Why Are The Primary Teeth So Important

Many parents often ask dentists: why the primary teeth so important? In the past many parents did not understand the role the “baby” teeth played in their child’s health and development, but today, research has show that the care of primary teeth impact the growth and health of permanent teeth. The major dental organizations advise parents to pay careful attention to their child’s oral health even before the appearance of their first tooth. Cleaning the gums with a soft cloth after feedings, and keeping the baby teeth cavity free can help them remain in place under their permanent teeth begin to grow in. A healthy diet and proper nutrition can also be affected by poor oral health. Teeth are important in being able to properly digest food and if a child has cavities there is a potential risk that they will not be able to chew their food properly. Parents should know that this care is also important because your child’s teeth help them to learn how to speak correctly. Your child’s baby teeth are important in the alignment and spacing of the permanent and maintaining them for the duration of time helps to avoid costly dental procedures. As children develop and become more aware of themselves and how they look, healthy teeth contribute to their self-confidence. This becomes even more critical as your child begins to interact with other children. By taking good care of your child’s teeth you can help them avoid painful incidents from being teased because of bad teeth which causes bad breath. When parents establish good oral health habits for their child from the beginning at home and with dental visits starting at the child’s first birthday, it helps them to continue to care for their teeth properly when they become teenagers and later as an adult.

What is Sleep Dentistry?

There are many dentists who are asked on a regular basis: What is sleep dentistry and is it different from “sedation dentistry?” Although sedation dentistry has been often called sleep dentistry it is not the same thing at all. Sedation medication or “sedatives” are used to calm a person who is suffering from anxiety or extreme fear. It is because the person feels so relaxed that they feel sleepy. The benefit of using sedation dentistry is clearly seen for the individual whose fears of the dental procedures make them avoid receiving the care they need. Lack of proper dental care can lead to serious health problems from inadequate nutrition or cardiovascular disease. During sedation dentistry procedure the patient is kept awake throughout but they are so relaxed that they do not remember much about their treatment. For the person to be completely unconscious or asleep in the truest sense would require the use of general anesthesia and this not considered sedation dentistry.

One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry is that complex dental procedures can often be performed in fewer appointments. For individuals who have been reluctant to change the appearance of their smile because they are afraid to undergo a long or complicated dental procedure, sedation dentistry could be the solution to your dilemma. This procedure can make you feel comfortable during the treatment process and help you protect your health as well as achieve the beautiful smile you want. This can help you to develop a regular dental care routine that is vital to maintain your optimum state of health. By relieving your anxiety you immediately lighten the work load on your system that is a result of stress caused by fear. Although sedation dentistry is safe, it’s best to discuss this option with your dentist to determine if this is right for you.

Dental Cleanings and Hygiene

People who meticulously brush and floss their teeth every day and night may feel that there is no need to have professional dental cleanings and hygiene check-up. Unfortunately this is not true, because even with the best of care at home, problems can arise. The other good thing about a professional dental cleaning is that you can take advantage of the high-quality whitening procedures that are more effective than the treatments available to you over the counter. Teeth can become discolored and damaged from age, foods, tobacco and beverages like soda, coffee, tea or wine. Speaking of foods, nutrition for your teeth is more than just calcium. While it’s common knowledge that bacteria causes cavities, not all bacteria is destructive. There’s a group of bacteria called “probiotics” that the body uses to keep the destructive bacteria in check in your digestive tract as well as in your mouth. Unfortunately in our quest to have fresh breath and white teeth we use products that destroy the natural probiotics found in the mouth. In addition, probiotics are sensitive to antibiotics as well and any time you take medications that contain them your dental health can suffer. Dentists often recommend probiotics after any antibiotic treatment to boost your immune system. But now they have discovered the value of probiotics on a daily basis to support oral health in children and adults. There are dental care products like Dentazyne and food products like yogurt that deliver these healthy probiotics to your body in an easily digestible form. Adding probiotics to your diet improves your digestive process while keeping the environment of your mouth better protected against dental problems.
Now you have another way to prevent cavities and costly fillings, extractions and surgeries. Adding probiotics to your dental care routine can save you money and some unpleasant experiences as well.

When Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?

New parents are often anxious to know the answer to the question: when will my baby start getting teeth? In general, the first tooth appears when a child reaches 6 months of age, although this varies from child to child. What’s important for parents to know is that they need to keep their child’s mouth clean even before the first tooth grows in. Cleaning the child’s mouth after each feeding with a clean, soft cloth can remove harmful bacteria from their gums that can affect the health of their teeth even before they appear. Parents need to make a note of when their baby’s first tooth appears to schedule the first dental appointment for the child. A dentist can examine the child to gauge the general state of their teeth and possibly detect if there are any problems developing. Caring for your child’s gums and teeth from birth along with proper nutrition and professional dental checkup can create the foundation for your child to keep their teeth for a lifetime. As a child will have a total of 20 primary or baby teeth, regular dental checkups can help your child keep their baby teeth cavity-free and strong until their permanent teeth begin to grow in. When a child starts getting teeth it’s important for parents to help them develop good oral hygiene as well. Generally speaking, after the first tooth appears, a child will gain 4 baby teeth every 6 months. Parents should ask their dentist for recommendations for a toothpaste formulated especially for children and toothbrush to use to care for their child’s teeth. When your baby starts getting teeth, most dentists advise using a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste until the child learns how to brush their teeth on their own to avoid them from ingesting fluoride which can stain the teeth.

How to Keep Your Teeth for a Lifetime

Two of the most common myths about tooth loss are pregnancy and the aging process, but neither of them is true. Tooth loss is the result of gum disease and poor oral hygiene. If you want to know how to keep your teeth for a lifetime, following the guidelines for proper nutrition and dental care are the best ways to ensure this. Dental care is important during every stage of life and becomes the foundation for having strong, healthy teeth as you mature. For individuals over the age of 50 who are a part of the “baby boomer” generation, the advancements in dental care have allowed them to keep more of their natural teeth than their parent’s generation. But even if you have followed the guidelines for dental care during your youth and young adulthood, that will not prevent gum disease in your maturity. Regular dental checkups are just as important for senior citizens as they are for children and young adults. Family members should make sure that the elders do not take their dental health for granted. For individuals who live in retirement or nursing homes, dental care is important to maintain their overall health. Brushing and flossing the teeth, especially after meals can help ensure good oral health in senior citizens. The need for using dental care products that contain fluoride is just as important as well. Certain conditions such as diabetes can require more care when visiting a dentist because of the increased risk of bacterial infection which can complicate their treatment. Dry mouth is also another condition that affects older individuals or those taking certain prescription medications. It is important to keep the mouth moist with saliva because this retards tooth decay and neutralizing acids that form dental plaque. Dentists can also assist with treatments to alleviate dry mouth.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

One of the biggest concerns to dental patients is the pain involved with the procedure and this is the cause of what is commonly known as “dental phobia.” This condition can be the result of a painful, past experience at the dentist or simply due to the instrumentation in the dentist office. When administered by a medical professional, the different forms of sedation; intravenous, inhalation and oral are both safe and effective. However, with the advancements in dentistry today, sedation dentistry has now evolved to be an even more relaxing experience. Dental patients can now choose the type of sedation they prefer. For those who do not want an injection , oral or inhalation sedation are both viable alternatives. Of these two types of sedation, it is the oral form that is now the most used in North America to calm an anxious patient fears. Because the sedation is done without the use of needles, it’s easier for everyone. The sedative creates a comfortable experience and most patients don’t remember the visit at all. Even though the patient may feel as though they are asleep, they are kept at a certain level of consciousness for safety and cooperation.

However you should also be aware that the use of some forms of sedation, such as nitrous oxide gas may make some patients more sensitive to pain. Even though the patient is sedated, dentist still must use a local anesthetic to temporarily block the pain from the dental procedure, but the patient does not experience any discomfort. To ensure the safety of patients for sedation dentistry they are required to have a responsible adult accompany them on the day of the procedure both before and after the procedure is completed as well as to stay with them for a few hours at home.

