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Sealants
Tooth before applying sealant
Tooth with sealant applied
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Are sealants necessary?
Yes. As
the back teeth develop, microscopic pits and fissures form on the chewing
surfaces of the enamel. These irregularities can't be cleaned even by
diligent brushing because a single toothbrush bristle is far too large.
Consequently, tiny bits of food and plaque hide out of reach of daily
cleaning. Sealants prevent food and plaque from embedding in these grooves
and thereby decreases the risk of decay.
Who needs
sealants applied?
The American Dental Association recommends that all children
should have sealants applied. The sealants are especially beneficial to
newly forming permanent teeth. Even children who benefit from fluoridated
water or topical fluoride treatments should have sealants because the
fluoride is least effective in the pits and fissures of teeth.
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How do you treat
discolored spots on teeth?
A technique called microabrasion can improve the appearance of
teeth with discolored areas. In this treatment, the pediatric dentist
removes microscopic bits of discolored tooth enamel with an abrasive and a
mild acid. Microabrasion is a conservative treatment, usually comfortable
for the patient. It works best on surface discoloration.
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When
should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
The sooner the better. Starting at birth, clean your baby's gums
with a clean, damp washcloth. As soon as teeth erupt, begin using a very
small, soft-bristled toothbrush. A small dab (pea-sized) of fluoride
toothpaste can be added beginning at age 24 months.
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Moderate
decay
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What causes baby
bottle tooth decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent exposure of a
child's teeth for long periods of time to liquids containing sugars. Among
these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice and other sweetened liquids.
The sugars in these liquids are used as an energy source by the bacteria in
plaque, the thin, almost invisible film of bacteria and byproducts that
constantly forms on the teeth. In the process, the bacteria produce acids
that attack tooth enamel. Each time your child drinks a liquid containing
sugars, acids attack the child's teeth for at least 20 minutes. After many
such attacks, dental caries (tooth decay) can occur.
All types of sugars, including those found in milk, formula, fruit
juices and sweetened liquids, can cause the bacteria in plaque to produce
acids. However, it's not just what you put in your child's bottle that
causes baby bottle tooth decay, but how often — and for how long a time —
the child's teeth are exposed to decay-causing acids.
That's why offering your child a bottle containing these liquids many
times a day, as a pacifier, isn't a good idea. That's why allowing your
child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can do serious
harm to your child's teeth. During sleep, the flow of saliva decreases,
allowing the liquids in the nursing bottle to pool around your child's
teeth for long periods.
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How often and
when should a child see the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental
check-up at least twice a year for most children. Some children need more
frequent visits because of increased risk of tooth decay or unusual growth
patterns or poor oral hygiene. A child's first visit should occur at about 12
months.
Why are baby
teeth important?
Healthy primary teeth enable children to chew food properly and
learn to speak clearly. From a dental perspective, primary teeth act as
placeholders in the jaw for the development permanent teeth. If a primary
teeth comes out prematurely, neighboring teeth may move into the empty
space. When the permanent tooth starts to grow, there may not be enough
space for it. If this is the case, the teeth may look crooked or crowded.
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Bilateral space maintainer
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What is a space
maintainer?
Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost
tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the
permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. It's more affordable
— and easier on your child — to keep teeth in normal positions with a space
maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.
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Tooth-colored fillings
Tooth requiring a filling
During application
Tooth with filling
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What are the advantages
of tooth-colored fillings?
Because composite resins are tooth-colored, they look more
natural than other filling materials. Your child can smile, talk and eat
with confidence. In addition, tooth-colored fillings are compatible with
dental sealants. A tooth can be filled and sealed at the same time to
prevent further decay.
What are the disadvantages
of tooth-colored fillings?
First, tooth-colored fillings are not for every tooth. They work
best in small restorations and low-stress areas. For example, a
tooth-colored filling may not be recommended for a large cavity or for the
chewing surface of a back tooth. Second, tooth-colored fillings may cost
slightly more than silver fillings because they take longer to place.
How does a
Pediatric Dentist help with dental anxiety?
Pediatric dentists have special training in helping anxious
children feel secure during treatment. Also, pediatric dental offices are
designed to make children feel comfortable. Even though kids may not like
having their teeth examined, there is a good chance they'll be able to
watch their favorite television show on a nearby monitor. Staff members
choose to work in pediatric dental practice because they enjoy working with
kids.
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Are pediatric
dentists prepared to care for special children?
The extra years of training that pediatric dentists complete
teaches them how to care for children with special needs. In addition,
pediatric dental offices are designed to be accessible for special
patients. Pediatric dentists are often the clinicians of choice for the
dental care of adults with special needs as well.
What should I do
if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
Contact your dentist as soon as possible!
What should I do
if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it
or clean it with soap -- just use water!) If possible, replace the tooth in
the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can't
put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with
milk, saliva, or water. Get to your dentist's office immediately. Call the
emergency number if it is after hours. The faster you act the better your
chances of saving the tooth.
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Chipped tooth
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Repaired tooth
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What if a tooth
is chipped or fractured?
Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can
save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental
treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce
swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to
the dentist.
Why are mouth
guards important?
Mouth guards hold top priority as sports equipment. They protect
not just the teeth, but the lips, cheeks and tongue. They help protect
children from such head and neck injuries as concussions and jaw fractures.
Increasingly, organized sports are requiring mouth guards to prevent injury
to their athletes. Research shows that most oral injuries occur when
athletes are not wearing mouth protection.
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Mouth guard
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When should my
child wear a mouth guard?
Whenever your child is involved in an activity with a risk of
falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes
football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, and even
gymnastics. Hockey is often viewed as the most dangerous to teeth, but
nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and
baseball.
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