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If you are wondering about the term ‘Pediatric Dentist’, I’m sure you still haven’t found the answer. Pediatric dentists are slightly different from the common the dentists who treat your teeth. They are like bone specialists who focus on the oral health and specialize in the needs of young infants and adolescents. They also look into the needs of special dental patients who need extreme attention.

But there are some theories that once a dentist specializes in the pediatric dentistry, he treats only children. The specialized training lasts for about two to three years after completion of the dental degree. Pediatric dentists during their training learn to handle children with extreme care. The specialization is focused especially on children. Since children’s dentitions are much more fragile, it becomes very important for dentists to take special training on handling them.

Children generally fear going to the dentist because they hate seeing those long forks and other sharp dental equipments. As it is, dentists suggest that it is important for all of us to visit the dentist at least twice a year. But not many people follow this routine because dental care is very expensive.

Right from early age, if you put children into the habit of visiting the dentist regularly, then the fear factor seizes and they get used to the treatment very easily. Now that you know what a pediatric dentist is, you should research on finding a good doctor and take your child to one immediately. The early treatment also ensures good formation of the teeth and you also get to know what treatment would suit your child. The shape and structure of the teeth changes due to different chewing habits of children. Some children never get over with the habit of thumb sucking and this leads to formation of protruding teeth. One must look into such factors also.

For more information, call us. We offer information on dental implants as well as cosmetic dentistry.

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Individual dental care is really important for a person’s general hygiene. But a visit to the dentist can fill some people with trepidation.

There are many types of dentist roles and here we look at a few of them.

Firstly there is the pediatric dentist. To become a pediatric dentist you must first get a dentist degree and then study for an extra two years to attain your pediatric dentistry license. Without this license you cannot practice nor profess to be a pediatric dentist. The pediatric dentist role is mainly the oral care of children and adolescents.

Second we have the special care dentist. To become a special care dentist you must study for 3 more years after your dentist degree. This role involves the oral care and treatment of those people that have special needs whether it is medical, physical, emotional or social needs.

Thirdly there is the forensic dentist. This role is slightly different as it involves being called upon to testify in court cases some of the time. These dentists tend to specialize in examining and evaluating evidence for legal cases.

These dentist’s can spend a lot of time checking dental records and dental structure to determine who certain people are when their identity is under question. They can also attain dental evidence in certain cases of malpractice.

Another dentist is the cosmetic dentist. This role involves the aesthetic side of dentistry. The cosmetic dentist tends to concentrate on shaping and forming teeth to give a more aesthetic look to people face. Their roles also include bleaching and whitening of teeth.

For the older people among us there is the geriatric dentist. These dentists’s normally diagnose and try to prevent any problems with the oral care of the elderly.

Last but not least we come to the veterinary dentist whose main concern is the oral care and treatment of the animal world.

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Brushing and Flossing: Important Children Dental Care Practices. We recommend the following dental care brushing and flossing techniques to promote healthy teeth for your children.

Brushing
Children Dental Care Tip: Brushing Children’s Teeth. It is best to use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride. When brushing the teeth of children younger than 3 years old, limit toothpaste to an amount the size of a grain of rice. Parents should still supervise brushing after age 3. Make sure that children do not swallow any excess toothpaste and limit the toothpaste used to the size of a pea.

Our dentists recommend that while brushing your children’s teeth, move the brush in small circular motions, so as to reach the food particles that may be under the gum line. Brush slowly and carefully while holding your toothbrush at an angle. Be sure to cover the surface of each tooth and the areas between all teeth. To brush your teeth thoroughly will take several minutes. Brush the inside, outside, and chewing surface of all front and back teeth–brushing down on the upper teeth and brushing up on the bottom teeth.

There are three times that you should brush your teeth each day, to avoid cavities and other problems caused by food particle and plaque accumulation. The first of these three daily brushings should be in the morning after breakfast. The next brushing should be after lunch or right after school, and once more before bed.

The best time to replace your toothbrush with a new one is as soon as you notice that the bristles are starting to wear down or to fray.

Flossing
Children Dental Care Tip: Flossing carefully daily is of great importance for optimal oral hygiene. There are some areas between teeth that a toothbrush is simply unable to reach. To remove food particles and plaque from these areas, dental floss is used. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that can reach below the gum line and clean in between teeth. It is very important to floss between your teeth on a daily basis.

Proper flossing technique is to pull a small length of floss from the dispenser and tightly wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers. Gently guide the floss between all teeth down to the gum line. Doing this will pull out any food particles or built up plaque that has built up in these spaces that are unreachable with a toothbrush. As you floss moving from tooth to tooth you will unwrap clean floss from around your fingers, this ensures that you use all of the floss from beginning to end and that a clean portion of floss is used on each tooth. Be sure to floss behind all of your back teeth as well.

The best time to floss is at night to make leave your teeth squeaky clean before going to bed. Your gums will likely bleed a little when you first begin flossing. If bleeding continues beyond the first few flossings, let your dentist or staff member at your dentist’s office know at your next appointment.

To learn more about proper dental care or learn more about the doctors and how they are actively involved in the dental community, please call to schedule an appointment.

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Preventative Dental Care – Suggestions to Avoid Tooth Decay

These suggestions will help your children to avoid tooth decay. We value the benefits of early dental care and promote a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child. To ensure that your child grows up with a healthy smile, we offer sealants, fluoride treatments, tooth-colored fillings and regular check-ups. We strive to educate and inform our patients and parents on the most appropriate home preventative care.

Our doctors want to help prevent problems rather than have to fix them. Our doctors and staff have received extra training in pediatric dentistry; making our practice an excellent choice to help kids and teens get the necessary care in the most supportive way.

The start of healthy smile begins around 12 months old. Bring your baby in after his/her first teeth have erupted and before he/she is three-years-old for a complimentary appointment to learn how to brush and floss and to have your individual questions answered. As always, encourage good nutrition and limit juice to mealtimes. Encouraging water consumption not only builds good habits, it also may provide the nutrients needed, such as fluoride. It is strongly recommended not to put your baby to bed with a bottle because decay can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child.

As your child matures let him/her brush a bit to participate but parents should brush and floss again until the child is doing a good job – anywhere from age 7-10. A great way to help your youngster prepare for their first visit is to bring him/her in before their first real appointment with an older sibling or neighbor to see our friendly office and to become familiar with how a dental visit works.

TIP: Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental checkups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Please fee free to call us if you have any questions and schedule a free consultation to make sure you and your children are not at risk.

