Dental Office News

Dental Sealants

Many of the foods you or your child eat, especially those high in sugar and starches, cause the bacteria that normally occurs in your mouth to produce acids. If this acidic plaque isn't removed from your teeth by daily brushing and flossing, tooth decay will occur. Even if you brush and floss regularly, some teeth, especially the back molars, can be difficult to clean because of their shape. The chewing surface of the molars have tiny grooves, called pits and fissures, that can be so deep and/or narrow that the bristles of your toothbrush can't reach down into them to clean out the plaque. Also, the enamel at the deepest part of the groove is frequently thinner, giving any plaque that does form an easier time of penetrating through. To protect a tooth that is deeply grooved, your dentist can apply a plastic resin material called a dental sealant. The sealant levels out the grooves in the tooth, making the tooth smoother and more even so it is easier to clean, and seals the surface, protecting it from the acid attacks of plaque.

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Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry Regular dental check-ups help people of any age maintain good oral health and good overall health. Regular dental cleanings remove debris that build up on the teeth, irritate the gums and cause tooth decay. But the dentist that you see and the dental routine to which you're accustomed may frighten your young child. A pediatric dentist who has received special training in the care and treatment of young people may be a less intimidating choice for your child or adolescent. In addition to the normal four-year dental school curriculum, a pediatric dentist receives two to three years of additional training in a specialized program of study and hands-on experience designed to teach the unique requirements of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special needs. In addition to teeth, mouth and jaw care, the goal of a pediatric dentist is to help his or her patients feel good about visiting the dentist and teach them how to care for their teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children. Your child's first dental visit should occur shortly after the first tooth erupts and no later than his/her first birthday. Even though your child's primary teeth are going to be replaced eventually with permanent ones, it's very important that primary teeth are kept healthy and in place until they are lost naturally. Your child's primary teeth are necessary for proper speech development and serve as a space-saver to help the permanent teeth grow into their proper places. Primary teeth also help your child chew properly and maintain the good nutrition that is so necessary for overall health. And the value of a bright and confident smile on your child's developing self-esteem cannot be estimated.

Brushing

The Importance of Brushing Today, because of better care and dental treatments, more people than ever before are keeping their natural teeth throughout their lives. Although some diseases and conditions can make dental disease and tooth loss more likely, you have a great deal of control over whether you keep your teeth into old age. The most important thing you can do to keep your natural teeth is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Most dental hygiene problems are caused by plaque. Plaque is a nearly colorless, sticky layer of bacterial film that forms on your teeth. Composed of microorganisms, food particles and other organic matter, plaque coats your teeth and hides in the nooks and crannies between teeth and below the gum line. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that cause cavities. (Sugary foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the only foods that cause plaque. Starches, such as bread, crackers, and cereal, also cause acids to form. If you snack often, you could be having acid attacks all day long. After many acid attacks, your teeth may decay.) Build-up of plaque also leads to periodontal disease, also called gum disease. Plaque produces substances that irritate the gums, and after a while, gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form and fill with more bacteria. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. In fact, periodontal disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults. There is even research that suggests that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from atherosclerosis (a narrowing of blood vessels), a condition that can precede a stroke or heart attack. The best way to remove decay-causing, gum-destroying plaque is by brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from your tooth surfaces. Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth and below the gum line, where your toothbrush can't reach. For good oral hygiene and to keep your natural teeth throughout your life, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth, so replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life.

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