Kids and Cavities

I just read an interesting article that was posted on the Boston.com website about cavities and kids.  http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2011/08/22/cavities_and_kids/?page=full
I noticed first in the article the quote that "even a pediatrician can screw up".  The pediatrician's daughter had numerous cavities when she brought her in for her three year old dental visit.  Anyone can get cavities, it's not the domain of just those not in the health profession.
So, What causes a cavity?  Cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on sugars and secrete acid onto the teeth causing little holes that can grow.  Ok, so let's not feed our children too much sugar. That will eliminate all the cavities, right?  Well, not necessarily.  Many foods break down into the sugars that the bacteria love.  Starches are one of the major culprits.  Crackers, breads, "goldfish", all these things can cause cavities.  The frequency of snacking is also plays a large part in getting cavities. The more times a tooth is bombarded with acid from the bacteria the greater the chance for a cavity.
Well, ok, let's eliminate the bacteria from our mouth so they can't feed on our left over snacks.  That is where brushing comes in.  Good oral hygiene includes both brushing and flossing, and maybe a rinse as well.  Every parent need to be brushing their child's teeth up until about the age of eight.  This is not just watching, or sending them up to brush, but actually physically doing it.  I know, I know, it's tough to do it all the time with the older kids.  Trust me, I know!  The last thing beforebed should be the parents doing the brushing, this is the most important brushing of the day.  Fluoride rinses also help remove the bacteria and make the teeth stronger.
That brings us to the subject of fluoride.  This mineral helps strengthen teeth when applied topically.  A fluoride varnish is placed after a cleaning in our office. This is the best way to apply the protection to the teeth.  A rinse, when used at night, can also protect the teeth from decay.  Fluoride is also given in our area as a chewable supplement.  When taken in this form the fluoride helps strengthen the developing permanent and baby teeth.
Ok, so we cut down on sugary snacks and the frequency of snacks, brush two times a day, use a fluoride rinse.  What else?  Dental check ups and cleanings every 6 months are a requirement as well. 
Even with all our diligence cavities can occur.  This may be because of a very deep groove in a tooth that we can't clean with a brush well, or the tooth did not form perfectly, or just bad luck in a certain spot. Remember, "Even a pediatrician can screw up", and let's fill that cavity and do better next time.  More on fillings at another time!
All the best,
Dr. Scott C. Peters

Dental Trauma (Broken and Knocked out Teeth)

Summertime is upon us, finally!

This means it's time for camp, swimming, baseball, the beach, and just fun in general.
Along with all this fun can come some not such fun times when the mouth comes in contact with heads, baseballs, pool sides, etc.
So, what do we need to know about Dental Emergencies:

• Knocked out tooth:  The first thing to do is make sure you find the tooth!  Rinse the tooth off, but do not scrub the root portion.  If it is possible, try to reinsert the tooth in the correct position.  If you are not comfortable doing this, or cannot, then place the tooth in a cup of milk.  The next best place to put the tooth, if no milk is available is between the lip and gum of the person.  Doing this will help keep the tooth moist and increase the chances that the tooth can be saved by the dentist.  Next, call you dentist immediately!!!  The sooner the tooth can be reinserted and stabilized the better the prognosis.
• Broken or Chipped Tooth:  If possible try to find the fractured pieces.  Often times the dentist can bond those back on.  Place a cold compress in the area of the trauma, and attempt to stop any bleeding.  Contact your dentist ASAP to determine if this needs to be examined right away.

• Partially Dislodged or Displased Tooth: Pain relief is usually what is needed for this type of trauma.  Cold compresses, tylenol or motrin can do the trick. Anytime a tooth is hit there can be damage to the root, nerve or blood supply to the tooth.  It is important to contact the dentist to evluate any trauma, as there may be damage that cannot be seen without use of an x-ray.

As always with any trauma, a parent or adult must access the state of the emergency.  If there has been any loss of consciousness, or significant trauma to the face of the child, a physician or 911 should be called.  Please don't hesitate to contact us if there are any questions regarding broken, lost or hit teeth.  We are always available to discuss and questions.

Scott C. Peters, DMD

When Do I Bring My Child For their First Dental visit?

When Should a Child visit the Dentist for the 1st time?

  The American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that a child be seen by a Pediatric Dentist by the age of one, or no later than 6 months after the first tooth arrives.

  The most important reason to start a child's dental care this early is prevention.  As soon as a tooth erupts into the mouth a cavity can form.  Cavities are caused by bacteria secreting acid that erodes the tooth.  The bacteria feed on any substance that can break down into sugar.  This includes breast milk, and formula!

  During the first visit a Pediatric Dentist will discuss medical history, nursing history, as well as the parents dental previous dental history.  The bacteria that causes tooth decay is transferred from the parents to the child, and a parent with poor oral health will transfer significantly more bacteria to their child dooming their child to more cavities.

  The child will then be examined, usually in a knee-to-knee position on the dentists and parents lap.  It is quite alright and expected that the child cry and make noise--we can see so much better when they are open wide ;-).  during the exam the Pediatric Dentist will check for any abnormalities in growth and developement as well as help the parent understand what is going on in there.  Brushing and cleaning the baby's mouth will also be discussed.  Brushing should begin with the first tooth.  Pacifier habits, thumb sucking, bottle feeding and nursing will also be discussed, and any questions that the parents may have are answered after the exam.

  The earlier the first dental visit, the better chance there is to prevent dental problems.  As always if you have any questions or comments please let me know.

  Scott C. Peters, DMD