Kids Early Dental Care

For their best health, kids early dental care should begin before their first tooth appears. After every feeding a soft cloth should be used to gently clean their gums to remove the bacteria that can damage their primary teeth. When a child’s first tooth appears use toothpaste that’s formulated especially for children parents should begin to teach their children the importance of maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home. As your child approaches their first birthday, this is also the best time to schedule the child’s first dental office visit. Although the child’s first visit to the dentist may last only a few minutes, it lays the groundwork for future visits which gradually increase in length and establishes dental habits that last a lifetime. Until your child is able to brush their teeth for themselves, parents should take care to brush the child’s teeth twice a day, using a very small amount of toothpaste. Be careful to clean their mouth to avoid them swallowing the toothpaste to prevent fluoride stains on their teeth. When the child begins to brush their teeth on their own, be sure to teach them why they must spit out the toothpaste for this same reason. In addition keep the toothpaste and mouthwash adults use out of their reach as the ingredients in these products pose serious health risks to children. Parents should not underestimate the value of a child’s first set of teeth. Cavities in your child’s primary teeth can cause them to have difficulty chewing their food which can lead to malnutrition and impair their ability to speak properly. Regular dental checkups throughout childhood and teen years are important to avoid dental problems while your child is in their formative years and helps ensure they will continue their dental care to have strong, healthy teeth when they become an adult.

Stress and Your Teeth

Keeping yourself in good health takes a lot of information because the human body is a complex system. When it comes to your dental health, stress and your teeth are one of areas of care many people are unaware of and do not know how to recognize the danger signals. Just like everything, there are two sides to stress; beneficial and harmful. The fact is that a certain amount of stress is necessary for the body to function. The body uses short-term stress as stimuli to help you respond to different situations, but the key is balance. When stress becomes continuous and long-term, the results are detrimental to your overall physical, mental and emotional health. This type of stress can slowly erode the body’s systems, your internal organs and your brain. The way you react to stress in addition to quick physical movement and thought processing, can include tightening of your muscles and clenching your teeth. In situations where the person is under the pressure of long-term stress this can result in grinding of the teeth or involuntary clenching of the teeth that can lead to TMJ and migraine headaches. Sometimes the clenching or grinding of teeth can become so severe that it occurs during sleep. Stress management exercises can help as well as using dental devices during sleep that prevent this from happening. Because many of the body’s reactions to stress are involuntary, it’s very important to ask your dentist to examine your teeth for any signs of stress-related wear and tear. If the dentist finds that your teeth show any of the effects of grinding or clenching, they can recommend steps you can take to prevent further damage. Make no mistake, stress and your teeth is just as an important consideration in your dental care as regularly brushing and flossing.

Tobacco and Dental Care

If you are a smoker, or you use chewing (smokeless) tobacco products you have to be even more diligent about your dental care because smoking increases your risk of oral cancer, bone loss and gum disease. There are many products on the market that people use for recreational purposes that pose a health risk and tobacco is just one of them. However if you choose to smoke then you should be aware on the impact tobacco has on your body and take the steps necessary to compensate.

First, see your dentist for a thorough exam for any signs of tooth decay or oral health problems and have your teeth cleaned. Discuss with your dentist the best way to take care of your mouth and teeth as well as ask them for a recommendation to help you stop smoking. Dentists treat patients who smoke on a regular basis and will be able to give you advice and information that about products that will make caring for your teeth and gums easier.

Second, reduce the amount of tobacco you use on a daily basis. Tobacco contains nicotine in addition to several other substances that can hinder your body functioning at its best. Smoking cessation programs and products abound but the general consensus is that gradually reducing your tobacco consumption allows your body to adjust to less nicotine better than quitting “cold turkey.” Increase your brushing and flossing as well as use an antiseptic mouthwash to thoroughly clean your mouth. A good way to reduce your smoking and increase your oral health is to brush and floss your teeth after each meal.

Third, increase your intake of the vitamins and minerals that support your bones, teeth, respiratory and circulatory systems as these are the areas of your health that are the most seriously affected by smoking.