Avoiding Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, causing it to produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity. Our experienced pediatric dentists remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings, restoring the tooth to a healthy state.

Sealants

The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult to clean. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.

Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth, molars and premolars and areas prone to cavities. It lasts for several years and needs to be checked during regular appointments.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. If necessary, our dentists can evaluate the level of fluoride in a primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements (usually in tablets or drops).

Our doctors strive to create a positive outlook toward oral hygiene so our patients have the best possible chance at a beautiful smile.

To learn more about proper dental care or learn more about the doctors and how they are actively involved in the dental community, please schedule an appointment.

“Working with the teeth of children, young adults, and special needs patients seems very natural for me because I’ve observed and participated in Pediatric Dentistry for most of my life. I feel very fortunate to come to work each day. I’m blessed to work with children and young adults, the patients I’m lucky enough to care for and the people I work with (great assistants and staff) make this job the best.”

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Early dental care is important to promote healthy teeth. This article addresses some dental care issues of children and provides guidance for preventing tooth development problems. Most children have their first tooth erupt sometime between the ages of 6 to 12 months. During this time their gums are sore, tender and sometimes are still irritable up until the age of 3. To help soothe your child’s sore gums, you can rub them gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon, or a cold, wet cloth. Avoid teething biscuits–they contain sugar that can harm baby teeth. Instead try teething rings which work well.

Dental Care Tip: Monitor your baby’s teeth. It is important to monitor your baby’s teeth for signs of baby bottle decay while your baby is teething. Every two weeks examine the teeth checking for dull spots (whiter than the tooth) or lines, especially on the inside or the tongue side. Decay can be caused by leaving a bottle containing anything other than water in an infant’s mouth while sleeping. This form of decay is caused by sugar in the liquid combining with the bacteria found in dental plaque. Together they form acids that attack the enamel of the tooth. For about 20 minutes after each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acid attacks the teeth. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child’s teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids.

Infant’s New Teeth
The primary, or “baby,” teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth around age 6.

A Child’s First Dental Visit
Dental Care Tip: Schedule First Dental Appointment Around First Birthday. Around a child’s first birthday his/her first dental appointment should be scheduled. During the first visit the most important part is becoming comfortable with and getting to know your doctor and your doctor’s staff. Having a pleasant and comfortable first visit helps build trust and puts the child at ease during future visits. Having some anxiety is normal, and children should be encouraged to discuss any fears that they may have.

Primary Teeth Are Important
There are several reasons why Primary teeth are important. Foremost, good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth also allow for clear pronunciation and speech. The positive self-image that having healthy teeth gives a child is immeasurable. Infants that are missing primary teeth or lose primary teeth prematurely may need a space maintainer, which is a device used to hold open the natural space, as primary teeth are what guide the permanent teeth into place. The teeth can tilt toward the empty space(s), without a maintainer, causing the permanent teeth to come in crooked. Always mention missing teeth to your family’s dentist. The way your child cares for their primary teeth plays a crucial role in how he/she treats permanent teeth. Regular care and dental checkups are needed for children, just as they are for adults, as both are equally susceptible to gum problems and plaque.

Good Diet and Healthy Teeth
Dental Care Tip: Healthy Food Help Develop Healthy Teeth. A healthy, well-balanced diet is required for the teeth, bones, and soft tissue of the mouth. Eating a variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities as well as other dental problems. Children should only be given healthy foods as a snack such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and cheeses, which promote strong teeth as most of the snacks that children commonly eat cause cavities. Encourage your children to drink water between and after meals instead of sodas and sugary drinks and also to brush their teeth after snacks and each meal.

To learn more about dental hygiene or learn more about the doctors, their accomplishments, and how they are actively involved in the dental community, please schedule an appointment.

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Knowledge about the conditions that affect oral-health throughout the different stages of life can be beneficial to dental health. This article will cover some of these conditions and provide information useful to help maintain strong and healthy teeth.

Dental Health: Pregnancy and Children

By eating a variety of healthy foods and taking supplements such as calcium while pregnant, expectant mothers can effectively give children a solid head start to a set of healthy teeth. Folic-acid supplements decrease the risk of babies being born with conditions such as a cleft lip and palate. After the baby’s birth, it is recommended that, after feedings, parents wipe the infant’s gums using a soft, damp cloth. This good oral health practice helps prevent bacteria from building up. Once a child’s teeth come in, which is typically at about six months old, parents may use a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush twice each day to clean their child’s teeth and gum line, which is where decay develops.

Some dentists also recommend that a parent brush their children’s teeth for them until they reach six years of age to instill good habits and a healthy oral care routine. Children are unable to effectively brush their own teeth prior to this age. Parents can also begin to take children to a pediatric dentist around one year of age. Another important habit that is often overlooked by parents is to avoid giving children foods that are sweet and sticky. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends alternate snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables, or cheese and crackers, that are both tooth-friendly and better for the body and overall health in general.

Dental Health: Adults

Nearly one-third of adults in the USA have tooth decay that is untreated as reported by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most important aspects to proper treatment is early detection: tooth decay is often painless in early stages and may only be noticed by a dental professional during a dental exam. Loss of bone around the teeth is a visible sign of periodontal disease and requires the intervention of a dentist.

Dental health risk factors are often tied to one’s overall health. People on high blood pressure or epilepsy medications or diabetic people should visit their dentist on a more routine basis. If you fall into one of these categories or have other medical conditions for which you take medication, talk to your dentist in regards to the recommended frequency of your checkups to best care for your teeth and gums.

Dental Health: Older Adults

More adults are keeping their natural teeth in their senior years even as people are living longer lives. Even with this trend, older adults still need to regularly visit the dentist, as they are at a higher risk of developing oral and throat cancers. Seniors also have increased risk for problems such as dry mouth and many may also be taking medications that can have adverse oral health affects. Even for those with dentures, it is still very important to visit the dentist regularly.

To learn more about dental and oral hygiene or services available or learn more about the doctors, their accomplishments, and how they are actively involved in the dental community, please schedule an appointment.

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Smiles are the greatest asset of your personality. Showing off your new smile is a great way to improve your self-esteem. Our team is proud to share the hard work and determination required to make your child’s smile special. Our gratification comes from the smiling results of our patients.

Our goal is to offer the highest standard of oral health care to our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Our doctors and their team of skilled professionals work together to establish happiness, self-esteem, comfort and optimal dental health for each of our patients. We strive to be efficient and encouraging while creating beautiful smiles.

