Dental Topics
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Category: Dental Topics

teething-and-sore-gums
Dental Topics
July 26, 2024

Teething Do’s:

Give your infant safe teething rings or toys to bite and chew on.
Teething rings are often more soothing if they are cold, but do not freeze.
Often a cold washcloth to chew on or just rubbing your infant’s gums with your finger is the most effective.
Be sure teething toys are made of safe and non-toxic plastics or other materials.
If your infant is over 6 months old, infant ibuprofen is safe and can be very helpful for the pain and inflammation of the gums.
Homeopathic teething tablets are likely another safe and effective option, however this is still a medication and instructions should be followed closely. There was a recent recall of one brand of infant teething tablets due to safety concerns, which highlights the need to be cautious with any medication.
As with any medication, follow the instructions closely. There is always a risk for an allergic reaction, so call your pediatrician if you are not sure what to do or if your child has a reaction.

Teething Don’ts

Teething gels with benzocaine (used to numb the gums) should be avoided since they can cause a serious and potentially fatal reaction called methemoglobinemia. Also, these gels often numb the whole mouth or wash away with saliva, which make them a poor choice for treatment. Children under 2 years old seem to be at higher risk for this serious condition, so it is best to avoid teething gels altogether.
Don’t use alcohol of any kind on the gums to relieve teething. This was a common practice many years ago and again, has potentially fatal side effects.
Don’t give your infant anything to chew on that is smaller than the hole in a toilet paper role, since they can choke on small objects.

Don’t use medications in an infant under 4 months old since they are more likely to have a serious reaction.

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how-safe-are-dental-X-rays
Dental Topics
July 26, 2024

Dental X-rays pose very little risk, especially when conducted by a professional who prioritizes safety. Dentists are particularly cautious about minimizing the amount of radiation exposure, particularly for children.
At our office, we utilize Digital Radiography, which represents an advanced form of computerized radiography. This technique uses a standard dental X-ray generator as its radiation source. The process involves placing an intra-oral sensor in the mouth to collect the image.
One of the key benefits of Digital Radiography is its significant reduction in radiation exposure. It reduces radiation by 80-90% compared to traditional X-rays. This means patients experience less exposure and consequently, less risk associated with the procedure.

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healthy-diet-for-healthy-teeth
Dental Topics
July 26, 2024

Your child needs a balanced diet for healthy teeth and gums. This includes snacks as well as meals. Trying to figure what kind of healthy snacks to provide? The snacking guidelines below should help you set the proper limits. Remember, it all starts with you

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toothache-little-boy
Dental Topics
July 26, 2024

Tooth Ache

Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing and flossing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars, they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn produces more of the acid-producing bacteria that causes cavities.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room. You can help your child prevent oral injuries by closely supervising him during play and not allowing the child to put foreign objects in the mouth. For younger children involved in physical activities and sports, mouth guards are strongly encouraged, and can prevent a whole host of injuries to the teeth, gums, lips and other oral structures. Mouth guards are generally small plastic appliances that safely fit around your child’s teeth. Many mouth guards are soft and pliable when opened, and mold to the child’s teeth when first inserted.

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Complete Oral Examination at Dental Smiles
Dental TopicsPreventing Cavities
July 26, 2024

Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing and flossing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars, they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn produces more of the acid-producing bacteria that causes cavities.

Some tips for cavity prevention:

  • Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
  • Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Twice a day!
  • Watch what you drink (juices, milk and yogurts can have high sugar content)
  • Choose nutritious snacks.
  • See the dentist every 6 months for preventive fluoride treatments and Sealants

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baby-bottle-nursing-caries
Baby Bottle Nursing CariesDental Topics
July 26, 2024

Milk can contribute to a type of rampant tooth decay known as “nursing caries.” This condition often occurs when a child falls asleep while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
During sleep, milk collects on the roof of the mouth and tongue, bathing the upper front teeth. Since saliva flow is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished, the stagnant milk remains in contact with the teeth for extended periods.
The sugar content in the collected milk is gradually converted into acids. These acids cause the enamel to decalcify, or soften, leading to extensive tooth decay.

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World-Pediatric-Dental-Thumb-Sucking-580×351
Dental Topics
July 26, 2024

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your dentist. Thumb or finger sucking are habits that occurs in infants. Children usually give up thumb-sucking by the age of four. If the child continues past the age when their permanent teeth start to erupt, they may develop crooked teeth and a malformed roof of their mouth.

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baby-tooth-eruption​
Dental Topics
July 26, 2024

Teeth begin forming while you’re still in the womb. The emergence of primary (or baby) teeth typically starts around 3-4 months of age. The initial teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. By the age of 3, most children will have all 20 primary teeth, although the exact timing and order of eruption can vary.
The transition from primary teeth to permanent teeth occurs over several years and is generally divided into two main stages. The first stage spans from ages 6 to 8, during which the incisors are replaced, and the first permanent molars emerge. The second stage begins around ages 9 to 10 and continues until approximately age 12. This phase involves the replacement of canines and primary molars with permanent teeth.

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kids-brushing-teeth-1242×411
Brushing and FlossingDental Topics
July 8, 2024

Milestones:

  1. Infants with no teeth – Wipe with moist cloth or gauze square twice a day (morning and bedtime)
  2. Eruption of first teeth – Use child’s toothbrush with a small amount (1/2 Rice sized) amount of toothpaste. (Age appropriate)
  3. Age Two – Begin teaching your child to brush but still need to brush after them. Use pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to spit out, not to swallow the toothpaste when finished
  4. Start flossing the teeth when the contacts close or by age 3
  5. Age Seven to Eight – Usually able to brush on their own
  6. Age Nine – time to start flossing on their own!

Brushing technique

  • Brush the inside & outside surfaces of each tooth, don’t forget both top & bottom
  • Hold brush at an angle towards the teeth & gums
  • Use short strokes, moving brush back and forth
  • Brush the tongue gently to remove bacteria
  • Hold the brush flat to reach the top of teeth
  • Floss your child's teeth once a day

Fun Tips & Tricks to Get Them to Brush:

  • Battery operated toothbrushes are fun and can be inexpensive
  • Let him/ her pick their own toothbrush
  • Get a children's book on brushing
  • Everyone can brush together!
  • Let him/her brush your teeth
  • Character toothbrushes

Fun Tips & Tricks to Get Them to Brush:

Many dentists believe that flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque. In any event, daily flossing is an excellent and proven method for complementing your brushing routine and helping to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental problems later in life. It also increases blood circulation in your gums. Floss at least once every day. Like brushing, flossing should take about three minutes and can easily be done while doing another activity, such as watching television.

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