Your Kids Teeth

Should Your Child Use Fluoride Toothpaste?

2012-02-21T10:00:00.002-06:00

The Answer is Yes! The sooner the better.

Fluoride is a chemical ion that is naturally occurring in water, food, and soil. Fluoride is also synthesized in laboratories to be added to drinking water or used in a variety of products. Fluoride is most commonly associated with dental hygiene products and tooth protection. For more information on fluoride, check out our previous articles titled What is Fluoride or Fluoride in Your Drinking Water.

Starting at birth, use a soft bristled infant toothbrush or a wet cloth to clean your child's gums. As soon as teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft age-appropriate size toothbrush. Use just a smear of toothpaste when brushing for children 2 and under. This way, if the child is unable to spit, and swallows most of the toothpaste, it is not harmful.

Starting at age 2, dispense a small pea-size amount of toothpaste on a toothbrush and brush for your child. Remember that young children do not have the ability or dexterity to brush their own teeth effectively. Children should spit out, not swallow, excess toothpaste after brushing. Parents should continue assisting their child with brushing at least once per day until the child is 18.

How do you know if your child is getting enough fluoride? Have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. If the child lives in a community that is not fluoridated and/or drinks bottled water without fluoride, then your pediatric dentist pay prescribe fluoride supplements. Fluoride's main effect occurs after the tooth has erupted above the gum. This topical effect happens when small amounts of fluoride are maintained in the mouth via saliva and dental plaque.

Fluoride toothpaste helps keep the enamel of the teeth sturdy, but can be harmful to children under the age of 6 if used excessively. Children sometimes swallow more toothpaste than necessary when brushing their teeth. If more fluoride is ingested than is needed, children may develop Enamel Fluorosis. Enamel Fluorosis is a discoloration of tooth enamel. Half a tube of fluoride toothpaste can be fatal to a small child. This is why children should always be supervised when brushing their teeth.

Using fluoride toothpaste alone will not ensure healthy teeth in your child. Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. The dentist can then recommend a routine of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach their children. Brushing regularly at home, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

Orthodontics: Is it Necessary and When?

2012-02-13T10:56:00.000-06:00

An Orthodontist is a specialist that corrects a malocclusion or “bad bite”, involving teeth that are crowded or crooked. Orthodontists attend dental school, then complete an additional two to three years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program. Orthodontists are also specialist in dento-facial orthopedics – this signifies that an orthodontist has expertise not only in aligning teeth, but also in the correcting the alignment of the jaw. A person may seek the services of an orthodontist for cosmetic reasons as well as health reasons.

Reasons for orthodontic treatment vary greatly - Often problems that affect the normal development of teeth is hereditary. Other times the development problems occur for no apparent reason. A third reason is when a person’s teeth and jaw are damaged in an accident or as a result of activities such as thumb sucking. In children, crooked or abnormally arranged teeth are no usually an immediate health problem, but may later affect the development of the child’s teeth, mouth, and jaw. In severe cases, such abnormal development can affect a child’s physical appearance as they grow.

Here are some of the common reasons why a patient is referred to an orthodontist:

· Protruding upper front teeth – one of the most common reasons for needing orthodontic treatment, particularly as the teeth may be more prone to damage during falls or contact sports.
· Crowding – people with narrow jaws often lack enough space for their teeth, resulting in crowding.
· Impacted Teeth – an adult tooth that is unable to come in on its own. Usually requires surgical assistance from an orthodontist or oral surgeon.
· Asymmetrical Teeth – in some people, the center of the upper and lower teeth do not match, giving their teeth an asymmetrical or crooked appearance.
· Deep Bite – the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth.
· Anterior Cross Bite – The upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
· Open Bite – the upper and lower front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed; an open bite often occurs as a result of prolonged thumb sucking.

Malocclusions often become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, as the child’s permanent teeth come in. Orthodontic treatment usually begins between the ages of 8 and 14. Treatment that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results. In severe cases of malocclusion treatment may begin at an even younger age. Children should have an orthodontic consult no later than the age of 8. By then they have a mix of primary teeth and permanent teeth. Your child’s dentist can spot problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth early on, while the primary teeth are present. This is yet another reason why regular dental examinations are so important.