Dentistry for Children

We believe early dental care can promote a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child. Together with our skilled and nurturing staff, we will provide a positive dental experience and help equip your child with the knowledge necessary for good oral hygiene. To ensure that your child grows up with a healthy smile, we offer a full compliment of services including sealants, fluoride treatments, tooth-colored fillings and regular check-ups.
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Braces for Children, Teens & Adults
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We take pride in our ability to provide personalized orthodontics for children, teens and adults! Our doctors will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan catered to your specific needs and desires. Whether you prefer the traditional, time-proven metal braces or are looking for a more aesthetic course of treatment using Clarity™ braces or Invisalign®, we are able to help you. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

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1. How should I clean my baby’s teeth?
Most all Pediatric Dentist agree that the best choice for infants is a toothbrush that is specially designed for infants. If you can’t readily find a toothbrush labeled infant, then use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. Plaque bacteria can lead to decay. Brushing several times per day, especially at bedtime, will help remove plaque bacteria.

2. At what age should my child have his/her first dental visit?
The general rule for a first dental visit is “First visit by first birthday.” Once your child’s first tooth appears, you should bring them to a pediatric dentist to prevent dental problems. This typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 12 months.

3. Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of our regular family dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of young people. Following dental school, a pediatric dentist has two to three years additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health needs.

4. What is baby bottle tooth decay, and how can I prevent it?
Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing. Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when children go to sleep while they are breast-feeding or bottle feeding. The flow of saliva is reduced during sleep and this natural self-cleansing method of the mouth is diminished. To avoid the problem of baby bottle tooth decay avoid nursing children to sleep and put water in your child’s bedtime bottle rather than milk, formula, or juice. As your child approaches their first birthday encourage them to drink from a cup. It is recommended by Pediatric Dentist that your child is weaned from the bottle by 12-14 months of age. Between meals have your child drink water as both milk and juice contain sugar.

5. Can thumb sucking be harmful for my child’s teeth?
Crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and bite problems can be the result of finger, thumb, and pacifier sucking habits that are allowed to go on for a long period of time. If a child is still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, your pediatric dentist may recommend a mouth appliance. While most children will stop thumb/finger sucking on their own, it can be helpful to break these habits by rewarding the child for not doing so.

6. What are dental sealants and how do they work?
Sealants are clear or shaded plastic applied to the teeth that fill in the pitted and grooved surfaces of teeth to help keep them cavity-free. By applying this, food particles that could get caught and cause cavities are shut out. Sealants can effectively protect teeth for several years and are fast and comfortable to apply.

7. Is my child getting enough fluoride?
Fluoride has been shown to make teeth stronger, which dramatically decreases one’s chances of getting cavities. The best and easiest way to get fluoride is in drinking water. To be sure of your fluoride intake, have your local health department conduct an evaluation of the level of fluoride found in your child’s primary source of water. There are fluoride supplements that your pediatric dentist may prescribe in the event that your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially in communities where the water district does not fluoridate the water or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride). Unless your water has been specifically tested, stay away from fluoride drops, vitamins or tablets. This goes for well water also, as it may contain fluoride naturally.

8. How safe are dental X-rays?
The use of contemporary safeguards, such as high-speed film and lead aprons, the amount of radiation that one receives during a dental X-ray examination is minimal. Pediatric dentists take particular caution in minimizing the radiation that child patients are exposed to, even though there is very little risk. Dental X-rays, in fact, represent a risk far smaller than that of an undetected and untreated dental problem.

9. My child plays sports. How should I protect my child’s teeth?
The top priority on the list of your child’s needed sports equipment should be a mouth guard. Athletic mouth protectors, also called mouth guards, are made of soft plastic. Molded to fit the upper teeth, they fit comfortably and protect the teeth, lips, and gums from sports-related injuries. Your child’s best protection is a custom fitted mouth guard from your doctor, but any mouth guard works better than none at all.

10. When do the first teeth start to erupt?
The central incisors (the two lower front teeth) typically show up at about 6 to 12 months. These are followed by the two upper central incisors shortly thereafter. The rest of the baby teeth will show up in no particular order over the next 18 to 24 months. All 20 primary teeth should be present at 2 to 3 years.

11. What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
Remain calm. Find the tooth if possible and hold it by the crown rather than the root. Replace the tooth in the socket, if it is free of dirt and debris, and hold it there using a washcloth or clean gauze. In the event that you are unable to put the tooth back into it’s socket or it is dirty, put the tooth in a clean container with some milk and take your child and the tooth to your pediatric dentist immediately. Your chances of saving the tooth are better the faster you act.

12. How can I help my child through the teething stage?
Part of the normal process of teeth erupting is experiencing sore gums. For some children the discomfort can be eased by using a teething biscuit, a piece of toast, or a frozen teething ring. You may also be able to obtain medications from your pharmacy that can be rubbed onto the gums to help alleviate discomfort.

13. I noticed a space between my child’s two upper front teeth. Is this cause for concern?
As the other front teeth erupt this space will usually close. Consult your pediatric dentist as they will be able to determine whether there is cause for concern.

14. If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?
There are many reasons why primary, or “baby,” teeth are important. These teeth not only help children to speak clearly and to chew naturally, but they also aid in forming the path for permanent teeth to follow when the time comes for them to erupt. Some primary teeth are necessary all the way up to 12 years old or even longer. Pain, infection of the gums and jaws, impairment of general health and premature tooth loss are just a few of the problems that can be caused by neglecting baby teeth. Tooth decay is an infection that (untreated) will spread. Decay on baby teeth can cause decay on permanent teeth. An instrumental part of enhancing the health of your child is proper care of baby teeth.

15. What causes tooth decay?
Cavities require four things to be able to form — (1) a tooth (2) bacteria (3) sugars or other carbohydrates and (4) time. Dental plaque is a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth. While eating, the sugars found in food cause this bacteria to produce acids which attack the tooth enamel. Repeated acid attacks, over time, break down the enamel and a cavity forms.

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We understand that the dental visit can potentially be intimidating to children, especially a child’s first visit. Recognizing this and understanding what contributes to your child’s fear allows you to help your child feel better about the experience overall. Let’s take a look at what children fear when a visit to the pediatric dentist office approaches and how to enhance your a child’s dental visit experience.

• Rule No. 1 – Never try to trick your child about a dentist office visit. Children are often quite a bit sharper than we think. These days they watch television, and navigate computers and the internet as well as, or even better than we do. You may want to explain to them what to expect in simple terms or show them a cartoon experience for them to visualize what to expect.

