Decayed
(Baby) erupting teeth (bottle caries) Signs and appearance of teeth displaying
bottle caries:
* Brown teeth with fragmented edges
* Upper front teeth that break easily
Children who have erupted teeth or are past the age
to be weaned are highly susceptible to rotted front
teeth when being put to bed with a bottle containing
milk, juice or other sugar-containing liquids. There
is decreased salivary flow during sleep and clearance
of the liquid from the teeth is slowed.
The liquid pools around the upper front teeth and creates
an excellent environment to promote the growth of decay-causing
bacteria. Removing the bottle before the first tooth
appears and wiping the child's gums and teeth with a
soft cloth before being put to bed can help prevent
decay.
At 18 months of age, parents should be encouraged to
ask their dentist to examine their child and recommend
home care.
Dental decay "cavities" Fluoride has been a great benefit
to patients of all ages in helping prevent dental decay.
Regular brushing and flossing lowers the chance of developing
"cavities." However, the most decay-prone areas of teeth
are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces
of the back teeth, which require further preventive
care.
To prevent decay, a plastic-like coating called a sealant
should be painted on the chewing surfaces of all the
back teeth. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce
tooth decay by as much as 90% to 100%.
The American Dental Association recommends sealants
be placed as soon as the first adult back teeth come
in at age 6 or 7. Sealants should continue to be used
as each adult back tooth comes into the mouth. All back
teeth that need to be sealed are present by age 13.
Sealant application is simple, fast, and painless.
Please call our office with any questions you may have
about the benefits using a sealant in preventing dental
decay.
Mouthguards
Why should you wear a mouthguard? While mouthguards
are not mandatory equipment in all sports, their worth
is indisputable. Mouthguards cushion blows to the face
and neck. A mouthguard should be part of every athlete's
gear, no matter the sport. Even adults or weekend athletes
need to protect their smile and preserve their health.
Do: Wear a mouthguard at all times when playing sports.
Wear a mouthguard custom-fitted by your dentist, especially
if you wear bridges or braces.
Don't: Wear removable appliances like retainers when
playing sports.
There are two types of mouthguards:
Custom-made: Designed by a dentist and made on a cast
of your teeth. These cause very little interference
with speaking or breathing. They provide the best protection
and fit over braces and fixed bridges. They also cost
more.
Ready-made: Purchased at most sporting goods stores.
They are the least expensive, the least effective, and
least comfortable.
Please call our office if you would like to "play it
safe!" and wear a comfortable mouthguard and protect
your teeth.
Prevent
Tooth Decay
Fluoride, in proper dosage, has been shown to significantly
reduce dental decay. When fluoridated water has less
than the ideal amount or is not available, fluoride
supplements are recommended. (A call to your local water
district is all that is necessary to determine whether
your water has fluoride or not.)
When supplements are needed, the administration of fluoride
supplements should begin shortly after birth and continue
through the time of eruption of the second permanent
molars (approx. 12 years of age).
Regular dental check-ups should begin no later than
18 months of age.
If you have any questions or need more information,
don't hesitate to call.
