Kid Teeth - In Your Local Kansas City, MO Area

Why Fix a Baby Tooth or Child's Molar

Parents are often surprised to learn that their children have dental decay. They question the need to repair or restore the baby teeth because, after all, they are going to fall out. The following information will help you to understand the need to obtain a dental examination by a pediatric dentist and pediatric dentistry team for your little one no later than two years of age and why restoring his or her baby teeth is so very important.

• Twenty primary (baby) teeth and baby molars are usually present by three years of age. Before the teeth erupt into the mouth, the bacteria that cause tooth decay are swallowed with food or saliva. The cells on the inside of the mouth are shed and constantly replaced. When the first tooth appears, usually around five to six months of age, there is now a surface for bacteria to adhere to and multiply.
• Your baby's mouth should be wiped clean after every feeding. The bacteria that cause tooth decay (dental caries) will use the food residue to form lactic acid that will eventually break down the enamel of the teeth. The enamel on primary teeth is very thin compared to the permanent teeth. Once it begins, decay will progress rapidly. Constant exposure to sugary liquids in baby bottles or sippie cups will also result in tooth decay.
• The first sign may be a white spot (demineralization) or tiny hole in the surface of the enamel. Children will not necessarily complain of a toothache even with a large cavity. As you are cleaning the teeth, look for any signs of a dark spot or hole on each tooth. See your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Many parents delay this first visit to the pediatric dentist because they believe the child will not cooperate for treatment.
• Tooth decay is not like a cold. It will not go away without pediatric dentistry treatment. If decay is caught early, the procedure to restore or repair the tooth may be quite simple, but delay may require more extensive treatment or even an extraction. Your pediatric dentist will guide you and your child carefully through the procedure.
• The primary teeth must be present to help guide the proper path for eruption (coming into the mouth) of the permanent teeth. The eight baby molars are usually lost between 9 and 13 years of age. If a baby molar is lost too early because of decay, the permanent molar that erupts at six years of age will have no guide for its proper position. It will move forward in the jaw and block out the space for the permanent tooth that was to later replace the baby molar.
• If a child has a toothache or pain with chewing, he will not be able to eat properly. Decayed molars may affect a child's nutrition and could result in weight loss.
• Before two and a half, the upper front primary teeth (incisors) are necessary for normal speech development. The facial appearance will also be affected by the early loss of the incisors. An appliance with denture teeth can be made to replace these teeth if necessary. Your child's age and ability to cooperate will determine whether or not this appliance can be offered by your pediatric dentist.
• Abscess of the tooth may occur if tooth decay is not treated. A bubble may form on the gum near the abscessed tooth. Pus may drain from the bubble if gentle pressure is applied. Fever, pain, and any facial swelling require immediate attention and treatment. Children who have diabetes, heart defects, or who are under medical care for other conditions should also be seen by a pediatric dentist without delay when dental problems arise. In some cases, an untreated abscess could result in a hospitalization.
• The baby molars develop deep in the bone between the roots of the primary molars. Extensive decay of a primary molar may require an extraction (removal). Extraction of a primary molar in a toddler or preschooler could cause the accidental removal of the developing permanent tooth.
• Decay can spread from one tooth to the other by direct contact or by shedding into the saliva. Children who experience decay in the primary teeth are more likely to have decay in the permanent teeth. Removing the decay and restoring the primary teeth will help to decrease the number of decay-causing bacteria in the mouth.
• The permanent teeth will have had the advantage of fluoride to strengthen the enamel and by decreasing the number of decay-causing bacteria, you can make sure you child's permanent teeth have healthy start!
• The quality of your child's life may be affected by extensive decay. Growth and weight gain, school performance, behavior, and sleep patterns may be influenced.

What Can You Do?

Brush your child's teeth until he or she is six years of age. Bedtime brushing is especially important. Floss the teeth if there are no spaces between them. Use a fluoride mouth rinse after six years of age if decay is occurring. Avoid constant snacking with crackers, chips, or soft drinks. Nothing but water should be in a baby bottle other than meal time. Restrict juices except at mealtime.

Your child should be examined by his or her pediatric dentist every six months. Do not delay treatment because you believe he or she cannot cooperate or may be fearful. As in your child's medical care, prevention is so very important. Your knowledge and efforts toward good dental care will influence your child's oral health for the rest of his or her life. Let's work together to keep that beautiful little smile a healthy one!