• Be a good role model– Children learn more from watching others than most anything else. If you are fearful of your turn in the dentist chair, then your child will likely be scared as well. Never be anxious on behalf of your children.

• Fear of pain – Fearing pain is natural, and it is also natural to want to avoid pain. Never use words like needle, shot or pull. These words will only heighten a child’s fear, instead say sleepy juice or wiggle.

• Choosing the best child dentist – The welcome that you receive when you walk into the dentist’s office can make all the difference. It is important to choose a competent pediatric dentist that has a genuine love for children and males a genuine effort to make your child comfortable.

• Managing uncertainty– Children, just like adults, get scared when they are unsure as to what is happening or what is going to happen next. Be sure to take the time to discuss things honestly and openly with your child, so that you can work through their apprehensions and misgivings. Make an effort to discover your child’s particular concerns. They may have seen a movie or heard a horror story about the dentist from a friend—these things can be very real and frightening to them.

• Make it fun – A dentist’s chair and all of their other equipment can look scary, so let your child see and touch the equipment. The way you approach a pediatric dental visit can be the difference between the experience being horrible or pleasant. These tips can help you and your child have the best dental visit possible.

To learn more about pediatric dentistry or other services available or to learn more about the doctors, their accomplishments, and how they are actively involved in the dental community, please schedule an appointment. a

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Initial exam
A new patient examination includes a thorough evaluation of the current conditions of the patient’s teeth and mouth and provides a diagnosis for treatment. An explanation of diagnosis and a treatment plan is then recommended.

Periodic Exam
A continuing patient oral examination done at regular 6-month preventative appointments to evaluate, diagnose, and record information needed for treatment.

X-ray
X-rays are taken at new patient exams and between 6 months and 1 year during periodic exams at cleaning appointments. X-rays are used to diagnose inter-proximal decay (between teeth) that is not evident during a visual exam. They are also used to check the formation of permanent teeth, possible crowding and eruption problems, and to check for abscesses.

Cleaning & Fluoride
Prophylaxis (cleaning) involves scaling and polishing, including complete removal of calculus, soft deposits, plaque, stains, and polishing tooth surfaces. Fluoride application helps prevent carries.

Sealant
Sealants are recommended as a preventative procedure to prevent the start of decay in the groove areas (chewing surface) of primary and permanent molar and bicuspid teeth. The sealant is a resin material. At preventative appointments sealants are checked and replaced when necessary.

Amalgam Restoration
Amalgam (silver filling) is used in the restoration of decayed or broken down teeth. This material is mostly used in primary teeth.

Composite Restoration
Composite (resin filling) is used in the restoration of decayed or broken down teeth. This material is mostly used in permanent teeth but can also be used in primary teeth if requested. Composite restoration is comparable to amalgam in strength and longevity.

Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy is the removal of nerve tissue inside the tooth that has become infected due to decay or infection (abscess). The tooth is medicated and completely covered with a crown.

Stainless Steel Crown
Stainless steel crowns are used to cover a tooth completely when there is not enough tooth structure remaining after the removal of decay to hold an amalgam restoration. They are mostly used for primary molar teeth but can be used for permanent molar teeth up to the mid teen years when a permanent crown can be done.

Extractions
The removal of a tooth is done when the tooth is unrestorable by either severe decay, large fracture, or failed pulpotomy. Teeth may also be removed at the request of an orthodontist before starting ortho treatment.

Interceptive Ortho Appliance
Interceptive ortho appliances can be either a removable or fixed cemented type. They are very effective in making more room in the mouth for the permanent teeth by expanding the upper and/or lower arches.

Space Maintainer
A space maintainer is recommended for a prematurely lost primary tooth. It’s function is to hold the space open until the time the permanent tooth is about to erupt and prevent the movement of the adjoining teeth into that space.

Nitrous-oxide/Oxygen Sedation
Nitrous-oxide/oxygen sedation is the mildest form of sedation used for slightly anxious dental patients. They breathe the nitrous oxide gas (happy air) through a scented nosepiece that will place the patient in a more relaxed state. The patient is They fully aware of their surroundings and the effects do not last past their dental visit.

Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is used on the moderately apprehensive patient or with very young children. The oral sedation used is versed. It relaxes the patient more than the nitrous-oxide but does not render them unconscious. There are very specific instructions about its use and administration, which are fully explained before the treatment appointment. The effects last about six hours after administration.

IV sedation
I.V. sedation is recommended for the extremely anxious patient or those who may not be able to emotionally tolerate traditional dental treatment (physical or psychological ailments). We use two licensed and highly respected anesthesiologists in our office who will administer the IV sedation. They are fully monitored during the entire procedure and they bring all the necessary safety equipment that would be found in a hospital to the office. Most insurance policies do not make an allowance foe any of the above types of sedations. The charge for IV sedation is a separate fee and must be paid in full at the time of service.

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FAQs (frequently asked questions)

Why fix this tooth or teeth if they are baby teeth? To prevent infection from occurring in the permanent teeth it is important to address carries in baby teeth. Children typically lose their last baby tooth at around age 12.

How many baby teeth are there? 20

When will my child loose their first tooth? (Exfoliate schedule). The average age is six years but can be as early as four years or as late as seven. Usually the earlier baby teeth come in the earlier they will exfoliate. The later the baby teeth come in the later they will exfoliate.

Baby teeth are still in the mouth but the adult teeth are erupting. What should we do? Sometimes, especially on the lower front teeth, the baby teeth are still present while the permanent teeth grow in behind. It is quite normal that this happens. Sometimes the baby teeth just need a little more “wiggling” from the child. Other times the root may still be too long and the doctor may need to extract it.

Do you accept my dental insurance? As long as you can choose your own dentist. We are not a preferred provider for any insurance company so the benefits may differ slightly from the dental offices provided by your insurance carrier. We do not accept HMO or Medical insurance.

My dentist is referring our child to you for treatment through general Sedation. Do we have other options? Yes – depending on the amount of treatment that is needed, we may be able to use an oral sedation or we may use nitrous oxide.

My child fell and bumped a tooth and it is turning color. What should I Do? Call our office to schedule an appointment to have the tooth checked. Usually an x-ray is taken when possible to help diagnose treatment.

Why are sealants necessary? Grooves on the biting surfaces of teeth are deep, especially on permanent molars. Sealants help fill in those grooves so it is less likely to get decay.

How long do sealants last? Sealants last about five years but we check them every six months when the child comes in for their regular hygiene check up.

