Why are Baby Teeth Important
The primary teeth are the teeth that babies are born with and continue to develop in the first few years of life. Though these teeth
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Did you know…
that early childhood caries is the most common chronic disease in American children? It is far more prevalent than other common childhood illnesses, such as asthma. Furthermore, tooth decay and gum disease that begins early in life are likely to progress over time, potentially leading to a lifetime of oral complications.
The primary teeth are the teeth that babies are born with and continue to develop in the first few years of life. Though these teeth
Children are born with a set of primary teeth that last throughout early childhood. These primary teeth typically begin to emerge during the first year
Orthodontists are dental specialists who work to bring the teeth and jaws into their ideal position for optimal oral health. It is very common for
Children are born with a natural sucking reflex. In fact, babies begin to suck on their fingers while still in the womb. Sucking a thumb
A child’s oral health must be protected from birth through adolescence and into adulthood. Unfortunately, many children develop tooth decay early in life – a
Your child’s mouth, jaw, and teeth are ever growing and changing. In fact, a child’s dental needs are often far greater than an adult’s due to
Baby bottle decay occurs as a result of long-term contact between the teeth and liquids that contain sugars. Often, infants and toddlers are allowed to drink
Children should have a dental care home – preferably with a pediatric dentist who specializes in the oral health of children and adolescents. Early childhood dental
A lifetime of good oral health begins during the first stages of life even before the first teeth emerge. Parents who are well-educated in children’s dental health can more adequately ensure that a child’s oral care needs are met. From an early age, pediatric dentists serve as partners in oral health and prevention, answering questions and providing helpful information about teething and at-home oral care.
Did you know…
that 2 in 5 children have at least one cavity by the time they go to kindergarten? In fact, early childhood caries can appear shortly after the first tooth appears. Once a baby has developed tooth decay, he or she is more likely to develop additional cavities over time.
Infants do not have teeth to brush or floss. However, they do have gums that should be cleansed gently with a damp cloth each day. Once the first tooth emerges, an age appropriately- sized toothbrush can be used to carefully brush and prevent the build-up of plaque.
Yes. Early visits to the dentist are highly informational and supportive. Children should visit the dentist for the first time within six months of getting a first tooth and no later than age one. Choose a pediatric dentist in [city] who specializes in treating children and adolescents. Keep in mind that the initial dental visits for babies and toddlers are primarily educational, but have significant long-term impact on your child’s oral health.
In addition to cleaning your infant’s teeth and gums, you can help prevent tooth decay by ensuring your child is getting plenty of fluoride – whether in your local water source, via fluoridated toothpaste or by way of professional fluoride treatments. In addition, do not allow your child to go to bed with a bottle, as doing so can lead to a condition known as ‘baby bottle decay’.
Dental x-rays are an important tool in pediatric dentistry. As the teeth and jaw mature, x-rays provide pediatric dentists an enhanced view of a child’s oral health development and the underlying problems that may lead to complications. Depending on the condition of the teeth, jaw and soft tissues of a child’s mouth, a dentist may use x-rays to make a diagnosis and form a plan for treatment.
Did you know…
that x-rays are considered safe and only emit minimal amounts of radiation? In fact, advancements in modern dentistry have made it possible to reduce the amount of radiation children are exposed to while getting dental x-rays. Pediatric dentists take further precautions by protecting the body with a lead apron while obtaining x-rays from young patients.
Your child may need oral x-rays for preventative purposes. Pediatric dentists often use x-rays to gauge the development of the permanent teeth and their placement. Sometimes x-rays reveal missing or extra teeth or other underlying problems not detectable with a visual exam. Your child’s dentist may also order x-rays to:
Though there are no specific guidelines for getting the first x-ray, most children have had their first dental x-rays by age 5 or 6, when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. However, a dentist may request earlier x-rays if a child is at high risk of tooth decay or shows signs of other potential complications. Dental x-rays may be ordered as frequently as twice per year or as little as once every few years.
The x-ray process is completely painless for children. They will be seated for the duration of the imaging process and will not experience discomfort. The length of time required will depend on the type of x-rays taken. For more information about pediatric dental x-rays at our office, contact us to speak with a helpful staff member.
Your child’s mouth, jaw, and teeth are ever growing and changing. In fact, a child’s dental needs are often far greater than an adult’s due to the rapid changes that occur between birth and adolescence. Rather than trust just anyone with your child’s dental care, look to a pediatric dentist who understands the unique oral health needs of children and can provide the most specialized care possible.
Did you know…
that pediatric dental care is about more than exams and professional cleanings? In fact, a pediatric dentist is a parent’s greatest partner in protecting a child’s oral health. Dentists can detect developmental problems, make recommendations for orthodontic treatment and even provide custom mouth guards to protect the teeth and jaw from contact sports in childhood and adolescence.
Pediatric dentists have specialized training working with children for approximately 2 to 3 years following dental school? This additional training time provides important skills in child growth and development, as well as child psychology. A pediatric dentist understands how to relate to children and works to provide an atmosphere that is welcoming and less intimidating to young patients.
