What is fluoride? Is my child getting enough?
Fluoride is an element shown to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. However, too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to teeth. Excessive fluoride ingestion by preschool-aged children can lead to dental fluorosis, which is the appearance of chalky white to sometimes brown spots on permanent teeth. Many children often get more fluoride than their parents realize. If your child can not expectorate the toothpaste, avoid using fluoride-containing toothpaste. Fluoride drops or tablets, as well as fluoride fortified vitamins, should not be given to infants younger than 6 months of age. After that time, fluoride supplements should only be given to children after all the sources of ingested fluoride have been accounted for and upon recommendation of your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
Certain foods and beverages contain high levels of fluoride. We will assess and answer any questions you may have regarding fluoride at your child’s initial dental examination visit. It is suggested that you obtain your fluoride level test results of your drinking water from your local water utilities.
Healthy diet and healthy teeth
Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Children should eat a variety of foods from all five major groups. The more the frequency of snacking and sugar intake, the higher the chances of tooth decay. For snacking ,choose nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheese, which are healthier and better for children’s teeth. Limit your child’s intake of sticky and chewy candies as these will not dissolve readily in the mouth and can increase the risk of developing cavities.
How do I prevent cavities?
Four things are necessary for cavities to form: 1) a tooth, 2) bacteria, 3) sugars or other carbohydrates, and 4) time. Good oral hygiene, as well as a healthy balanced diet low in sugar, will help decrease the chances of decay.
For infants, use wet gauze or a clean wash cloth to wipe plaque from teeth and gums. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water.
For older children, they should brush their teeth twice a day. Limit the number of sugar containing snacks your child eats every day. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child should visit their dentist every six months. Regular visits will start your child on the right path to a lifetime of good dental health. Pediatric dentists sometimes suggest protective sealants or home fluoride treatments for your child to prevent the onset of cavities.
What are dental sealants?
Sealant is a clear plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back(premolar and molar) teeth, acting as a barrier against food and plaque and hence reducing the risk of decay. Sealants are an excellent preventative measure, as they fill in the grooved and pitted chewing surfaces of the teeth which are hard to clean. Sealants last several years before reapplication is needed, but they can wear off if your child eats sticky and chewy candies, chews ice or grinds his/her teeth. To find out if your child is a candidate for sealants, please ask Dr.Ganjavi.
My child plays sports. How should I protect my child’s teeth?
If your child is involved in any contact sport, a mouth guard should be a top priority on your list of equipment. Athletic mouth guards, are made of soft plastic and fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth. They protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports-related injuries. Make sure to ask the doctor about custom and store bought options.
When is the best time for orthodontic treatment?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. Even though orthodontic treatment may not be necessary at this early age, monitoring the skeletal and dental growth pattern of your child is crucial in determining the most advantageous time to begin treatment. We will assess your child’s bite(occlusion) at each preventive visit and if necessary, a referral to the orthodontist will be made.
We will assess your child’s bite (occlusion) at each preventive dental visit.
Adolescent Dentistry
Tongue piercing
When getting a tongue piercing , there are many risks your child needs to consider. Some side effects include, chipped or cracked teeth, blood poisoning or clots, receding gums or scar tissue formation. Infection is also a common complication of tongue piercing.
Tobacco Use
Any form of tobacco, cigarettes or smokeless chewing tobacco, can endanger your child’s health. Some teenagers assume that smokeless chewing tobacco is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, but this is only a myth. Research has shown that smokeless chewing tobacco can be more addictive than smoking cigarettes, and one can of snuff contains the same amount of nicotine found in 60 cigarettes. In only few months, smokeless tobacco can cause periodontal (gum) disease and lead to Leukoplakia, a pre-cancerous lesion.
Some early signs of oral cancer that a child smoker may exhibit are:
- Sores that do not heal
- White or red leathery patches on the lips or under the tongue
- Pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
If you think or know your child is a tobacco user, please educate them on the harm they can do to their teeth, gums and overall health.