.
- Hypoallergenic, Food-Grade Formula: Unlike many other varnishes, FluoriMax® contains hypoallergenic, food-grade shellac instead of synthetic resins. This makes it a safer choice for children, especially those with sensitivities or allergies.
- Hydrophilic for Better Coverage: FluoriMax® varnish is hydrophilic, meaning it spreads easily across the tooth surface and between teeth. This allows for better coverage, providing comprehensive protection to all areas of your child’s teeth.
With Elevate FluoriMax®, you can trust that your child is getting top-tier cavity protection that’s safe, effective, and comfortable. To suit our patients’ particular tastes we carry a variety of fun flavors such as cotton candy, salted caramel and mint!
Your Child’s First Visit
Did you know that the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that every child have their first dental examination by one year old? This appointment is just as much for the parents as the kids, helping to familiarize our young patients with the dental office and reinforcing healthy habits, hygiene, and nutrition.
We want your child’s first dental visit to feel as welcoming and familiar as a visit to a friend’s home. Our caring team will take the time to gently introduce your little one to the dental office, making sure they feel comfortable and excited about taking care of their smile.
At the first appointment as a new patient, we clean and count teeth, monitor and refer for any orthodontic needs, plan for sealants and any other interventions that might be necessary. We make dental care enjoyable for kids of all ages – with a variety of fun toothpaste flavors to choose from, stuffed animals and a treasure chest full of rewards at the end of each visit! Our family-centered approach focuses on building positive, stress-free dental experiences that last a lifetime.
Dentistry for Pregnant and Postpartum Patients
During pregnancy, physiological changes can lead to visible alterations in the oral cavity. These changes encompass pregnancy gingivitis, benign oral gingival lesions, tooth mobility, tooth erosion, dental caries, and periodontitis (see table). It is crucial to educate and reassure women about these oral changes during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits to promote gum and tooth health.
We emphasize the importance of dental care before, during, and after pregnancy. Regular check-ups and cleanings can prevent dental issues from escalating, ensuring your comfort and health throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey. Dr. Nelms and our entire staff are trained to handle non-high-risk dental procedures safely during pregnancy, giving you peace of mind.
Schedule An Appointment
Your dental health is integral to your overall health, and we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile during this transformative time in your life. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience compassionate dental care tailored for you and your family’s well-being.