West Seattle Dental Care for Children

Smiles by Bond is a family dentistry practice, and as such we see patients of all ages, including children ages 2 and older. Professional dental care is important for children, especially in their early years, to help develop good habits and hygiene. Bringing your child as early as age 2 allows Dr. Bond to determine if there are any issues for parents to address in order to prevent tooth decay and dental disease.

We are able to start teeth cleaning and polishing around age 4-6, and the initial appointment will usually involve x-rays and fluoride treatment as well. Regular check-ups are important to maintaining your child’s oral health throughout their early and teen years, and set a standard for the rest of their life! We always ensure children are comfortable and get to know all the different tools we use and how the treatment works.

Depending on your child’s unique needs, we may recommend other treatments, such as dental sealants to prevent future tooth decay, or refer you to a local orthodontist if needed. Food and plaque can easily develop on and around the braces, so if your child has already begun orthodontic treatment, regular visits to our office are more important than ever!

We also have a variety of prizes and rewards for children who maintain good oral hygiene, the details are all on our web site!

February is National Heart Month - Your Oral Health Affects Your Heart Health Too!

Since February is National Heart Month, we wanted to let you know about the importance of oral health and its connection to your heart's health too! Research is pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. We want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless, so people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and heart disease. Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease. If this wasn't enough, periodontal disease may also increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries. People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums. Finally, a woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--Visit us every six months! regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean.
Call us at 206-734-3285 to schedule an appointment!

--Dr. Jeffrey Bond, Cosmetic, Implant, and General Dentistry in West Seattle

Online Account and Appointment Access, 24/7 at Smiles by Bond

At Smiles By Bond, we embrace new technology, whether it is with the innovative general and cosmetic dental procedures that we offer, our high tech web site and social networks, or our convenient office in West Seattle.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients have to say about this service!

Finding my next appointment information was just a click away. ~ John U.

I liked the freedom of looking up my account information without having to call the dentist office. I like the flexibility to having 24/7 access. ~ Rachael G.

I can look up what is owed and when my next appt is. I will not have to post reminders on my refrigerator. I think this going to be a wonderful tool. ~Cecillee T.

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call us at 206-734-3285 if you have any questions!

Regular Checkups are Important

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit us at Smiles by Bond every six months in addition to brushing and flossing every day. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Bond can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

We offer dental care for the entire family, including children ages 2 and up. As a general dentist, Dr. Bond is able to provide a wide range of services, including some cosmetic and implant dentistry options.

During an oral exam we will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue, along with an oral cancer screening. We also offer teeth cleaning and polishing services.
If you have not seen a dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment! We are located at 4151 Fauntleroy Way, SW in West Seattle, and are open Tuesdays through Fridays for your convenience. Call 206-734-3285 today!