Our next blog is for those of you wondering if your child should be using fluoridated toothpaste.

Why is fluoride so important to have in your drinking water?

2011-12-28T14:17:00.000-06:00

Fluoride exists naturally in water sources and is derived from fluorine, the thirteenth most common element in the earth’s crust. Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. It helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. It is already present in all water sources, even the ocean. Water fluoridation is the controlled adjustment of the natural fluoride concentration in a public water supply up to the level recommended for preventing tooth decay. For over 60 years, community water fluoridation has proven to be safe, beneficial, and a cost-effective public health measure for preventing dental cavities.

Keeping your kids’ teeth healthy requires more than just brushing twice a day. At your child’s well check visit or first dental check up, you may be surprised to find the doctor examining your child’s teeth and asking about your water supply. This is due to the great benefits and important role fluoride plays in healthy tooth development and cavity prevention. Fluoride combats tooth decay in two ways:

1. It is incorporated in the structure of developing teeth when it is ingested

2. It also protects teeth when it comes in contact with the surface of the teeth.

Fluoride can not repair cavities, but it can reverse low levels of tooth decay and thus prevent new cavities from forming. Fluoride stops the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque from dissolving, or demineralizing, tooth enamel. Fluoride also allows teeth damaged by acid to repair, or remineralize, themselves. Communities where the fluoride is not present in the drinking water are at a higher risk for tooth decay.

Tooth decay still remains one of the most common diseases of childhood. A simple way to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay is to have each child drink fluoridated tap water each day. This can reduce the risk of tooth decay by 20-40%. Families that choose bottled water or use a reverse osmosis system will not receive the benefits of fluoridated water. Most bottled water does not contain fluoride, and a reverse osmosis filter system removes the valuable fluoride from the water. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recognized fluoridation of water as one of the 10 greatest health achievements of the 20^th century.

If you live in a community with non-fluoridated water, your doctor or dentist can prescribe a fluoride supplement for your child. If you are unsure whether the water in your community or home is fluoridated, contact your local water department. Your doctor or dentist should also have a list of water fluoridated communities in your area. Talk to your dentist at your next appointment about how you can get the proper amount of fluoride for your child.

You can read more about Fluoride in the October 18^th blog article titled What is Fluoride?

Come back soon and read our next blog answering questions about orthodontics.

Happenings At The Office

2011-12-08T20:13:00.000-06:00

Dear Patients and Families of Dr. Rebecca Scott,

As we are finishing out the year and preparing for the arrival of 2012, we are also preparing for some changes at your pediatric dental office. Come mid-January, I will be away from the office while taking a 10-12 week maternity leave as we celebrate the birth of our new baby. As many of you know, my primary goal is to offer excellent oral care to keep your children's teeth healthy. In an effort to maintain that goal, I have recruited a new addition to our staff!

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Scott Hamilton of South Lincoln Pediatric Dentistry! Dr. Hamilton, who will be working as part of our team starting January 9th, has 9 1/2 years of experience working with children in his own pediatric dentist practice. As a member of several dental associations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, as as an associate professor and interim director of pediatric dentistry at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry, Dr. Hamilton will be a wonderful addition to our team. In order to maintain continuity, and to provide you and your children with the best possible care, Dr. Hamilton will continue as part of our team after I return from maternity leave.

As always, thank you for bringing your children to us for their dental health needs. Enjoy the holidays!

Sincerely,

Rebecca F. Scott, D.D.S.

SEALANTS

2011-11-14T12:45:00.000-06:00

What are Sealants?

Sealants are a thin, plastic-like coating used to protect the surface of a tooth. Sealants cover and protect the pitted and grooved surfaces of teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay is most likely to develop in children. Even if your child brushes carefully and thoroughly, it is very difficult and almost impossible to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria love to build up in these crevices, placing your child at risk for tooth decay. Sealants seal out the food and plaque, reducing the danger of decay.

What teeth need Sealants?

The natural flow of saliva keep the smooth surfaces of the teeth clean, but does not wash out the grooves and fissures. So, the teeth that benefit the most from being sealed are the six-year and twelve-year permanent molars. Many times the permanent premolars and primary molars will also benefit from sealants, especially if there is a history of decay or generalized decay in a child’s mouth.