Painless Dental Procedures in 2010

A visit to the dental office for many was a terrorizing experience filled with pain. This began with a stinging injection, followed by the nerve-wracking sound of the dental drill and ended with having no feeling in your lips at all. All of these memories have made it difficult and in some cases impossible for even the most rational people to maintain regular dental visits for lack of pain free dental procedures.
Thankfully the advancements in dentistry techniques and procedures are in the process of finally bringing an end to the dental visit trauma commonly known as “dental phobia.” Not only are there several forms of sedation dentistry available to quell the fears of anxious patients, there are also many new ways dentists can perform the procedures as well.

One of the most dreadful instruments in the dental office is the dental drill. The sound of this device has become one of the most fear-inspiring in history capable of making even the strongest person shudder. Dentists are now able to use “air abrasion” – a new technology that hopefully will soon allow the traditional dental drill to take its well-deserved place in the history of dentistry.

Just as sand is used to resurface a building, air abrasion works by blasting a stream of water filled with minute particles of aluminum oxide to remove the parts of the tooth destroyed by a cavity. The result is a system that’s nearly painless plus this procedure eliminates the need for injections for pain. In addition, this method is more precise and results in less healthy enamel being lost while treating the cavity. To the relief of many, the developments in pain-free dentistry, even when the dental procedure calls for anesthesia, the need to administer them by injection may soon be a thing of the past as well.

What Should I Do if I Chip a Tooth?

Even with the best dental care, your teeth are not indestructible; serious trauma can result in damaged teeth leaving the person asking what should I do if I chip a tooth? Depending on the severity of the damage your dentist has several options. For the most part chipped and broken teeth are handled by dentists trained in reconstructive procedures. Cosmetic dentists are also trained to repair the structure and appearance of damaged teeth. The first thing to do if you chip a tooth is to try to recover the part of the tooth that has broken off and if possible, place it in ice to take with you to the dentist.

When you visit the dentist, one of the first things they will do is most likely take dental x-rays. You should also tell the dentist if you are experiencing any pain as a result of the injury that damaged your tooth. If the dental x-rays show no damage to the root of your tooth and you are not in any discomfort, the dentist has several options in repairing a chipped tooth. In cases where the tooth is only slightly damaged, some dentists may choose to simply use a file to even the edge of the tooth. However it is more common for the dentist to treat the tooth with a composite or porcelain veneer bonded directly on the tooth to give it a smooth, natural appearance.

On the other hand if the tooth is badly chipped or if you experience discomfort, the dentist may recommend a crown for the chipped tooth. This will serve as a cap that completely covers the tooth, protecting it and at the same time improving its appearance. The other option is for the dentist to use a filling on a badly chipped tooth much as they would repair a cavity.

Can Tobacco Products Harm My Mouth?

Although many people are not aware of it, cigarettes, cigars and “smokeless” tobacco products have been found to pose several serious health risks beside lung cancer. At the top of the list of concerns is the damage that these products cause to the teeth and mouth. Unfortunately, these risks are not limited to mature adults as young people have begun smoking or chewing tobacco, their risks for developing oral cancer increases four-fold.

There are many substances in tobacco products that are destructive to the cells of the body. A lot of attention has been given to nicotine because it’s the additive substance that is found in tobacco which makes this one of the most difficult habits to break. But the other problem with nicotine is that can cause narrowing of blood vessels, which impacts the blood circulation and smoking can also hinder your immune system.
Dentists routinely remove hardened dental plaque from teeth, but the fact is that if a person smokes there will be more of it to remove. Other problems caused by using tobacco include; bone loss, mouth sores and shrinking gums. These are just a few of the issues that a dentist will face when treating a patient who smokes.

Using chewing tobacco also is dangerous to your oral health because many of the brands of “smokeless” tobacco contain sugar: the number one arch enemy of healthy teeth. Individuals who chew tobacco are at even higher risk of developing cavities. Tobacco stains your teeth, causes bad breath and dehydrates the skin. Although nicotine is an addictive substance, it is also a relaxant which may be one of the reasons that many people smoke under stressful conditions. Individuals who smoke should see their dentists more frequently for checkups and dental cleanings, as well as begin reducing their consumption of tobacco in any form to protect their health.

