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Preventive Care
Brushing
All children need to brush their teeth at least two times a day, at night before bedtime, and in the morning after breakfast. By disturbing and removing the plaque formation twice a day, parents can minimize or eliminate their children's potential for decay. For younger children a parent should brush their teeth using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. As the child gets older and you see they have the dexterity and patience to properly take care of their teeth, you may give over the task. But do periodically monitor their care. Toothpaste should be approved by the American Dental Association. Toothbrushes should be the proper size, smaller is better than bigger, and always use a soft nylon brush in a circular manner. This will prevent toothbrush abrasion, excessive wear of the enamel at the gum line. Also a toothbrush should be replaced when it is worn, bristles splayed, or after more serious colds, infection, Strep throat, etc.
Infants - Gum pads and teeth should be wiped off with a gauze or washcloth. They may also use a finger brush – these are usually manufactured by Baby Orajel and can be found at Babies-R-Us and Wal-Mart.
Toddlers - You may want to use a fluoride-free toothpaste which is also safe to swallow for toddlers. Usually children are able to safely switch over to fluoridated toothpaste around age 5.
3-6 year olds - Let them brush, supervise them, and do the final brushing to make sure all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned. Also you need to floss their teeth as they get older as the posterior teeth get closer and tighter over time. Make sure they can rinse their mouth so toothpaste doesn't get swallowed.
6 and older - Continue supervision until you are sure they can brush and floss properly.
Your dentist may recommend the use of disclosing agents which help reveal the presence of plaque on teeth. Swishing with these agents before and after brushing will disclose the missed areas and motivate your child.
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Fluoride Treatment
- What is fluoride?
The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluoride, either applied topically to erupted teeth, or ingested orally (called systemic fluoride)
during tooth development, helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reduce the harmful effects of plaque. Fluoride also makes the
entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible.
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- Where is fluoride found?
Topical Fluoride is found in products containing strong concentrations of fluoride (i.e., toothpastes, mouth rinses), fluoridated varnishes and/or gels either topically applied by a dentist or other oral health professional, or prescribed as an at-home regimen (particularly for persons with a high risk of dental caries).
Systemic Fluoride can be ingested through public and private water supplies, soft drinks, teas, as dietary supplements, some bottled water supplies. Once ingested, systemic fluoride is absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract and distributed and deposited throughout the body via the blood supply.
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- What health risks are associated with fluoride uses?
In general, fluoride consumption is safe. Health risks associated with Fluoridation usually are limited to misuse and over concentration.
To avoid misuse and over concentration: Avoid swallowing fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. Consuming too much fluoride can result in a condition called dental fluorosis, which may cause the teeth to look spotted, pitted, or stained. Public water typically contains 1 ppm fluoride, and should not cause fluorosis. If you are uncertain about the fluoride content of your water, contact your local water department or health department.
Well water does not generally contain sufficient amounts of fluoride. If you use well water at home, contact Dr. Warr or your pediatrician to ensure that your child is getting enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Call our office if you notice any changes in the condition of your child’s teeth.
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Sealants
Sealants protect the biting surfaces of the back teeth, inhibiting bacterial growth and providing a smooth surface that makes it easier to keep teeth clean. The pits and grooves on these back teeth are often difficult or impossible to clear of food and bacteria. Sealants form a clear plastic resin coating, like nail polish, over these pits and grooves to keep cavity-causing foods and germs away.
Do Sealants Work?
Yes, sealants protect teeth and prevent decay for many years in most children. One study, among hundreds, shows 95% of the tested children with treated teeth were cavity-free after five years! Sealants can last for many years if properly cared for.
If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects or eating chewy, sticky candies, sealants will last longer.
Indications for Use
Not all children are good candidates for sealants. Children that eat a lot of candy or have clenching and grinding habits may be better off without sealants. Dr. Warr will evaluate your child on an individual basis and determine what will work best for their oral health.
What Is the Treatment Like?
Having a sealant put on is quick and comfortable. It only takes one visit.
First the tooth is cleaned. Next it is conditioned with a special gel that makes the sealant stick. The sealant is painted onto the pits and grooves of the tooth, then hardened with a special blue light. Unless your child other procedures completed, he or she should be able to eat and drink right after the appointment.
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Space Maintainer
Space maintainers are appliances custom made for your child’s mouth and designed to hold the space intended for a permanent tooth open. They prevent movement in the remaining teeth after a baby tooth has been lost prematurely, until the permanent tooth is able to take its natural position in the mouth.
Space maintainers are easier on your child and much more affordable than moving teeth back where they should be after they have grown in incorrectly. Though they cannot ensure that your child will never need braces, space maintainers help guide permanent teeth into the correct position to prevent or at least lessen the extent of orthodontic treatment needed in the future.
- Why are they important to children's dental care?
Well, baby teeth usually stay in place until "pushed out" by a permanent tooth that takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose baby teeth too early. A tooth may be knocked out accidentally or be removed due to severe disease. When this occurs, a space maintainer may be required to prevent future dental problems. Space maintainers encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, and save space for the permanent teeth and help guide them into position.
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- How can losing a baby tooth too early cause problems for permanent teeth?
Well, teeth are strange in that regard. Teeth attempt to "fill" any space available to them. If your child loses a baby tooth to early, the remaining baby teeth may tilt, drift, or move up or down to fill the gap. When this happens, they fill the space intended for the permanent tooth, and the permanent tooth can come in crowded or crooked. And this condition, if left untreated, may require extensive (and expensive) orthodontic treatment (braces or even surgery).
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- Space maintainers require any special care?
Yes, they do, and you as a parent can help. Make sure your child avoids Hard/Sticky foods (suckers, caramels, gum, popcorn, etc.). Teeth should be brushed after each meal and clean the teeth with bands especially well. Once a day, a fluoride mouthwash should be used to help prevent decalcification of the teeth around the band and wire. Do not try to bend the wire for any reason with finger or tongue. Notify our office immediately if the bands come loose or the space maintainer is damaged in any way. If a tooth erupts under the wire this also needs to be checked.
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Regular Dental Checkup
To maintain a healthy, disease-free mouth and avoid lengthy procedures, we recommend that children have cleanings every six months beginning at age one. This allows us to detect early signs of decay or disease and provide appropriate treatment.
Did you know it actually takes the average cavity six months to form and eat through the outer layers of the teeth? Regular checkups and x-rays will make it easier to prevent painful, severe decay.
Most dental insurance policies cover two cleanings a year. Check with your insurance provider or human resources director to find out what your benefits are.
Some children are just naturally more prone to plaque buildup, staining, and decay. In some cases, Dr. Warr may decide it will be better for your child to schedule checkups more often, such as once every three or four months.
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