What is expected from us (parent/guardian) financially? We ask that the initial visit be paid in full at the time of your appointment and your patient portion be paid at all subsequent visits. It is important for you to know what your insurance benefits cover. You are financially responsible for all charges regardless of insurance.

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What should I do if they knock out a tooth?
Baby tooth—These teeth are not re-implanted. Call with any questions or concerns you have, but the only way to save the tooth is under their pillow for the tooth fairy.

Permanent tooth—These teeth can be re-implanted, but time is of the essence. Call the office and alert us as to what has happened and then get to the office as soon as possible. The tooth must get back in the mouth within 1 hour to have any kind of chance of success. Do not handle the tooth by the root because we don’t want to disturb the gum cells on them, which are vital to the tooth re-attaching in the socket. Keep the tooth moist, either in a glass of milk or water on the way to the dentist.

What is the best toothpaste to use?
Despite what all the advertising on TV tries to tell you, they all work equally well. The key to good hygiene is to brush as long and well as possible. Therefore, whichever toothpaste they like the best, and thus will brush the longest with, that is the one I would use. As for toothbrushes, the only thing to remember is to always use a soft brush. It doesn’t matter what the shape or design is, as long as it is soft.

When should I get my child off the bottle?
Prolonged bottle use is the biggest cause of cavities in young children. It is recommended to be off a bottle by 1 year old at the latest. Bottles allow for frequent drinking, and that is how they cause problems. Therefore, once you get off a bottle and switch to a sippy cup, it is equally important that you don’t let your child walk around all day with the cup in their hand, unless it is filled with water, or you will have the same cavity problems that bottles cause.

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We will also clean, floss, and give a fluoride treatment to the teeth. Parents are welcome to accompany their child to the treatment area for all cleaning visits.

After the treatment is over, we will discuss your child’s oral health condition with you, and you may ask all the questions you may have in regards to caring for your child’s teeth.

Treatment Visits
We do not use any form of sedation or gas in children’s dentistry. If you feel you would like that for your child, or if the doctor feels it is necessary for the safety of your child, we will refer you to the appropriate dentist for that form of treatment. If your child needs to be numb, we will use topical anesthesia applied with a Q-tip to provide some surface anesthesia before administering a local anesthetic such as Lidocaine™ to numb the tooth to be worked on.

Your child may eat before the visit, unless instructed otherwise. Please be aware that your child will be numb for 2 to 3 hours after the visit. During that time they may drink, including milkshakes, smoothies, soup, etc. But, they may NOT EAT while numb, even soft foods, to lessen the chance of biting their lips, cheek, or tongue. When their mouth wakes up, they may resume a normal diet.

During pediatric dentistry treatment visits, the child is always brought back alone. This allows us to have the child’s full attention while we are explaining what we will be doing. It also allows us to work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Parents and siblings may wait in the reception area until treatment is complete.

Most treatment appointments last around 30 minutes. Since the child will be lying on their back all this time, we suggest not putting their hair in a ponytail for our female patients.

The doctor will have discussed all of your child’s treatment needs at the time of their check-up. However, we want you to be as comfortable and knowledgeable as possible, so if new questions come up, please feel free to call about any concerns you may have.

If possible, please call to discuss these issues with the doctor before the day of your appointment. We want to answer all of your questions, but there have been times when a parent asks so many questions at the time of the appointment that we no longer have time to do the planned treatment, and need to reschedule the appointment.

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Pediatric FAQ’s
When should my child first see a dentist?

No later than their first birthday. It is best to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth appears.

When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?

As soon as possible! Use an age appropriate toothbrush and clean your baby’s gums. Once teeth appear, brush twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.

Are primary (baby) teeth really important?

Yes! Primary teeth help maintain good nutrition by allowing your child to chew properly. They are also an important part of speech development and help save space for permanent teeth to grow in.

More Info From AAPD

We use the latest materials and techniques to ensure your child receives the most up-to-date preventative and restorative treatments available. We take pride in offering the latest in technology including advances in sterilization/infection control, digital radiography and pediatric restorative materials to ensure your child is receiving the highest quality dental care available. Through new modern cutting edge technology, we can help maintain and improve your child’s health better than ever.

Sterilization and Infection Control
Today, more than ever, people are aware of what is needed to maintain a clean environment. The last thing a parent should worry about is infection control. Our office utilizes the latest state-of-the-art sterilization as your child’s safety is always our primary concern. Our Steri-Center ensures optimal cleanliness using technology that surpasses the industry standard.

Digital Dental Radiographs and Cavity Detecting Intraoral Cameras
With advances in computer-aided dentistry, we now provide our patients the latest diagnostic imaging, also known as digital radiography. We are now able to evaluate your child’s teeth more thoroughly than ever with up to 90% less radiation exposure compared to normal dental X-ray films. Since computers process digital X-rays, they are environmentally friendly with no chemicals or waste. Thus, providing better protection to our patients and staff. Digital X-rays also have the ability to be computer enhanced and magnified, in addition, the new caries detecting intraoral camera will allow for better education and understanding for our patients resulting in greater confidence in treatment.

Advances in Dental Materials and Techniques
From your child’s first dental appointment, it will be our goal to emphasize and teach proper oral health care in order to prevent any dental disease. We will use the latest in pediatric dentistry to protect teeth early on to prevent any future dental problems. If treatment is indicated, we will strive to provide your child with the most advanced technology and treatment options available. Dr. Eddie regularly attends continuing education courses to stay on the cutting edge of pediatric dentistry.

Total Comfort Dentistry
Our care provides for your child’s comfort and well-being during dental procedures. Our office offers nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” oral conscious sedation and intravenous sedation/general anesthesia. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of these dental aids, please feel free to discuss them with us. We want you to feel comfortable with the methods of care in our office.

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Preparing Yourself And Your Child For Their Visit
If this is their first trip to the dentist, a parent will play a large role in preparing their child for their visit. Children are keen and can see if you are nervous or display any anxiety.

You can help to make their first trip to the dentist enjoyable and positive in what we do. A few tips include using positive language around your child when discussing his/her first visit and role playing with your child such as counting teeth together. Children’s books and videos are available at most bookstores to also help with your first visit. Your child’s dental visit should be an important and fun adventure that if you are relaxed and positive about this experience, it will help them be positive, too.

What We Will Cover In Your First Visit
The first visit will start with a review of your child’s medical and dental history and an initial examination, which includes “counting his/her teeth.” After a comprehensive examination of your child, any dental findings will be directly discussed with you. Dental X-rays (pictures) are taken, if necessary, to ensure a thorough examination followed by oral hygiene instructions to emphasize proper oral health care.

