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Fluoride encourages
remineralization (a strengthening of weak areas on the tooth). Fluoride is
sometimes added in water and in dental products such s toothpaste, mouth
washes and other products. Fluoride is documented to be safe and
highly effective if used in the recommended quantities. You only need
to use small amounts of fluoride to get the maximum benefit. It is
important to keep toothpaste, gel, rinses and other supplements out of
reach for your children and only allow them to use those products with
your supervision.
If the water where you live does not have enough fluoride, your
pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements in the form of
drops or pills.
At each dental follow up appointment, we may provide your child with
fluoride treatments, depending on the child’s age and overall risk for
tooth decay. Treatments are in the form of topical fluoride that
comes in many forms. Gels and foams can be placed in fluoride
trays and applied after your child’s teeth have been thoroughly cleaned.
We may also use fluoride varnish.
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A lot of parents may think that gingivitis and periodontal (gum)
disease is only an adult problem. However, gingivitis (the first
stage of periodontal disease) is a common problem in children and
adolescents. The bacteria in plaque can release toxins around the
gum and cause infection. This makes the gum tissue swell, turn red
and bleed easily. Gingivitis is a serious health problem.
We understand that maintaining a healthy mouth can be a challenge for
kids, especially with an individual with a disability. Or if an
orthodontic appliance is worn, cleaning the teeth can be even more of a
challenge. Other conditions that make children more susceptible to
periodontal disease include Type I Diabetes, Down syndrome.
After local anesthesia is used,
your child may accidentally chew on his or her lip, cheek or tongue. Once the initial bleeding stops, the area will
likely turn whitish in color. Do not be alarmed – this is normal and
not a sign of infection. Luckily, these areas of the mouth heal very
quickly.
- If the
area doesn’t stop bleeding in 30 minutes and/or the area of injury
is significant, take your child to the local emergency room.
- Apply
an ice pack over the area during the first 3 days if there is
swelling. Place the ice pack on the area for 15 minutes and remove
it for 15 minutes. Repeat this process for 1 hour, 3 times a day.
- Give
your child Tylenol or Motrin over the counter as directed per the
manufacturer’s label for pain.
- Call
us if the wound is not healing in 5-7 days or if it seems infected.
- Signs
of infection include continued swelling, drainage, and/or redness.
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Babies who go to bed with
a bottle of milk, formula, or juice are more likely to develop
tooth decay because the sugar in those liquids stays in contact
with the teeth during the night. Follow these simple steps to
avoid this significant problem for your child:
- Avoid nursing children
to sleep, nighttime feedings, or putting anything other than
water in their bedtime bottle after his or her first tooth
erupts.
- Do not put your child to
bed with a bottle of milk, juice, formula or sweetened
liquid.
- Stop nursing when your
child falls asleep or stops sucking on the bottle.
- Try not to let your
child walk around using a bottle of milk, formula or juice
as a pacifier.
- Start teaching your
child how to drink out of a cup at about 6 months of age.
Your goal is to stop letting your child use a bottle by 12
to 14 months at the very latest.
- Do not dip your child’s
pacifier into honey, sugar, sugar-filled drinks, or in your
own saliva. It is true that the same cavity-causing
bacteria in your own mouth can easily be spread to your
child’s mouth.
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According to national data, 78%
of children in the United States have experienced tooth decay by the age
of 17. The teeth that are at the highest risk are the permanent
first and second molars where fluoride has its least protective effect
on the pits and fissures of those teeth. The American Dental
Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognize that
sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay.
Sealants function as a barrier and seal these pits and fissures and
protect the permanent teeth against decays that start in these retentive
areas.
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When a baby tooth is lost too
soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift into that empty space. Teeth
in the other jaw may move up or down to fill the gap. As teeth beside
the gap shift into the empty space, they create a lack of space in the
jaw for the permanent teeth. When that happens, permanent teeth are
crowded and can come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may
require extensive orthodontic treatment.
Space maintainers are used to
prevent any drifting of teeth and loss of space in your child’s teeth.
They keep the remaining teeth in place until a permanent tooth is in
that natural position. Space maintainers are appliances made out of
metal or plastic and are custom fit to your child’s mouth. Using space maintainers is more
affordable and easier on your child than having to move those teeth back
in place with orthodontic treatment.
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Your child’s first baby teeth to
come in or “erupt” are usually the two bottom front teeth. This occurs
at about 6-8 months of age. Then the 4 upper front teeth erupt, and
then other teeth will erupt periodically. Your child will continue to
“teethe” or have new teeth erupt until about 2 ½ years of age. At that
point, your child should have all 20 teeth. Between ages 5-6, the first
permanent teeth will erupt. Some permanent teeth will replace baby
teeth and some do not – don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early
or late.
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A properly fitted soft mouth
guard can protect your child’s teeth, cheeks, lips, and gums. A
mouth guard is recommended for any recreational activity that poses
a risk of injury to your child’s mouth. Sports that definitely
should be considered for use of a mouth guard include (but not
limited to): football, gymnastics, basketball, baseball, soccer,
softball, hockey, skateboarding, boxing, martial arts, wrestling and
extreme sports.
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