Local Dental Care - Baby Teeth Underbite

Dental X-Rays For Your Child

Parents often question the need for dental X-rays (radiographs or films). Just as a broken bone or lung disease require a radiograph for a diagnosis, dental decay or other pathology (disease) of the oral cavity may require a radiograph for diagnosis. Tooth decay in children spreads rapidly in primary (baby) teeth.

Bitewing Radiograph(s)

These films, usually two, identify the presence of decay between the back (posterior) teeth. Decay between the teeth is called interproximal decay. By four and one-half years of age, the baby (primary) molars usually touch or contact each other. Interproximal decay can spread to the adjacent tooth if the teeth are in contact. If there are spaces between the primary molars, and there is no other evidence of decay, these films may not be necessary until later. A lack of spacing between the primary teeth predisposes a child to a much higher incidence of interproximal decay. Early detection permits your dentist to restore (repair) the tooth in less time and preserve tooth structure.

Periapical x-Ray

This film is used to examine the area around the tip of the root(s) or in between the roots. Primary teeth have long roots before they are resorbed (dissolved) by the pressure of the erupting permanent tooth. A root fracture after trauma, deep decay, infection, the need for root canal treatment, the presence of extra teeth, or absence of developing teeth are some of the findings with this film.

Occlusal Radiograph

This film evaluates the presence or absence of the upper and lower front teeth (incisors). It may also be used to diagnose fractures of teeth or bone and extra or missing teeth.

Panoramic x-Ray

Some pediatric dentists request this film around seven or eight years of age, when all eight permanent incisors have erupted. Although this not as accurate in diagnosing decay, it may provide an alternative if a child has a gag reflex that has prohibited taking a periapical or bitewing radiograph. The film is outside the mouth in a machine that revolves around the head. A view of the entire upper and lower jaw is obtained. This is commonly obtained by orthodontists prior to treatment. The panoramic radiograph may reveal or evaluate:

• Missing teeth
• Extra teeth
• Tumors, cysts, or other disease
• Improper position of teeth
• Broken bones after trauma
• Development of the permanent teeth
• Future crowding
• Wisdom teeth

Cephalometric Radiograph

This film ordinarily is obtained by an orthodontist in order to make a diagnosis of a child's bite (occlusion) and to determine the best treatment plan. It measures the relationship of the bones of the head and jaws.

Now, you are "in the know" for your child's next dental X-rays!

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Pediatric Dentistry: Your Child's First Dental Visit

There are varying recommendations as to when the first pediatric dentistry visit should Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children should have their baby teeth looked at by a pediatric dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or no later than one year of age.

The American Academy of General and Pediatric Dentistry recommends between 18 and 24 months of age the child should have their baby teeth seen, unless there is an apparent problem. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a child be seen by age three, or sooner if there is a need.

Although there may not be many baby teeth to examine at one year of age, the first pediatric dentistry visit can provide parents with valuable information regarding care and prevention through education and counseling. Infants can be infected with the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Many children have decay in baby teeth by the time they are seven years old.

The infant oral health appointment will include:

• A review of the infant's diet and nutrition
• The need for fluoride supplementation considering dietary and other sources of fluoride
• Pediatric dentistry instructions for cleaning the baby teeth and gums
• Discussion regarding pacifier, finger, or other oral habits
• Injury prevention and trauma
• Oral development and normal eruption patterns
• Risk factors for decay in the child's baby teeth

Traumatic injuries to the mouth occur more often as the child progresses through crawling, walking, and running. If the first visit has already occurred, the parent has a doctor who is familiar with the child to call for emergency pediatric dentistry care.

The sooner your child is acquainted with a pediatric dentist and experiences a pediatric dentistry examination, the better for his or her overall perception of the dental visit. The child's temperament will determine how the appointment goes. Do not delay the first visit because you believe your child will not cooperate. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Make the first pediatric dentistry appointment as early in the day as possible. Toddlers are usually more rested in the morning. Try not to communicate your own fears, if any to your child. Your interpretations and expectations are different from your child's. Practice with your child's head on your lap. Depending on the age, explain how he or she should open wide, talk about the little mirror, the tooth counter, and Mr. Clean, who will make the baby teeth shine.

Avoid words such as hurt, drill, or shot. Do not expect too much from your child. The pediatric dentist will manage the behavior with age-appropriate expectations. A favorite toy or blanket can be taken with the child to hold. Some offices offer a "First Visit" videotape to be viewed at home prior to the visit. The book, Going to the Dentist, by Fred Rogers, is a great way to introduce the first visit. Here's to a wonderful first pediatric dentistry visit for your little "First Timer!"

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.