Why Fix It if its Just A Baby Tooth?

The habits we learn at an early age will carry on into adulthood. When children are taught to brush and floss twice a day, they will likely carry that habit into adulthood. 

Children's dental care is often overlooked, many people believe those baby teeth are just going to fall out and be replaced with the adult permanent teeth. Baby (primary) teeth are important in providing proper chewing and biting, over all self-esteem, speech development and space for larger permanent teeth to erupt.

Besides the fact that tooth decay is the number one preventable illness in children and millions of school hours are lost due to childhood cavities. If  not treated decay can spread to other teeth and gums causing infection.

Even though your child's baby teeth will eventually fall out, they are still a vital part of their oral health and well being. Caring for baby teeth should be considered one of the most valuable lessons to teach a child.

                                                              ( Next Time...... Nitrous Oxide in the Dentist Office )

Pediatric Dental Infection

The most common dental infection found in children is dental caries which can lead to other dental problems. Infections are caused by bacteria growing in the mouth. Dental decay (cavity) is an infection of the tooth.  Four things necessary for cavities to form 1)  a tooth  2) bacteria  3)sugars or other carbohydrates and 4)time.  Infections can occur in both the primary and permanent teeth.  Antibiotics are sometimes used to control infection prior to pulp therapy or extraction.  Oral exams from a pediatric dentist are the easiest and most accurate way to detect dental infections.

Tooth brushes can play host to infection causing micro-organisms that can re-infect the mouth. It is important to keep your toothbrush clean, sterilize and air dry frequently. American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 months and/or after an illness.  Along with maintaining a sanitary toothbrush, the use of fluoride in water or toothpaste is the most effective way to prevent dental infections in children.                       Next time...... Why do we need to fix teeth if  "Just a Baby Tooth"?

Pediatric Dental Trauma

Most injuries to primary (baby) teeth occur between the ages of 2 and 3 years, when children are learning to walk and run. Injuries to primary teeth could potentially disturb the development and health of underlying permanent teeth.  A baby tooth may change color after being subjected to trauma by a fall, running into furniture, impact with a blunt object or just rough play.  Teeth may turn dark but in many cases the color will change back to normal after a few weeks.

The best way to preserve a tooth that has been knocked out is to put it back in its socket as quickly as possible.  If immediate reimplantation is not possible, the tooth should be placed in a protective solution (milk or saline).  Every tooth has a protective layer surrounding the root called peridontal ligament which is very sensitive and will dry out and die unless the tooth is immediately place in a protective solution.

Immediate attention by a pediatric dentist is essential and should include a health history, radiographic assessment, examination of mandible, maxilla head and neck.  ( Next time........ Pediatric Dental Infection)

Thumb / Finger Habit

It is important to maintain good oral habits in children and just as important to understand and break the bad oral habits such as thumb and finger sucking. Sucking is normal for babies and young children so early intervention is not recommended. Most children stop this habit on their own between 2 and 4 years old and there is no reason to worry until the permanent front teeth start to erupt usually between the age of 5 or 6. If this habit continues it could cause the front teeth to shift causing buck teeth which would require orthodontic treatment.  Parents can develop a reward system to help your child break this habit, if that does not work your pediatric dentist may recommend a mouth appliance.    ........(Next Time......  Pediatric Dental Trauma)

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Your child's baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they first appear, usually around 6 months of age.  Infant and toddler tooth decay is referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD), most often occurring in the upper front teeth.  A factor for tooth decay is frequent-prolonged exposure to liquids that contain sugar(sweetened water, fruit juice, milk, breast milk and formula), the decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle or the bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby.

Tooth decay is almost completely preventable.  After feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean damp cloth or gauze.  When teeth begin to erupt, brush gently with a child size toothbrush and water.  Children's fluoride toothpaste can be used around the age of 2.  Brush your child's teeth or supervise until age 6.  Avoid using the bottle for sugar water and juice, encourage child to drink from a cup by 1st birthday. Limit use of sippy cups and encourage healthy eating habits.  Early detection of decay is the key to this serious form of dental disease.  ................................................................ (Next Time:  Thumb/Finger Habit)

WHAT ARE DENTAL SEALANTS?

Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child's permanent teeth from cavities.
Most cavities occur on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.  The decay is due to food and bacteria accumulation in the pits and fissures of the posterior teeth. Dental sealants are a clear protective coating that is applied to the biting surface of the back, newly erupted primary or permanent molar and premolar teeth which protects the teeth from cavities by shielding against bacteria and plaque.
Sealants can last many years and have been proven to prevent decay.  (Next Time.....Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)

Fluoride varnish/supplements

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is often added to drinking water and is commonly found in toothpaste.  Research has shown that the rate of cavities decreases in area where fluoride is added to the water supply.  Health authorities, such as The American Dental Association and The World Health Organization, both advocate the addition of fluoride to drinking water and recommend the use of toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride treatments are available and recommended at your regular dental visits after a cleaning appointment every six months to one year.                     (Next time:  information about Sealants)