Family Dentistry in Bellingham, WA

Our child-friendly team makes it easy for your whole family to get the dental care you need under one roof.

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Family Dentistry in Bellingham

What Is Family Dentistry?

Family dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on dental care for patients of all ages, but particularly for children and their parents. When you see a family dentist like Dr. Chaz at The Local Dentist, you and your kids can get expert dental care in the same place. 

Having a “dental home” like The Local Dentist makes it easier for you to keep your mouth and your children’s mouths healthy and free of common oral health issues like cavities and gum disease. Get in touch today to schedule your first appointment.

Bellingham Family Dentistry

Did you know…

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If you lose a tooth, place it in cold milk while you head to your emergency appointment.

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Six-Month Checkups & Cleanings

Preventive dentistry is a critical part of family dentistry. Along with yearly x-rays, six-month teeth cleanings and oral exams help our team keep an eye on your family’s oral health, check for common issues like tooth decay and gum disease, and recommend steps for protecting and improving your family’s oral health.

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Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

Silver Diamine Fluoride, or SDF for short, is a non-invasive alternative to fillings for children with cavities in their baby teeth. This treatment uses a liquid mixture of ammonia, silver, fluoride, and water, which is applied directly to your child’s decayed baby tooth. This mixture stops tooth decay from continuing, and keeps your child’s baby tooth healthy until it’s replaced by an adult tooth.

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Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are ideal for treating large cavities in baby teeth, or for repairing chipped or broken baby teeth. They are pre-fitted, which means that you can restore your child’s tooth in just one visit to The Local Dentist. Stainless steel crowns also provide excellent protection, while remaining cost-effective. Their cost-effectiveness means that stainless steel crowns are ideal for treating baby teeth, since they will eventually fall out and be replaced by adult teeth.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Space Maintainers

Baby teeth fall out naturally. But if your child knocks out a tooth earlier than it’s supposed to come out, this can cause issues as their adult teeth begin to erupt. A space maintainer helps prevent this. Space maintainers are small prosthetics that are placed into a gap in your child’s smile. As the name suggests, they help maintain the proper spacing between their teeth until your little one’s adult tooth starts to come out.

Space Maintainers

Frenectomies

Baby teeth fall out naturally. But if your child knocks out a tooth earlier than it’s supposed to come out, this can cause issues as their adult teeth begin to erupt. A space maintainer helps prevent this. Space maintainers are small prosthetics that are placed into a gap in your child’s smile. As the name suggests, they help maintain the proper spacing between their teeth until your little one’s adult tooth starts to come out.

Frenectomies

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Before & After

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Frequently Asked Questions

Good oral hygiene habits should begin at a young age. As soon as your child's first tooth appears, you can start with gentle brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste. As they grow older, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. 

Teach your child to brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed, for two minutes each time. Make sure they cover all surfaces of the teeth, and don't forget the back molars, which are often a prime spot for cavities. 

Flossing should begin when two teeth touch each other. It helps to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth where the toothbrush can't reach. If your child finds traditional floss difficult to handle, floss sticks can be a good alternative.

In addition to these daily care routines, a balanced diet plays a significant role in your child's oral health. Limit sugary drinks and snacks, and encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products.

Remember, regular check-ups with Dr. Vittitow are essential for maintaining your child's oral health and catching any potential issues early. At The Local Dentist, we're here to partner with you in keeping your child's smile bright and healthy! We are your trusted Bellingham pediatric dentist.

Choosing a family dentist like Dr. Chaz Vittitow at The Local Dentist has numerous benefits. One of the significant advantages is the convenience of having a single dentist for the entire family. It means you can schedule multiple appointments for all family members on the same day, saving you time and effort.

Family dentists are skilled in treating patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. They understand the unique dental needs at each life stage and provide comprehensive oral care accordingly. Dr. Vittitow offers a wide range of services, including routine cleanings, fillings, orthodontics, dentures, and more, making The Local Dentist a one-stop solution for all your family's dental needs.

Moreover, having a long-term relationship with a family dentist allows for consistent and personalized care. Dr. Vittitow will be familiar with your family's dental history, which can be invaluable in predicting and preventing future dental issues.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth erupts. This might seem early, but it's a crucial step in setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

During this initial visit, Dr. Chaz Vittitow will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. He will also discuss proper brushing and flossing techniques with you, and address any concerns or questions you may have. Regular dental visits not only help in detecting problems early but also familiarize your child with the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear.

Accessible, Affordable Care

Time To Smile & Save