|
WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DECAY?
| • |
Mutans Streptococci: acid-producing bacterium causing tooth decay first introduced at an infant stage |
| • |
Sugar: frequency of exposure is more important than amount |
| • |
Mutans Streptococci: acid-producing bacterium causing tooth decay first introduced at an infant stage |
| • |
Sugar: frequency of exposure is more important than amount |
| • |
Poor oral hygiene and eating habits |
Return to top
WHERE DO THE ACIDS THAT CAUSE TOOTH DECAY COME FROM?
Bacteria that live in our mouth eat when we do. Acid is produced when we ingest foods which contain sugars such as:
| • |
Sodas: acidic and high in sugars |
| • |
Gatorade: high amounts of corn syrup |
| • |
Fruit juices: acid and high in sugars |
| • |
Sour candies: sticky and acidic |
| • |
Breast milk: high in natural sugars (watch night-time feedings!) |
| • |
Sticky chewy candy (fruit snacks and fruit roll-ups) |
Return to top
HOW CAN I PREVENT DECAY?
| • |
Water and milk are the best drinks between meals |
| • |
Eat healthy nutritious sugar-free snacks (watch frequency) such as fruits, vegetables, cereal, crackers, and cheese |
| • |
Brush or rinse with water after snacks or sugared drinks |
| • |
Chew gum with xylitol |
| • |
Visit your dentist every six months |
Return to top
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BABY’S GUMS?
After each feeding, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad or wash cloth
Return to top
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BEGIN TO BRUSH/FLOSS?
| • |
Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they erupt |
| • |
Remove as much plaque as possible by brushing |
| • |
Parents should supervise brushing |
| • |
Floss at least three times a week |
Return to top
WHAT TYPE OF TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE SHOULD I USE?
| • |
Use an age specific children’s toothbrush with soft bristles |
| • |
Use a non-fluoridated tooth and gum cleanser; when the child is able to not swallow the toothpaste, you should switch to a children’s fluoride toothpaste |
| • |
A “pea-sized” dab on the toothbrush is the recommended amount |
Return to top
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD FIRST SEE A DENTIST?
| • |
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a pediatric dentist at 12 months |
| • |
Able to address issues and discuss prevention |
| • |
Opportunity to discuss trauma (ie: running into the coffee table) |
Return to top
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY FIRST VISIT?
| • |
Open, friendly environment: Parents are allowed everywhere with their child |
| • |
Friendly dental vocabulary: we never say the “D” (drill) word! |
| • |
Various treatment options to support your child’s individual needs |
| • |
Patient and knowledgeable staff |
| • |
Fun stickers and prizes |
Return to top
WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS A CAVITY?
| • |
We only use newer tooth-colored fillings which release fluoride and prevent recurring decay |
| • |
Our treatment rooms, complete with TV’s on the ceilings, blankets, stuffed animals, and even sunglasses to keep bright lights out of your child’s eyes, help make procedures fun and easy. |
Return to top
WILL MY CHILD NEED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
| • |
Teeth which are too large for the bone size can cause crowding |
| • |
Adult teeth ARE larger than baby teeth |
| • |
Thumb or pacifier habits may affect the palate causing an “open bite” |
Return to top
WHAT IS A SEALANT?
| • |
Sealants have been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of cavities |
| • |
Plastic coating placed on the chewing surface of a permanent tooth that fills in the grooves |
| • |
Decay very commonly occurs in these grooves |
Return to top
WHAT IF A TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT?
| • |
Permanent tooth, place in milk, or re-implant yourself
(won't hurt if done immediately), get to dentist ASAP for best
results to save tooth. |
| • |
Baby tooth, don't re-implant, may cause infection. |
| • |
If a baby tooth is "pushed-in", go to the dentist ASAP for
evaluation. |
Return to top
We welcome all your questions!! |
