FAQ

How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?

At Smiles on the Boulevard, we recommend that our patients come to visit us at least every six months. Biannual visits help Dr. Hawkins and her team keep your smile clean while checking for signs of potential problems. The earlier we can catch a health issue, such as oral cancer, tooth decay, or gum disease, the better chance we have of successfully treating it.

How Do I Take Care of My Teeth at Home?

Having a great at-home oral hygiene routine is a necessary part of maintaining a healthy smile. To take care of your teeth between visits, Dr. Hawkins recommends brushing at least two times per day with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. It is also important to floss regularly to clean the spaces between your teeth.

Dr. Hawkins also recommends that patients do not chew on hard foods or objects like ice to prevent cracks, chips, and breaks. To keep your teeth bright and healthy-looking, do not consume too many darkly-colored foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine. It is also important to avoid tobacco products, as these can cause significant oral health problems.

How Can I Protect My Child from Getting Cavities?

Children are often at a high risk of developing cavities. Whether this is because of the sugar content in their diet or poor hygiene habits, it is important to protect your little one’s growing teeth.

It is important to establish a good hygiene routine with your child. Encourage them to brush their teeth often – especially after eating sugary foods. Bring your child to the dentist at least two times per year for a check-up and cleaning. The earlier we can catch a cavity, the easier it will be to treat! During your next visit, ask Dr. Hawkins about the benefits of sealant and fluoride treatments. Sealants and fluoride are inexpensive and incredibly effective against cavities.

How Soon Should I Bring My Child in for Their First Visit?

Your child’s dental journey should begin early. Dr. Hawkins recommends bringing your child in for their first appointment after their first tooth has erupted. Teeth usually begin to appear sometime before the age of one.

During your child’s early visits, we will monitor the growth of their baby teeth to ensure they are coming in properly. We will also use this time to get them used to our office. By playing games and letting them ride up and down in the dental chair, we can help your child feel comfortable and at ease.

What Dental Insurance Do You Take?

At Smiles on the Boulevard, we are proud to accept most major dental insurances. We accept Delta Dental, Cigna, Guardian, MetLife, United Concordia, Aetna, and many others. We can also help patients set up a CareCredit® account if they are under-insured or do not have coverage. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept CareSource or Medicaid.

Do You Offer Dental Membership Plans?

Yes! We are excited to offer two dental membership plans for patients who want to save on their yearly treatments. We offer an adult plan for ages 14+, and a children’s plan for those between the ages of one and 13. Memberships cover two yearly exams, one emergency exam, two cleanings, two fluoride treatments, and a variety of other treatments and benefits. Call our office today at 740-423-8416 to learn more about our membership plans and how you can save up to $240 per year!

I Have a Pain in My Mouth – What Should I Do?

If you are experiencing any kind of pain in your teeth, gums, or other parts of your mouth, call our office right away to schedule an appointment. Oral pain is never normal and is often a sign of underlying issues such as cavities or gum disease. If ignored, dental problems can worsen and cause a great deal of pain and wide-spread damage. This is why it is so important to visit your dentist if you are feeling any unusual pain or sensitivity.

Do You Accept Emergency Appointments?

Yes! At Smiles on the Boulevard, we understand how important it is to provide quick treatment when a patient is experiencing a dental emergency. Because of this, we always do our best to see patients the same day they call, even if we have to move around other appointments. Whether you have been visiting us for years or have never seen our name before today, we are committed to helping you in an emergency!

How Do I Learn More?

We are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 740-423-8416. Our team is always happy to provide answers about treatments, general care, financing, and more. If you would like to speak with Dr. Hawkins about a dental need, we would be happy to schedule a consultation!