Your child’s pediatric dentist will monitor your child’s oral health with two or more visits per year. During those appointments, the plaque is removed from the teeth and the mouth is examined for signs of decay and gum disease. Emphasis is placed on prevention both at home and in the office. Depending on your child’s risk factors and the results of his or her exam, the dentist may recommend specific treatments, such as fluoride treatments or sealants.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit no later than age one. These early visits are mostly educational, but can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral habits. However, it is never too late to visit the dentist for the first time. Whether your child is a few months old or a few years old, there is no better time than now to start thinking about his or her oral health. Call our office today to schedule your child’s appointment.
Baby bottle decay occurs as a result of long-term contact between the teeth and liquids that contain sugars. Often, infants and toddlers are allowed to drink from bottles for prolonged periods of time – perhaps while lying down or watching television. The liquids pool around the teeth, which can lead to a build-up of plaque. Over time, this can erode the tooth enamel, resulting in early childhood caries.
Did you know…
that breastfed infants who nurse for long periods of time can get nursing decay too? In fact, decay may also be found as a result of giving a child pacifiers dipped in a sugary substance such as syrup. The sugars feed bacteria on the surface of the teeth, causing irreversible damage.
Baby bottle decay can affect any of the teeth, but it is most often found on the upper front teeth. A tooth may show visible signs of decay, such as the appearance of black or brown spots on the surface. Babies with infected teeth may also have swollen gums near the tooth.
Pediatric dentists determine how to treat early childhood decay based on the extent of a child’s caries. When the decay is found in its earliest stages, it may be addressed with modified feeding habits and improved hygiene. Decay that is further progressed may require a crown or extraction. Fillings are not traditionally used to treat baby bottle decay in small children.
The most effective way of preventing bottle decay is by allowing your child to only drink from a bottle or nurse during meal times. Avoid using a bottle to soothe a child, and never let your child go to bed with a bottle. You can also help prevent decay by limiting consumption of sugary beverages, such as juices and sodas. Finally, maintain a regular brushing routine, cleaning the teeth twice daily.
Dental sealants are clear coatings applied to the surfaces of a child’s molars to prevent the development of tooth decay. They work by preventing food and plaque from resting in the grooves and crevices of molars – an area especially susceptible to cavities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. children ages 6 to 12 currently have sealants on their teeth.
Did you know…
that sealants can last as long as 5 to 10 years pediatric dental patients? Depending on a child’s oral development and risk factors for tooth decay, sealants may be applied to the teeth as young as age 6. It is at this time that the first molars typically appear. Additional molars erupt at approximately age 12. If possible, sealants should be applied to a child’s teeth immediately after any molar has appeared to reduce the risk of early decay.
Sealants bond directly to the teeth, where they harden to a clear or tooth-colored coat. This makes them virtually undetectable to others. Though it is normal to feel new sealants with the tongue, most children quickly adapt to their presence.
The process of getting sealants is fast and painless. The tooth is cleaned before the dentist paints the sealant onto the enamel. The sealant will immediately harden, acting as a barrier between bacteria and the chewing surface of the teeth. In most cases, sealants will last several years before needing to be reapplied. However, regular visits to the dentist will be necessary to monitor the condition of the sealants and examine their effectiveness.
While sealants are extremely effective for preventing tooth decay in children, they do not replace other forms of preventative oral health care. Children should still brush and floss each day using a fluoridated toothpaste. Regular dental exams and a balanced diet low in sugar are also essential for good long-term oral health.
Children should have a dental care home – preferably with a pediatric dentist who specializes in the oral health of children and adolescents. Early childhood dental visits help a child acclimate to the dental environment and become comfortable with his or her oral care provider. By attending appointments on a regular basis, children learn to put a value on oral care and establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. The first dental visit is different for each child depending on the age and overall oral health of the patient.
Did you know…
that despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to see a dentist for the first time by age one, the majority of children in the U.S. do not have a first dental appointment until long after age two? Unfortunately, waiting has its consequences. As children get older, their risk for tooth decay increases – something that is more easily prevented with early oral care.
The first dental appointment begins with questions about your child’s medical and oral health history. You will also be given an opportunity to discuss any questions you have as a parent or any symptoms your child may have been experiencing. Depending on your child’s age, the dentist may visually examine the teeth and/or gums for signs of decay or other complications.
Older kids may have their teeth cleaned and x-rayed for closer examination. Dentists often use the first dental appointment as an opportunity to speak with parents about the brushing, flossing and the importance of fluoride. It is also the time when pediatric dentists speak with parents about teething, preventing and beverages that contain sugar.
Parents must be selective in choosing a dentist for their children. Though any dentist is capable of caring for your child’s teeth, a pediatric dentist specializes only in the treatment of children and adolescents. Pediatric dentists know how to relate to children and how to make them feel comfortable in the dental chair. For more information about pediatric dentistry, contact our office.