All aspects of a preventive dental health program including diet, hygiene and fluoride will also be discussed.

If your child is 3 or older, a cleaning and polishing of their teeth will usually follow along with fluoride application. For optimal communication, we will explain each of our procedures in terms your child can understand. We want to make your child’s first appointment a positive experience in order to set the tone for future appointments. If any dental findings indicate preventative or restorative treatment, than subsequent appointments may be scheduled.

Why Is It Important To Begin Dental Care So Early?
It is always better to make a first dental appointment before your child has a dental problem. By starting an early prevention program, future dental problem can be avoided. Often times, if tooth decay is detected early enough, there are therapies available that can be used to reverse or minimize their growth. Furthermore, by introducing your child when little dental treatment is needed, he/she comes away a better patient with a more positive attitude about dentistry.

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Pediatric dentists

I’d want to see what was going on. At least through 1 way glass, if not in the room, so I know nothing bad is going on.

When I was little, my mom took me to a pediatric dentist. She was told the same thing, parents aren’t allowed to go back. She understood that, thought it made sense. What she didn’t know, was that after they came and took me from the waiting area, where all was calm and serene, I went through a corridor, and as I got closer to the back, I could hear the other kids screaming and crying. You couldn’t hear anything out in the waiting area. The parents had no clue.

They took me back to a chair, and worked on my teeth. I had to have been like 3 or 4 yrs old. Some big dentist dude with huge man hands, was convinced his hands would fit in my little mouth. It hurt. Bad. He scolded me for being a baby. One time, I don’t remember how, but I know they hurt me. They scolded me for being a baby. That made me cry worse. After they were done, they wouldn’t let me go back to my mom until I had not only quit crying, but all visible signs of me crying were gone. I had to sit in a separate area back there, playing with the special toys that they reserved for just that situation. Once I looked happy again, they gave me my 5 cent toy, and took me back to Mom, all happy and smiling.

Mom never knew how bad it was. After all, by the time they brought me back to her, I was happy and smiling playing with my prize. When she’d go to take me back, I’d beg her not to, but was too young to vocalize what they had done to me. I just knew they were bad, and that wasn’t explanation enough for Mom.

I’m 35 and still have major dental anxiety from that terrible place. When I take my son to the dentist, I don’t go back with him, as I think they have a point. But… I will sneak back and look in on him, as I see fit, and if that’s a problem I won’t be bringing him back.

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When I was a child we just went to the dentist. I remembered being terrified, but no one seemed to mind. We were just expected to go, be quiet and cooperative and behave. Today our children go to our pediatric dentist and it is a party for them. The children are welcomed, they have toys or games for them to play. When one of our sons was little, this was several years ago, they dentist had water games to hold and play with. These little games had hoops to place over the dolphins nose, little basketballs to shoot into the hoops, this was done with a stream of water from a button at the bottom. He loved going to the pediatric dentist and would ask when it was time to go.

Another son enjoyed going to the dentist because they had a game system in their office. This was before we had one of our own. It was a great day when dentist day came along. The procedures of today are so painless and quick that the children don’t seem to mind. They are treated with compassion, with respect and welcoming. There is nothing to fear, it is simply just dentist day and when you are through it is time to choose a toy out of the treasure box. Our one son is 16 and yet still grabs a treasure before he leaves with a little twinkle in his eye. Sometimes it simple isn’t worth being big.

Dentistry has come a long way. With laser x-rays, fillings that don’t require Novocaine, machines that can detect decay way before it hardly leaves the surface, teeth that are properly cared for and seen by the regularly rarely decay anymore. Sealants are put into place as soon as permanent teeth are in place to stop decay. We can plan on keeping our teeth until we die. Children are pandered to, taken care of and entertained so they actually do look forward to going to the dentist.

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Most parents know that the day will soon come to take their baby for the first dental appointment. It is an unavoidable part of life. Unfortunately, many parents fear this day and they often unknowingly install that fear in their toddler at the same time. There is no reason to be afraid though. A good pediatric dentist will have your child smiling and laughing within no time at all. It is important that a baby’s teeth be looked at by one year of age. Though this may seem silly to some, particularly if your child only has a few teeth, it is indeed a necessity.

According to the AAPD, “Over 40% – 50% of children will be affected by tooth decay before age 5.” This can be caused by a number of issues such as letting a baby sleep with a bottle, letting young children drink excessive amounts of sugary juice or offering beverages such as soda, which contain high levels of citric acid. It can also be caused by insufficient dental hygiene; this is usually neither the fault of the youngster or parent, it is simply hard to properly care for emerging teeth. Your pediatric dentist can guide you in the correct procedures.

Feeling anxious prior to an appointment is common. There are many things involved in dentistry that are noisy, create vibrations, or simply have a frightening look. Try to avoid using any words that are likely to make your child uncomfortable, such as ‘pain’, ‘hurt’, ‘needle’ or ‘drill’. Even if you are trying to reassure your little one that they will not experience any of these things, the mere mention of the words is enough to make children nervous.

In fact, keeping the conversation about the upcoming pediatric dentist visit light and lively is a better idea. Also, be sure not to mention it too often. One discussion of what to expect, and then a simple reminder the day before the appointment, is plenty for a little one to take in. If your child has questions, be sure to answer them, but do not over do the explanations. If you talk about the visit more than necessary, suspicion will creep in to their imaginative little minds!

Your pediatric dentist will know how to converse with your children on their level. He will make the visit fun and encourage good oral hygiene in terms that they can understand. The office staff will also be used to working with children and they will be prepared to help you with any questions or concerns that come up.

If looking for a pediatric dentist our professionals provide comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. To know more, please schedule a visit.

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invisalign 2 – gtg

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The advantages of a Dental Implant

It is permanent. It is not a denture that can be taken out when required.
You do not have to take it out before a meal.
It can be made to look like the rest of your teeth.
Care is taken to match the color and the shade so that there isn’t the slightest hint of it being a false tooth.
The implants are drilled into the jaw bone. This helps to protect the gums and the bone which are often affected when you have regular dentures or any other work done in the mouth.
The dental implant is stand-alone and does not need to depend on the adjoining teeth for support. This is of primary importance as the other teeth do not need to be restructured to provide assistance for the implant.
They are extremely comfortable and no one will ever know that you had a tooth replaced.
You can step out in style, completely satisfied that this was a decision well taken.