Eruption of Child’s Teeth

Parents can begin to plan for the child’s dental care by knowing when to expect the eruption of a child’s teeth. In general, a child’s first tooth appears around 6 months of age and will gain 4 teeth every 6 months thereafter. Teeth are important not only for eating, but for the ability to speak clearly as well as their appearance. The first set of teeth or the primary teeth are often called “milk” or “baby” teeth which are replaced later in their development by permanent teeth. In the past, many parents did not understand the important role of this first set of teeth and neglected caring for them because they were not permanent.

Today research has shown that the 20 primary teeth are vital to help develop the muscles used for chewing as well as provide space holders for the permanent teeth to grow in properly. This makes it crucial that parents clean their child’s gums before their teeth appear to keep the mouth free from harmful bacteria that can damage their gums. In addition, when baby teeth begin to grow in, they should be cleaned after feedings and parents should schedule their first dental visit around their first birthday. By the time your child is 2 years old; all 20 of their primary teeth will have grown in.

A child’s primary teeth will begin to be replaced with permanent teeth by the time they reach 12 years of age with the first permanent molar growing in around the age of 6. A child usually has all of their permanent teeth by the time they reach 14 years old, with the “wisdom” teeth appearing by the time they reach 25 years of age. Children have both their primary and permanent teeth between the ages of 6 and 12, making regular dental care to protect the strength of the permanent teeth.

What’s the Best Toothpaste for My Child?

Good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but parents who want to encourage their child to brush their teeth may wonder: what’s the best toothpaste for my child? Unfortunately, the same toothpaste that adults use is not the best one for young children whose teeth are even more sensitive because they are in the development stage.

Many of the common ingredients in dental care products for adults can be dangerous to the health of children and damaging to their teeth. Mouthwash can contain as much of 30% alcohol and most of the toothpastes that adults use contain harsh abrasives and cleaning agents that can erode the enamel on young teeth and irritate a child’s sensitive gums. Parents should be sure to keep these adult products out of reach of young children.

Although fluoride is added to most toothpaste, parents should use no more than a “pea-size” amount when cleaning their child’s teeth and use a soft cloth to clean the mouth afterwards to avoid the child from swallowing the toothpaste. When a child begins to brush their own teeth, monitor them carefully to be sure that they spit out the toothpaste after brushing. This will help prevent ingesting fluoride which stains the teeth.

Low abrasion toothpaste made with Xylitol and a mild flavor is the best option because the level of abrasion in toothpaste can damage the enamel, make the teeth more sensitive to heat and cold and weaken the tooth making it more susceptible to chipping or breakage.
Children are very sensitive to flavorings and most of the flavorings used in adult toothpastes are for the purpose of masking the taste of the abrasive and cleaning ingredients. But these toothpastes are much too strong for children and one of the main reasons that children dread brushing their teeth twice a day.

Care of Your Child’s Teeth

Parents are often confused about how to care for their child’s teeth and when to begin an oral health routine for them. In the past many parents began to think about this part of the child’s health when their first tooth appeared, but new information has changed this viewpoint. New research shows that in fact the best time to begin good dental hygiene habits is after each feeding. Simply clean your baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth will help prevent the buildup of bacteria. This is a good preventive measure that can protect your child’s overall health.
Then your child’s first tooth appears, it’s time to schedule their first visit to the dentist. Parents should begin brushing their children’s teeth with a soft bristle brush twice a day to remove food particles that can lead to problems. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the condition of your child’s teeth and what care is required at different stages. Most dental experts advise that when your child is preschool-age, it’s a good time to start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be aware that many children at this age may swallow toothpaste, and if too much fluoride is ingested it can lead to permanent stains on the teeth.

One of the benefits of using fluoride in toothpaste is to ensure strong tooth enamel. Today many cities are required to add fluoride to tap water but there are still areas where this is not the case. For families that live in these areas many dentists prescribe daily fluoride tablets to prevent dental problems when your child is about 6 months old. When fluoride tablets are prescribed for the care of your child’s teeth be careful not to give them more than the recommended dosage even if you miss a day to avoid causing fluoride stains.