Family Dentist Huntsville, AL
Smiles by Design, PC is a local Huntsville family dentist office. We treat patients of all ages and do so in a warm and welcoming environment. Our office is located in Huntsville, and we welcome patients to schedule an appointment and experience how we can keep everyone in the family in optimal oral health.
Our team focuses on improving the overall experience of our patients whenever possible. The moment you walk into the Smiles by Design, PC offices, you will be greeted with a warm smile and welcomed by our friendly staff. We understand that visiting a new dentist can make patients unsure about what they will experience. We work diligently so that patients enjoy their visit – every time. To schedule your appointment, call (256) 660-3233. If you reach us after hours or on the weekend, we will do our best to return calls as quickly as possible.
At-Home Tips to Surprise Us During Your Routine Visit
- Use a timer, or play a song that lasts two minutes while you brush your teeth twice a day.
- Brush softly. Brushing too hard, especially with a hard tooth brush can ruin the enamel on your teeth.
- Change your toothbrush every 3 months. Change it when you’ve been sick, too.
- Pamper yourself with a high-tech rotary toothbrush. They clean better than ol’ manual brush.
- Chew gum; just make sure it’s sugar free! If you can’t brush your teeth in between meals, gum can help keep your teeth cleaner than if you did nothing at all.
- Floss, floss and floss. Brushing your teeth isn’t enough. If you really want to surprise us, floss BEFORE you brush to help dislodge anything below the gum line.
Philosophy of Care
The team at Smiles by Design, PC believe in the importance of preventative care. We focus on keeping patients in good oral health so that they can live a full, healthy, and enjoyable life that is free from oral pain. This starts by educating our patients on what they can do to stay healthy at home. In our family dentist office we recommend that patients eat a healthy diet that consists of green leafy vegetables, lean protein, nuts, dairy products, and crunchy fruits and veggies. Eating these foods along with drinking water can help to keep teeth healthy and make them stronger. By simultaneously reducing sugar intake, patients can also reduce their risk of cavities.
It is also important to brush and floss throughout the day. Instead of waiting for bedtime to brush teeth, carry a small toothbrush and use it after meals and snacks. This makes it possible to remove sugar and bacteria from the teeth and gums before it has the opportunity to turn into acid that can attack the teeth. This preventative step can greatly reduce a persons' risk of getting a cavity or gum disease. We understand the importance of taking these steps at home and will spend the time necessary to educate and inform patients so that they can stay healthy overall. Education, after all, is essential for living a long and healthy life.
Check out what others are saying about our family dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist Huntsville
Visits to Our Family Dental Office
We welcome patients throughout the Huntsville AL area to schedule an appointment with our family dentist office by calling 256-660-3233. Everyone should have their teeth cleaned and examined at least twice a year so if it has been awhile since you visited a dentist, don't delay in scheduling an appointment. During these ongoing dental exams we will make sure that your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and look for any signs of cavities or gum disease. If any are found, they will be treated right away before they can spread and create additional problems. Early detection and treatment are important for reducing any pain that may come as a result of an infection. For example, if gum disease is caught early, it can be treated with a thorough deep cleaning. If gum disease is left undiagnosed, surgery may eventually be required in order to correct it.
Understanding the importance of these regular dental exams, the staff at Smiles by Design, PC work to make each patient extremely comfortable. This includes being welcoming and kind while performing dental treatments in a way that is painless and relaxing. Patients visit our dentist office because they trust us to do just that – take care of their teeth and gums, gently. The majority of our patients are local and come from the greater Huntsville area, we also see patients that are looking for gentle dental care.
40% of people over the age of 65 do not have all of their teeth. Don't be a statistic, come see us! Read more
Age Groups
We treat adults, children, and seniors at Smiles by Design, PC. Each age group requires a different approach due to dental needs and oral health changing with time. For example, with children the goal is to keep them comfortable and relaxed so that they will enjoy visiting our dentist office and be willing to come back. With children, we go as slowly as necessary to ensure that their appointments are pleasant. Additionally, we focus on keeping their teeth healthy and free from cavities. This often involves additional treatments to strengthen and protect their teeth as preventative measures. We know that it is far easier to keep a child's teeth healthy and free from cavities than to try and get them comfortable with a major dental treatment. If you have children, call (256) 660-3233 to schedule an appointment so that they can stay in good oral health as they grow.
3 out of 4 people suffer from some form of gum disease. See your Family Dentist at least twice a year to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. Read more
In adults, we also focus on keeping teeth healthy with preventative care but end up treating a large number of patients that have damaged their teeth and need restorative solutions. With a full set of adult teeth, there are no replacements coming in. If a tooth has become damaged, we can restore it in a way that looks and feels completely natural. It is much easier for the tooth to become cracked or chipped than people think, so we regularly get calls from patients throughout Huntsville needing an emergency appointment in order to correct the damage. We try to accommodate last minute appointments as much as possible.
Seniors, on the other hand, often struggle with gum disease and oral infections. As people age, their teeth can become weaker and infected more easily. Bone loss is incredibly common with seniors and by conducting regular dental exams, the team at Smiles by Design, PC can help seniors to have strong teeth and reduce the risk of them falling out. Since over seventy percent of U.S. adults suffer from tooth loss, preventative care is important.
We welcome patients from throughout the Huntsville area to schedule an appointment with our office. We are committed to providing high-quality dental care that is painless and comfortable. To schedule an appointment call 256-660-3233.
Huntsville Family Dentist FAQ
Q. Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
A. Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to come in.
Q. What should I do if my child has a toothache?
A. First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.
Q. How do dental sealants work?
A. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
Q. How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
A. Have your family dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then we may prescribe fluoride supplements.
Q. What can I do to protect my teeth during sporting events?
A. Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard will protect your teeth from injuries and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
Q. How safe are dental X-rays?
A. There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Family dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which you and your family are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. Digital x-rays provide an even greater level of protection by using up to 90 percent less radiation.
If you live in the Huntsville area, call (256) 660-3233 to schedule your dental exam so that you can remain in good health or receive treatment for a current condition.
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are some at-home tips for proper dental hygiene?
Q. Do you provide dental treatment for all ages?
Q. What can protect my child’s teeth during sports?
People Also Ask
Q. What is a kid friendly dentist?
50% of people say that your smile is the first thing they notice. Make a great first impression, keep your teeth healthy.
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Definition of Family Dental Terminology
- Dental Caries
- Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
- Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants are a solution of plastic material that we apply to the crown of the tooth to protect the areas within the ridges of teeth from infection.
- Dental Prophylaxis
- A dental prophylaxis is a thorough cleaning procedure that involves preventing the spread or continued growth of periodontal disease and gingivitis.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Pregnancy Gingivitis
- Pregnancy gingivitis is gingivitis that results from the common change in hormones during pregnancy that increases blood flow to the gum tissue, increasing sensitivity, irritability and swelling in the gums.
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