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 - Dental Care for Teens

Oral hygiene may be the last thing on the mind of an adolescent or teen. During these years, decay in between the teeth may occur for the first time and hormonal changes may create more inflammation of the gums. Here are some helpful hints from pediatric dentists to avoid some of the problems that may occur in the adolescent or teen.

• If brushing is a problem, try an electric toothbrush. This will clean the teeth more efficiently. When the twelve-year molars or wisdom teeth are erupting (coming in), use a toothbrush with a longer tuft of bristles at the end. This longer tuft of bristles will reach the newly erupting teeth that are at a lower level than the other teeth. Twelve-year molars should be sealed with a dental sealant by your family dentist as soon as they are fully erupted.
• Tartar or calculus usually occurs on the tongue side of the bottom incisors (front teeth). This is the result of food not being adequately brushed away. Some people have a tendency to form calculus and others do not. The end tuft is good for cleaning this area too.
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse (usually found in stores by the mouthwash) if one is having a problem with decay. The teeth should be brushed thoroughly before rinsing with the fluoride. It will not penetrate plaque. Use this at night just before going to bed. Do not rinse with water after using the fluoride rinse.
• Do not use a mouthwash with a high alcohol content on a daily basis. This practice could predispose one to oral cancer.
• The best cure for halitosis (bad breath) is to keep the mouth clean. Brush the roof of the mouth and the tongue. Tongue scrapers, which can be purchased in the toothbrush and toothpaste section of a store, are very helpful. A certain kind of bacteria may grow on the back of the tongue near the throat. These bacteria produce sulfide, a gas that causes halitosis. Large indentations in tonsils can catch food. If the food is not rinsed away, an odor may occur. Gargling with water may help to dislodge these food particles. A sinus infection with postnasal drip, dieting, or stomach problems could also be the cause of halitosis.
• If gums bleed with flossing, or the corners of the mouth are sore and cracking, a vitamin supplement may help. Try a multi-vitamin with meals.
• Bleeding with flossing may also mean one needs to floss more! Hormonal changes may cause gums to be red and swollen at certain times. Constant effort at keeping teeth clean is the best way to avoid bleeding and discomfort.
• Ulcers in the mouth (apthous ulcers) can be very painful. These may occur more often during orthodontic treatment, stress, or with trauma. There is no quick cure. One way to decrease the pain and shorten the duration of the ulcer is to use vitamin E. Pierce the end of a capsule of vitamin E and squeeze the vitamin over the ulcer. Do this often through the day and at bedtime.
• Soft drinks contain phosphoric acid and sugar. Try to drink through a straw and do not swish soft drinks through the teeth. Lemons are very acidic. Frequent sucking on lemons will erode (wear away) the enamel layer of teeth. Enamel will not grow back.
• Chewing tobacco should be completely avoided. There is a very high incidence of oral cancer with the use of any chewing tobacco.
• Chewing gum does stimulate the flow of saliva, and that is good for the teeth. But problems may occur with excessive gum chewing. The cusp tips of the molars are being worn away and decay is occurring in the teens. Once the enamel layer is worn down, the second layer is exposed. This layer, the dentin, decays easily. Chewing gum for more than three hours each day may result in discomfort or tenderness of the muscles in the jaws or popping or clicking in the joints of the jaws (temporomandibular joints or TMJ).
• Xylitol and sorbitol sweeteners in chewing gum have been shown to reduce the incidence of dental decay.
• Leaning the head on the palm of the hand continuously and crushing ice with the teeth has also been shown to result in TMJ symptoms and jaw muscle tenderness.
• Do not share water bottles. The herpes virus causes a cold sore and it is very contagious.
• The bacteria that cause tooth decay can also be spread from one person to another in the saliva.
• Change toothbrushes as soon as the bristles are frayed or bent. Bacteria and viruses grow on toothbrushes. Toothbrushes should be rinsed thoroughly before and after brushing. Change to a new toothbrush after an illness, especially strep. Reinfection can occur with a toothbrush that is covered with strep.
• Strep can also grow on acrylic orthodontic appliances. Clean them thoroughly during a strep infection.
• Mouth guards work. They should be worn for most sports. After orthodontic treatment is completed, or all of the permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are erupted, a custom made mouth guard will provide the best protection. Have a dentist check the fit of the "boil-and-bite" mouth guard. A proper fit is very important. During orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist will recommend an appropriate mouth guard.
• The presence and position of wisdom teeth should be evaluated around fifteen years of age.
• And, finally … what teeth do you have to brush and floss? Only the ones you want to keep!

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.