Children with healthy mouths and teeth typically need to visit the dentist every six months for routine check-ups and preventative care, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments. However, your child’s dentist may recommend an alternate schedule that better accommodates your child’s needs.
Everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of, and many achieve straightened, well-aligned teeth after undergoing orthodontic treatment as a child. But for adults who do not have the privilege of having straight teeth, orthodontics are still an option. In fact, there is no such thing as being too old for orthodontic treatment. More adults than ever are seeking straighter teeth – perhaps due to advancements in modern dentistry that allow for more discreet and less invasive orthodontic treatments. And braces aren’t becoming popular for cosmetic reasons alone. Rather, many adults are realizing the long-term oral health benefits associated with having straighter teeth.
Did you know?
There are many myths surrounding braces and adult orthodontics:
- MYTH: Adults don’t get braces.
- FACT: Approximately 20 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults over age 18.
- MYTH: Braces are too embarrassing as an adult.
- FACT: Today’s braces can be made from ceramic to blend in with your natural tooth shade. Many adults also opt for removable braces made of clear and discreet aligning trays.
- MYTH: I don’t want to spend years in braces.
- FACT: You probably won’t have to. Many adults complete orthodontic treatment in just months.
You may be a candidate for adult orthodontics if your teeth are crowded, overlapping, crooked, or have gaps between them. To find out more about your treatment options, schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
During your orthodontic screening, you will undergo an examination and digital imaging to determine the position of your teeth and bite. Your orthodontist will map out a treatment plan designed to give you the straightest teeth possible in the least amount of time. Depending on the type of braces you choose – traditional or removable – you’ll be fitted for your appliance and given instructions on how frequently to return for follow-up appointments.
Yes. If you are wearing clear aligners, you’ll need to change out your trays every few days or weeks. You’ll also be instructed to wear your aligners at all times, with the exception of during meals and while brushing your teeth. If you have traditional metal or ceramic braces, you may be given special instructions to avoid biting down on hard or chewy foods, such as popcorn kernels, ice and taffy.
Orthodontists primarily treat patients who need help correcting certain maxillofacial problems, such as misaligned teeth, malocclusion, or too much space between the teeth. Treating these conditions requires the assistance of orthodontic appliances, of which there are many. Orthodontic appliances come in many variations – some being fixed and some being removable. They serve various purposes, from active treatment to maintenance. Some of the most commonly used orthodontic appliances include:
Did you know?
that braces are the most commonly used fixed orthodontic appliances in the U.S.? Invented in the early 1800s, these devices have since become widely popular. At any given time, at least 4 million people in the U.S. are undergoing orthodontic treatment. The majority of them are children and teens, although the U.S. has seen a sharp increase in adult orthodontics over the past few decades.
You or your child will only need an appliance if an orthodontist recommends one based on a diagnostic evaluation. Schedule a consultation with your orthodontist to find out more about appliances and whether they can help you achieve your cosmetic and health goals.
If your orthodontist determines that you are a candidate for an oral appliance, you’ll be brought in for a custom fitting. Fixed appliances, such as braces, are applied in the office. Others, such as retainers, are fabricated in a dental lab after your orthodontist takes an impression of your mouth.
Yes, and you will receive those instructions before leaving your orthodontist’s office. Removable appliances must be worn according to your orthodontist’s instructions and also properly cleaned and stored when not in use. Fixed appliances require dietary changes to protect them from becoming a damaged and prolonging treatment.
The majority of patients undergoing orthodontic care are children and teens. When kids are young, their jaws are constantly growing to accommodate new teeth. It is during this time that the teeth are easily moved, allowing for a shorter treatment time – especially in patients who undergo early treatment. Braces, retainers, and spacers are just some of the orthodontic appliances commonly used in children’s orthodontics. Although not all kids need orthodontic treatment, all kids need exams at an early age. Some signs that a child may eventually require orthodontic treatment include:
Did you know?
that children should have their first orthodontic screening no later than age 7? This orthodontic evaluation is used to identify jaw irregularities and developmental complications that could indicate the need for orthodontic treatment in the future. Early screenings make it possible to get early treatment, with some children beginning progressive orthodontic treatments as early as age 7.
If your child is at least 7 years old or is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Your child’s orthodontist can take steps to correct a bad bite, fill in gaps, and straighten the teeth all before your child reaches the teen years.
Your child’s first orthodontic screening will include a visual examination as well as maxillofacial x-rays. Your child’s orthodontist may also ask you questions about your child’s habits, such as thumb and finger-sucking. Based on the results of this analysis, the orthodontist will discuss options and timeframes for treatment if applicable.
Yes. If your child is fitted for a fixed orthodontic appliance, such as braces, you will need to follow careful instructions to ensure the device is not damaged or broken. This includes monitoring your child’s diet to ensure it does not include hard foods, candies, popcorn kernels, or anything else that could cause damage. You’ll also need to ensure your child properly brushings and flosses around the appliance to protect the teeth from decay during treatment.
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