Implant placement

The next step is placing the implant in the jaw. This procedure is normally carried out under local anesthesia in the dental clinic. When the procedure is completed, the jaw is left to heal. It takes approximately 6 weeks for the healthy bone to form a strong bond and fuse with the implant

Is  Implant Dentistry for you?

You need to be healthy and not be suffering from any ailments in order to qualify for an implant. The dentist will need to check the condition of your gums and make sure that you do not suffer from bleeding gums.

There is no need to delay the restoration of Missing Teeth.

Contact us to know:

Why delays can be dangerous
Why Dental Implants have been so successful
How advanced technology has helped in the healing process.
Taking care of your Dental Implant

Your Dental implant needs to be part of your normal oral hygiene. Ensure that you brush and floss twice a day so that there is no scope for infection or for bacteria to accumulate.

Your implant dentist will develop the best care plan for you. Follow it thoroughly. Do not miss the appointments that have been scheduled. This way your dentist will be in a position to make sure that both your teeth and gums remain strong and in good shape.

You can place it’s trust in our Dentists

To see if you can qualify for the Invisalign treatment, call now for free consultation.

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Are you shopping smarter now? There is no need to lower your standards of quality or go without a warm sense of feeling valued as a patient. Value is incredibly important in getting the products and services you need and want in today’s economy. Read below to discover how we have helped hundreds of folks just like you cut through all the dental marketing hype to find a dental home where you feel a warm welcome, friendly faces, and expert care!

At some time or another, you will be faced with looking for a new dentist. Like most people you want to find a dentist that you can trust, who will care for you and your family and has your best interests in mind. Since this is an important decision in your life, we have decided to give you “The Inside Scoop On How to Choose a Dentist That’s Right For You!” to help guide you to the right dentist. I have seen so many people in pain and suffer mentally and financially throughout my years in practice simply because of poor dental work. Most people don’t know how to go about selecting a dentist or even realize the problems that can occur if you don’t choose wisely. Together, we are not going to let that happen to you.

Tip#1: Ask for recommendations. Go to review websites to read reviews concerning the dentist in consideration.

Tip#2: Check the doctor’s license and credentials. It may sound simplistic but check with the Texas State Dental Board (www.tsbde.state.tx.us ) for license status and if any disciplinary action has been taken against that dentist. Credentials are huge in dentistry! Make sure your dentist is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) www.agd.org . This credential alone is worth its weight in gold as you know that a “Fellowed” dentist is committed to lifelong learning and staying current with the latest treatment techniques to keep you comfortable and safe.

TIP#3: Not asking for verification of diagnosis. It is critical that you find a dentist that has digital x-rays that you can see on the computer screen. Most dentists with integrity will show you you’re x-rays but sometimes, even better, a great dentist will show you an intra-oral camera picture of your teeth so you will know exactly what the doctor sees in your mouth. Seeing this opens great communication about your condition, your options and allows you to be a part of deciding your dental treatment!

Tip #4: Visit the office or take advantage of a free consultation! Come visit or better yet take advantage of a free consultation. Look for a courteous staff and doctor that listens and takes the time to answer your questions.

Tip#5: Ask the right questions. This is a big one since most patients don’t know the critical questions to ask! Ask about infection control! (Especially with the H1N1 spreading) Does the office follow the recently updated CDC guidelines? Do they participate in a program to monthly monitor the effectiveness of their sterilizers? Ask about staff training! Are the dental assistants and hygienists current with CPR, nitrous oxide monitoring, and x-ray techniques? Ask about insurance! Does the office in consideration help you file your insurance and make every effort to be upfront and answer your questions regarding scheduling and billing? Does the office have a payment plan in place?

Tip #6: Observe the chair side manner of the doctor/hygienist. Does your doctor/hygienist take time to listen to you, make eye contact, and have a sympathetic, caring manner? What about personality? Going to the dentist is stressful enough; you want someone who is warm, friendly, has a great sense of humor and that puts you at ease! You want an office you can connect with and feel at home.

Now that we have given you insider information on how to find the right dentist for you and your family, it is time for you to take action. Please don’t delay dental care! We want you to be healthy, happy about your smile and pain-free for life!

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What to Expect at your Child’s First Dental Visit?

This appointment is sometimes called a “check-up” because the dentist is taking a look at your gums and your teeth and checking to make sure they are healthy. The dentist will use this special tool that will let him feel all the little places on each of your teeth. Why does the dentist need this tool? The tooth looks small to us, but to the tiny, tiny sugar bugs, it’s a BIG PLACE! So this tooth counter goes on explorations to find tiny places where these sugar bugs are hiding. In fact, we also call the tooth counter an explorer because it explores your tooth. When the dentist is counting your teeth, you feel this little explorer tool “finding” these hiding places for the sugar bugs. Don’t worry; this won’t hurt you. The dentist cares about you, and wants you to feel safe and comfortable during your first and all visits to the dentist office.

Your mouth is a dark place, so how can the dentist see everything? Well, it’s simple. The dentist has a fancy light attached to his chair, and he can shine it in your mouth! Also, there is a small mouth mirror. It’s like the mirror in your bathroom, but much smaller. It’s so small, that it fits in your mouth! The light and the mirror really help the dentist see everything. The dentist or a handy assistant will also takes pictures of your teeth. These pictures are really important because they help the dentist see how your teeth are growing. What makes these pictures really special is that these pictures are like Superman’s x-ray vision which helps him see through buildings and objects. Just like Superman, you get to wear a cape when you get your tooth picture taken.

The tooth brush the dentist uses to clean your tooth is amazing! It actually tickles your teeth. You may call it the tooth-tickler. The toothpaste used by the dentist makes your tooth really smooth and slippery. Actually, your teeth become so slippery that the sugar bugs have a hard time holding on to your tooth! The dentist’s assistant has a straw called, “Mr. Slurpy.” This straw sucks all of the sugar bugs and water so that we can get rid of as much of them as possible. It also makes noise that can scare the sugar bugs! There is also this amazing tool that can blow air, and squirt water. The dentist uses this tool to help him see the bugs so that he can either blow them away or wash them away.

After your cleaning, the dentist will use one of his magical paint brushes to paint a medicine on your tooth that makes your tooth’s armor REALLY strong! It is called fluoride. This feels a little sticky at first, but as the enamel armor becomes stronger, the sticky feeling goes away. Why do you think you want your armor stronger? After this visit, the dentist will come up with a plan to protect your teeth, and to keep them healthy and beautiful. If the sugar bugs are breaking through the armor of your teeth, the dentist will fix it for you!

