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How will my baby’s teeth develop? When will my child’s baby teeth start to fall out? How can I help keep my child’s teeth cavity-free? How does fluoride benefit my child’s teeth? What should I do if my child’s permanent teeth do not come in straight? What can I do to protect my child’s teeth while playing sports? What should I do if one of my child’steeth is accidentally knocked out? How do I choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for my child? Remember, good oral care begins with you! Start early, start right— a quick guide:
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
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How will my baby’s teeth develop? Usually, your baby’s front four teeth (two on the top and two on the bottom) are the first to appear, sometime between six months and one year of age. These are often accompanied by sore or tender gums that may appear red or swollen. This stage is known as teething. Ask your dentist for tips on how to relieve your baby’s discomfort. By the time your child is three years old, he or she should have a complete set of 20 primary (or baby) teeth. It is very important to take good care of these first teeth, even though they will be replaced by permanent teeth. This is because your child’s baby teeth hold the spaces for the permanent teeth to come in; if a baby tooth is lost, the permanent tooth could come in crooked. A parent's guide to tooth eruption (Flash-Demo)
When will my child’s baby teeth start to fall out? Baby teeth will begin to be replaced by permanent teeth from around age six until age 12 or 13. By the time your child’s wisdom teeth erupt at around age 16, he or she will have a complete set of 32 permanent teeth. ealthy teeth are key to a healthy childhood: kids need them for chewing, speaking clearly, and having a bright smile. And thanks to advances in dentistry and oral care products, today’s children are more likely than ever to grow up with strong, healthy teeth. As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s dental health: in fact, good oral care begins with you. It is especially important to keep your child enthusiastic and motivated about caring for his or her teeth. So whether you’re teaching your children how to brush properly or taking them to the dentist for a checkup, remember that it’s up to you to set a good example. And don’t forget to praise your child afterwards for clean teeth and a healthy smile!H 6 years 6 months 3 years Because the process of replacing primary teeth with permanent teeth occurs gradually, keeping all the teeth clean may be a challenge. That’s because your child will have largerpermanent teeth growing in next to smaller primary teeth, and this unevenness means lots of spaces for food and plaqueto collect. Plaque is the colorless, sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth and, left to build up, is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease. How can I help keep my child’s teeth cavity-free? Of all age groups children are the most at risk for cavities. They tend to eat more frequently and have not yet become experts at brushing their teeth. So it is vital that their teeth are brushed properly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, which means brushing for them the areas they might have missed on their own. Give them healthy snacks, like bread and fruit, to help keep their teeth cavity-free. So how important is my child’s diet? Very! Guide children away from sugary foods and drinks and reduce the number of times they have them during the day, for example, by just serving them at mealtimes. It’s always a good idea to have your children brush after eating. How should I brush my child’s teeth? You should follow the same approach that you would take when brushing your own teeth. It often helps to stand behind your child and tilt hisor her head back. 1. Start by cleaning the chewing surfaces with a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush, using short back-and-forth strokes. 2. For the outer tooth surfaces, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. 3. Move the brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes. 4. To clean the inner front tooth surfaces, hold the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush. 5. Make sure the gumline and back teeth are cleaned thoroughly. Replace your child’s toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months,whichever comes first.By age three or four, your child should be able to brush his or her own teeth—with your help, of course. To make it easier, start your child off with a simple brushing technique, for example, a small, circular brushing motion. When should children start brushing on their own? While it varies from child to child, generally children under age eight will need help brushing their teeth. And whether you are still brushing your child’s teeth or just supervising, you should follow these simple guidelines:Brush at least twice a day—in the morningand just before bed.Spend two minutes brushing—concentrating on the chewing surfaces and back teeth, where cavities often first develop. Use a pea-sized amount of children’s fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to rinse and spit out any toothpaste left after brushing. Look for a brush that is suitable for your child’s age and dexterity. Don’t share brushes between children. Brushing your teeth together sets a good example and helps your child to learn by watching and imitating you! Should I be flossing my child’s teeth? Yes. Check with your dentist when you should start, but a good rule of thumb is when two teeth touch. This normally happens first with the back teeth. To begin with, you will have to floss their teeth for them, but eventually they will be able to do it on their own. Using a dental flossette may help you and your child get used to flossing. You should continue to supervise flossing until your child is able to do a thorough job alone. Remember, the earlier you start flossing, the more likely it will become part of the daily routine. So start them off early. And one final tip: don’t forget to praise your child for a job well done! What should I expect from my child’s dental visits? The dentist will examine your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw; check for any early signs of problems; and show you the right way to clean and care for your child’s teeth. He or she may also discuss fluoride supplements, if necessary. This is also a time to ask how your child’s teeth are developing. How does fluoride benefit my child’s teeth? Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities from forming. Both adults and children benefit from fluoride. Brushing with a children’s fluoride toothpaste can help ensure that your child’s teeth receive the benefits of fluoride in strengthening enamel and preventing cavities on a daily basis. In-office fluoride treatments may also be advised. How can sealants help? Your dentist or hygienist can further help prevent childhood tooth decay by applying a sealant: a plastic material that fills in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, where cavities often first develop. What should I do if my child’s permanent teeth do not come in straight? Teeth that do not come in straight often make cleaning more difficult. Your dentist or hygienist can offer advice on how to keep these areas clean. You may also want to discuss a specific treatment plan to straighten teeth before all permanent teeth have erupted. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in correcting jaw and teeth irregularities. What can I do to protect my child’s teeth while playing sports? After tooth decay and gum disease,accidental injury to teeth is the most common dental problem of children and teenagers. Mouth-guards should be worn during all highly active or contact sports. Readymade mouthguards are available at sporting goods stores, but the most effective mouthguards are custom-made by your dentist. What should I do if one of my child’steeth is accidentally knocked out? Place the tooth in cool milk or salt water— don’t wash it off or clean it—call or get to the dentist right away. How do I choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for my child? Children’s teeth should be brushed with an extra-soft toothbrush that has been specifically designed for children. Today, many toothbrushes come with colorful, fun designs that can motivate a child to brush. Be sure to choose the design your child prefers, as well as the right size for their age and dexterity, to encourage brushing. An option to consider is a child’s power toothbrush, which provides effective and safe brushing. In addition, your child may find a power brush to be more fun to use, which can be a good motivator for doing a more thorough job of brushing. Many children’s toothpastes areflavored with child-pleasing tastes to further encourage brushing. Again, be sure to pick your child’s favorite. A lifetime of good oral health can be a reality for your child if you get him or her off on the right track early. Keep them motivated by setting a good example yourself and create a consistent and fun environment for toothbrushing. Soon, they’ll learn to recognize it as part of their daily routine, just like eating breakfast or reading a bedtime story. So, remember, starting early and starting right will ensure that your child’s smile stays healthy and bright! Remember, good oral care begins with you! Start early, start right— a quick guide: Your child’s first dental visit should be between the eruption of the first tooth and his or her first birthday. Brush your children’s teeth until they are around three years old, then start encouraging them to join in. Supervise their brushing until age eight. Children under age four should use a simple brushing technique—such as a small , circular brushing motion. Choose a children’s toothbrush with a small brushhead and soft bristles. Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to rinse and spit out any toothpaste left after brushing. Flossing should start when two teeth touch and supervision is needed until at least the age of 10. Provided as an educational service by((local address details)) www.oralb.com www.braun.com Oral B—the brand more dentists use worldwide.
What Is A
Pediatric Dentist?
The pediatric dentist has an extra two
years of specialized training and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy
through the teenage years. The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different
approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development,
and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to
meet these needs. Your Child’s First Dental Visit Your child should visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and his staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.Why Are The Primary Teeth So Important? It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby-teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.
Dental
X-Rays
Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s
dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and
will be missed.X-Ray’s detect much more than cavities. For example, X-Rays may be
needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the
results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. X-Rays allow dentists
to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a
clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental
care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-rays and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay.
On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs approximately once a
year. Approximately every 3 years it is a good idea to obtain a complete set
of radiographs, either a panoramic and bitewings or periapicals and
bitewings. Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of
their patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of
radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. The
risk is negligible. In fact, the dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk
than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and
shields will protect your child. Today’s equipment filters out unnecessary
X-rays and restricts the X-ray beam to the area of interest. High-speed film
and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount of
radiation exposure.
Care of Your Child’s Teeth
Begin daily brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts.
A pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to
swallow it. By age 4 or 5, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day
with supervision until about age seven to make sure they are doing a thorough job.
However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether the child
has the skill level to brush properly. Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing
surfaces. When teaching children to brush, place toothbrush at a 45 degree angle;
start along gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer
surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and
chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath
and remove bacteria.Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush
can’t reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. You may wish to floss
the child’s teeth until he or she can do it alone. Use about 18 inches of floss,
winding most of it around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss lightly between
the thumbs and forefingers. Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between
the teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum and
tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth.
Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don’t forget the backs of the last four teeth.
Good Diet = Healthy Teeth
Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the
body, the teeth, bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet.
Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. Most snacks that
children eat can lead to cavity formation. The more frequently a child snacks, the greater
the chance for tooth decay. How long food remains in the mouth also plays a role. For
example, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth a long time, which cause longer
acid attacks on tooth enamel. If your child must snack, choose nutritious foods such as
vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese which are healthier and better for
children’s teeth.
How
Do I Prevent Cavities?
Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles that
combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth
to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with
a bottle filled with anything other than water. See "Baby
Bottle Tooth Decay" for more information.
For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also,
watch the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your children.The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends six month visits
to the pediatric dentist beginning at your child’s first birthday. Routine
visits will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health.Your pediatric dentist may also recommend protective sealants or home
fluoride treatments for your child. Sealants can be applied to your child’s
molars to prevent decay on hard to clean surfaces.
Seal Out Decay
A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to
the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of
five cavities in children are found. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and
acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Early Childhood Caries)
When
Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?
Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums
into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their
teeth early and some get them late. In general the first baby teeth are
usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and usually begin erupting between
the age of 6-8 months. See "Eruption
of Your Child’s Teeth" for
more details. Eruption Of Your Child’s Teeth Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies. Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth). Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen apply cold compresses. Take the child to a dentist. Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take child to hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: Find the tooth. Handle the tooth
by the crown, not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the
tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it
in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze. If you
cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s
saliva or milk. The tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth. The patient
must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth. Fluoride Fluoride is an element, which has been shown to be beneficial to teeth. However, too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. Little or no fluoride will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion by preschool-aged children can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white to even brown discoloration of the permanent teeth. Many children often get more fluoride than their parents realize. Being aware of a child’s potential sources of fluoride can help parents prevent the possibility of dental fluorosis. Some of these sources are:
Two and three-year olds may not be able to expectorate (spit out) fluoride-containing toothpaste when brushing. As a result, these youngsters may ingest an excessive amount of fluoride during tooth brushing. Toothpaste ingestion during this critical period of permanent tooth development is the greatest risk factor in the development of fluorosis. Excessive and inappropriate intake of fluoride supplements may also contribute to fluorosis. Fluoride drops and tablets, as well as fluoride fortified vitamins should not be given to infants younger than six months of age. After that time, fluoride supplements should only be given to children after all of the sources of ingested fluoride have been accounted for and upon the recommendation of your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. Certain foods contain high levels of fluoride, especially: powdered concentrate infant formula, soy-based infant formula, infant dry cereals, creamed spinach, and infant chicken products. Please read the label or contact the manufacturer. Some beverages also contain high levels of fluoride, especially: decaffeinated teas, white grape juices, and juice drinks manufactured in fluoridated cities. Blending the syrup, carbonation with the city water supply often makes soft drinks at fast food restaurants – so if fluoride is in the water – this is another source. Parents can take the following steps to decrease the risk of fluorosis in their children’s teeth:
What’s the Best Toothpaste for my Child? Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. Many toothpastes, and/or tooth polishes, however, can damage young smiles. They contain harsh abrasives which can wear away young tooth enamel. When looking for a toothpaste for your child make sure to pick one that is recommended by the American Dental Association. These toothpastes have undergone testing to insure they are safe to use.
Remember, children should spit out toothpaste after
brushing to avoid getting too much fluoride. If too much fluoride is
ingested, a condition
known as fluorosis can occur. If your child is too young or unable to spit
out toothpaste, consider providing them with a fluoride free toothpaste,
using no toothpaste, or using only a "pea size" amount of
toothpaste. Does Your Child Grind His Teeth At Night? (Bruxism)
Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth
(bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding on their
teeth during sleep. Or, the parent may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the
dentition. One theory as to the cause involves a psychological component. Stress due to a
new environment, divorce, changes at school; etc. can influence a child to grind their
teeth. Another theory relates to pressure in the inner ear at night. If there are pressure
changes (like in an airplane during take-off and landing when people are chewing gum, etc.
to equalize pressure) the child will grind by moving his jaw to relieve this pressure.The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any
treatment. If excessive wear of the teeth (attrition) is present, then a mouth guard
(night guard) may be indicated. The negatives to a mouth guard are the possibility of
choking if the appliance becomes dislodged during sleep and it may interfere with growth
of the jaws. The positive is obvious by preventing wear to the primary dentition. The good news is most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding gets
less between the ages 6-9 and children tend to stop grinding between ages 9-12. If you
suspect bruxism, discuss this with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. Thumb Sucking Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep.Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.Children should cease thumb sucking by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult your pediatric dentist. A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb sucking:
Tongue
Piercing Is it Really Cool?
You might not be surprised anymore to see people with
pierced tongues, lips or cheeks, but you might be surprised to know just how
dangerous these piercings can be. There are many risks involved with oral piercings
including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, or blood poisoning. Your
mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication
of oral piercing. Your tongue could swell large enough to close off your
airway! Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling,
infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue.
Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood vessel
or nerve bundle is in the path of the needle. So follow the advice of the American Dental
Association and give your mouth a break – skip the mouth jewelry. Tobacco – Bad News in Any Form Tobacco in any form can jeopardize your child’s health and cause incurable damage. Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco. Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is often used by teens who believe that it is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. This is an unfortunate misconception. Studies show that spit tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes and may be more difficult to quit. Teens who use it may be interested to know that one can of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. In as little as three to four months, smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and produce pre-cancerous lesions called leukoplakias. If your child is a tobacco user you should watch for the following that could be early signs of oral cancer:
Because the early signs of oral cancer usually are not
painful, people often ignore them. If it’s not caught in the early stages,
oral cancer can require extensive, sometimes disfiguring, surgery. Even
worse, it can kill.Help your child avoid tobacco in any form. By doing
so, they will avoid bringing cancer-causing chemicals in direct contact with
their tongue, gums and cheek. What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment? Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age. Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very successful and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic treatment. Stage II – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to start treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces.
Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals
with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship. Mouth Guards When a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’s smile, and should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth. Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe. Ask your pediatric dentist about custom and store-bought mouth protectors.
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