Preventive Care
Brushing
All children need to brush their teeth at least two times a day, at night before
bedtime, and in the morning after breakfast. By disturbing and removing the plaque
formation twice a day, parents can minimize or eliminate their children's potential
for decay. For younger children a parent should brush their teeth using a pea-sized
amount of toothpaste. As the child gets older and you see they have the dexterity
and patience to properly take care of their teeth, you may give over the task. But
do periodically monitor their care. Toothpaste should be approved by the American
Dental Association. Toothbrushes should be the proper size, smaller is better than
bigger, and always use a soft nylon brush in a circular manner. This will prevent
toothbrush abrasion, excessive wear of the enamel at the gum line. Also a toothbrush
should be replaced when it is worn, bristles splayed, or after more serious colds,
infection, Strep throat, etc.
Infants - Gum pads and teeth should be wiped off with a gauze or
washcloth.
Toddlers - Parents should brush their teeth twice a day with a
very small amount of toothpaste. Toothpaste has quite a bit of fluoride in it. If
the child is allowed to swallow it, this can cause white or brown spots to occur
on the developing permanent teeth. Use toothpaste sparingly with young children.
3-6 year olds - Let them brush, supervise them, and do the final
brushing to make sure all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned. Also you need to floss
their teeth as they get older as the posterior teeth get closer and tighter over
time. Make sure they can rinse their mouth so toothpaste doesn't get swallowed.
6 and older - Continue supervision until you are sure they can
brush and floss properly.
Your dentist may recommend the use of disclosing agents which help reveal the presence
of plaque on teeth. Swishing with these agents before and after brushing will disclose
the missed areas and motivate your child.
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Fluoride Treatment
- What is fluoride?
The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluoride, either applied topically
to erupted teeth, or ingested orally (called systemic fluoride) during tooth development,
helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reduce the harmful effects
of plaque. Fluoride also makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay
and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage
is even visible.
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- Where is fluoride found?
Topical Fluoride is found in products containing strong concentrations of fluoride
(i.e., toothpastes, mouth rinses), fluoridated varnishes and/or gels either topically
applied by a dentist or other oral health professional, or prescribed as an at-home
regimen (particularly for persons with a high risk of dental caries).
Systemic Fluoride can be ingested through public and private water supplies, soft
drinks, teas, as dietary supplements, some bottled water supplies. Once ingested,
systemic fluoride is absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract and distributed and
deposited throughout the body via the blood supply.
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- What health risks are associated
with fluoride uses?
In general, fluoride consumption is safe. Health risks associated with Fluoridation
usually are limited to misuse and over concentration. To avoid misuse and over concentration:
Avoid drinking overly fluoridated water - results of this may cause teeth to become
discolored, and may cause the enamel of the teeth to look spotted, pitted, or stained
(a condition known as dental fluorosis). Avoid swallowing toothpaste and other dental
hygiene products.
Call the local water department and/or the health department to evaluate the fluoride
level in your local drinking reservoir. Children are especially vulnerable to dental
fluorosis as their developing teeth are more sensitive to higher fluoride levels.
Consult a pediatric dentist or other oral health care professional if you notice
changes in the condition of your child's teeth.
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Sealants
Sealants protect the occlusal surfaces, inhibiting bacterial growth and providing
a smooth surface that increases the probability that the surface will stay clean.
The ultimate goal of sealants is penetrating into the pit and fissures of the tooth
and sealing them from bacteria.
Indications for Use
Traditionally, sealants are thought of as a preventive measure for children and
teenagers when they are in their “cavity prone years”. Patients who have xerostomia
(decreased salivation), are undergoing orthodontic treatment, show evidence of incipient
caries, or who are prone to caries should be evaluated as candidates for sealant
placement. Primary molars also can benefit from the placement of sealants.
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Space Maintainer
Space maintainers are appliances made to custom fit your child's mouth to maintain
the space intended for the permanent tooth when it decides to come in. They do this
by "holding open" the empty space left by a lost tooth by preventing movement in
the remaining teeth until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the
child's mouth. This treatment is much more affordable and much easier on your child
than to move them back later with orthodontic procedures. Think of space maintainers
as insurance against braces.
- Why are they important to children's
dental care?
Well, baby teeth usually stay in place until "pushed out" by a permanent tooth that
takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose baby teeth too early. A tooth
may be knocked out accidentally or be removed due to severe disease. When this occurs,
a space maintainer may be required to prevent future dental problems. Space maintainers
encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, and save space for the
permanent teeth and help guide them into position.
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- How can losing a baby tooth
too early cause problems for permanent teeth?
Well, teeth are strange in that regard. Teeth attempt to "fill" any space available
to them. If your child loses a baby tooth to early, the remaining baby teeth may
tilt, drift, or move up or down to fill the gap. When this happens, they fill the
space intended for the permanent tooth, and the permanent tooth can come in crowded
or crooked. And this condition, if left untreated, may require extensive (and expensive)
orthodontic treatment (braces or even surgery).
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- Space maintainers require any
special care?
Yes, they do, and you as a parent can help. Make sure your child avoids Hard/Sticky
foods (suckers, caramels, gum, popcorn, etc.). Teeth should be brushed after each
meal and clean the teeth with bands especially well. Once a day, a fluoride mouthwash
should be used to help prevent decalcification of the teeth around the band and
wire. Do not try to bend the wire for any reason with finger or tongue. Notify our
office immediately if the bands come loose or the space maintainer is damaged in
any way. If a tooth erupts under the wire this also needs to be checked.
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Regular Dental Checkup
In order to avoid lengthy procedures & maintain a healthy disease free mouth we
recommend recare every 6 months. This allows us to detect early signs of disease
& provide appropriate treatment, leading to a favorable prognosis.
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