PARENTS: During the check-up, or first-visit, the dentist will get to know you and your child. The developmental status of your child will be assessed, such as height and weight, and of course the status of the teeth and gums. The dentist will inspect all teeth in the mouth, but also teeth that have yet to grow into the mouth. In order to see these teeth, x-rays will be exposed. We call an x-ray, a picture because your child will understand this. The “cape” is the lead apron that is worn with every x-ray.

Again, language is important. As stated above, fluoride is vastly important to the health of teeth. Fluoride acts to reinforce enamel so that it is more resistant to cavities. Essentially, the bacterial acids do not erode fluoridated enamel with the same ease as teeth with little or no fluoride. It is important to determine if your tap water is fluoridated. It is paramount to discuss this with your dentist. If your water is not fluoridated, your household may have increased susceptibility to cavities. Your dentist may prescribe supplemental fluoride if deemed necessary. Here is a fact that most dentist agree on: when treating your child, allow the dentist to be the authority figure. It is at times confusing to the child when two adults are giving multiple instructions. When children become uncooperative, allow the dentist to take control. Please do not make any threats to discipline, or bribe your child. The dentist will calmly take control and render treatment in an atraumatic, encouraging method to ensure your child remains comfortable.

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Toddlers Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. It is a very common problem, most people are unaware that they grind or clench their teeth because they do it while they sleep. With grinding, the teeth slide back and forth over each other and with clenching the teeth and jaws are held tightly together. Most people realize they are grinding or clenching their teeth only after they begin to experience pain. Bruxism affects children and adults alike; it is not an age related problem. Pain or discomfort from colds, ear infections, allergies, dehydration or other ailments may cause children to grind their teeth. Parents can often hear the teeth grinding while their child sleeps. Most children will grow out of bruxing as they lose primary (baby) teeth and their permanent (adult) teeth begin to erupt.

People who grind or clench their teeth at night often wake-up with a headache, earache, or toothache as a result of bruxing during the night. In addition, the pressure on the teeth from clenching and grinding can cause cracks or fractures in the teeth. As the tooth enamel is worn away, the underlying dentin of the tooth becomes exposed. This exposed dentin causes the tooth to be sensitive to temperature changes and pressure as it leads directly to the tooth’s nerve. The exposed dentin is very soft and susceptible to decay. Besides causing discomfort, grinding can eventually damage and cause prior crowns and other dental restorations to need to be replaced. Bruxing can also loosen teeth leading to tooth loss.

Bruxism causes irreversible damage to the teeth and damage to the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of the jaw. Muscle spasms in this joint cause pain and can limit how wide the mouth can opens. In some cases it even prevents the mouth from opening or closing completely, a condition commonly referred to as “lockjaw.”

The causes of bruxism are not fully known, several factors may be involved, among them are, stressful situations, sleeping disorders, an abnormal bite and crooked or missing teeth. Bruxism tends to be cyclical. People will grind their teeth for a period of time, then stop for a while and later return to bruxing again. Stress in our daily life is believed to be a contributing factor. Unfortunately, there is not a definitive cure for bruxism. The best way to treat it is to intervene early with a night guard that will protect your teeth and your TMJ from permanent damage. Regular dental check-ups are important for detecting damage caused during the early stages of bruxism. A dentist will look for abnormal wear spots on the teeth and evaluate for other possible symptoms. A night guard may be recommended to help protect the teeth and TMJ from the effects of bruxism. Night guards are made out of acrylic and are custom made to fit each person. They are worn while sleeping in order to prevent further wear and possible cracking of the teeth. The night guard slips over your teeth on either your upper or lower jaw. The guard works by preventing contact between opposing teeth on the upper and lower jaws. A night guard will relieve some of the pressure caused by grinding or clenching. Some individuals find the night guard relieves tension headaches caused by their constant muscle spasms.

It is necessary for chronic bruxers to protect their teeth as it is more difficult and expensive to restore broken or worn teeth. Your dentist can make a custom night guard that will provide you with the highest level of protection from further wear. Another option is a “boil and bite” mouth guard that can be purchased from your local drug store.

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Baby Tooth Decay

Childhood dental caries also known as baby bottle tooth decay is a bacteria that is caused by exposure of infants teeth to liquids containing sugar such as milk or juice. Its prevalence is epidemic and scientific evidence suggests that it is infectious and transmissible disease. Streptococcus mutans being the primary microbiological agents involved. Caretakers with untreated disease may transfer the disease to kids without being aware of it. Frequent consumption of liquids containing fermentable carbohydrates may increase the risk of this. Poor feeding practices may lead to severe early childhood caries. Frequent bottle feeding at night and repetitive and extended use of no-spill training cup may lead to this problem. Infants and toddlers experiencing tooth decay have much greater probability to develop dental caries in primary as well as in permanent teeth.

The child becomes susceptible to decay as soon as the first tooth appears usually at around six months of age or so. Severe tooth decay may need dental restoration or extraction, but prevention is better because tooth decay is preventable. Liquids that may cause this problem may include milk, formula, fruit juice, sweet beverages, etc. Decay may occur when sweet liquids or candies are left in the mouth for extending period of time. Each time a child drinks these liquids bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as food and produce acid. Acid produced by bacteria attacks for 20 minutes or longer and after many attacks, the teeth can start to decay. How often and for how long you put these into your child’s mouth will determine the health of your child’s teeth. Giving sweetened drinks many times a day and allowing the child to sleep with the bottle in mouth may develop and progress dental caries. Use of topical application of antimicrobial therapy appears promising. Mothers should make sure not to share their forks spoons and utensils with their kids at early stage. Sterilized bottles and utensils should be used. Frequent feedings with sugar also needed to be avoided.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Following points needed to be looked into to prevent dental caries:
Regular flossing.
Brush your teeth for at least two minutes.
Brush your teeth the right way and learn different techniques of brushing.
Fluoride containing mouth wash can also prevent tooth decay.
Do not drink after using a mouth wash.
Make use of natural mouth wash e.g. apple cider vinegar.
Try to avoid consumption of high carbohydrates and sweet food.
Choose from healthier food choices for strong and healthy teeth and gums.
Instead of refined carbohydrates make good use of whole grain cereals and other complex carbohydrate sources.
Avoid all sources of sugar for over all good health benefits as well as for healthy teeth and gums.
Use sugar free chewing gum after meals.
Rinsing your mouth after each meal and drink will have long lasting good effects on teeth, mouth and gums.
Drink tap water if fluoridated.
Avoid too frequent snacking.
You may use dental sealants to avoid dental cavity.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing.
You may also opt to take fluoride oral supplements.

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