Are Sealants painful?

The application of a sealant is quick and painless, and can be done in one visit. The tooth is cleaned, then conditioned and dried. Sealant is then flowed onto the grooves of the tooth and allowed to harden with a special light. Your child will be able to eat or drink right after their appointment.

How long to Sealants last?

Sealants can last for many years. The goal is for the sealants to stay on through your child’s cavity-prone years. With good oral hygiene and avoidance of biting on hard objects, the sealants will last longer. Your dentist will check all sealants at your child’s periodic exams and recommend any re-application or repair when necessary. Sealants are very affordable, especially in comparison to the cost of a filling.

Always remember that sealants are just one step in the plan of keeping your child cavity-free. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups are still essential to have a healthy smile! Our next article will explain to you why fluoride is so important to have in your drinking water.

What is Fluoride?

2011-10-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

Fluoride is a chemical ion that is naturally occurring in water, food, and soil. Fluoride is also synthesized in laboratories to be added to drinking water or used in a variety of products. Fluoride is most commonly associated with dental hygiene products and tooth protection.

Fluoride can protect teeth from decay and cavities and also strengthen damaged teeth. When the bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars, acid is produced that can erode tooth enamel and damage teeth. Fluoride can protect teeth from demineralization that acid causes. If teeth have already been damaged by acid, fluoride accumulates in the demineralized areas and begins strengthening the enamel – a process called remineralization.

Most people receive fluoride daily through treated drinking water, toothpaste and mouthwash. Certain foods also contain fluoride, such as meat, fish, eggs, and tea leaves. When these foods are consumed, fluoride enters the bloodstream and is eventually absorbed by the teeth and bones. Many communities add fluoride to the drinking water to ensure that the recommended levels are obtained.

An extra boost of fluoride is recommended to keep teeth healthy. Fluoride is applied directly to the teeth twice a year at each dental cleaning by your child’s dentist or hygienist. The teeth readily absorb this fluoride as it remains in the mouth for several hours.

Studies show a much higher rate of decay among communities that do not have fluoride in their water compared to the communities that do. For our patients that live in non-fluoridated communities, and are at high risk for decay, we can provide a fluoride supplement to be taken daily.

Check back next week to learn everything about sealants!

First Visit by Age 1 - Why is that Important? Part 2

2011-09-28T11:51:00.000-05:00

Dental problems can begin early - This is a reason that the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that your child visit a dentist by age 1. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries, also known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. Once a child starts eating solid foods and has more than just breast milk, teeth are at risk for decay. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Juice should only be offered in a cup with meals or at snack time, never in a bottle. Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12 - 14 months of age.

By the time your child is 1 year old, your daily routine should including brushing your child's teeth once a day, using a half pea size amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste. At this age, children do not have the ability or dexterity to brush their own teeth effectively so parental assistance is required. If children are not able to spit, parent should wipe out their mount with gauze or a clean clothe to get excess toothpaste out.

The earlier your child's first dental visit occurs, the better chance you have of preventing dental problems. children with health teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

Check back next week for our next topic, "All About Fluoride"

First Visit by Age 1 - Why is that Important? Part 1

2011-09-21T13:41:00.000-05:00

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child’s first dental visit occur by their 1^st birthday or within 6 months after their first tooth comes in. The reason our office and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry so strongly advise this is to begin a thorough prevention plan and to establish a dental home for your child. The exception to this recommendation is if there is a particular concern or trauma to the teeth prior to this time frame.

Finding a dental home early on for your little one also promotes the development of trust between your child and their doctor, eliminating the fear often felt when visiting the dentist. The first appointment should be one that is non-threatening, fun and happy! This will get your child off on the right foot for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

At your child’s first appointment we will go over your child’s medical history, talk about any habits your child may have that could affect their teeth, do a growth and development chart, and talk with you about any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s dental health.

Another major goal of the first appointment is parental education. The dentist will simply examine your child’s teeth and give you advice on how to better take care of your child’s oral health. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and will be provided with brochures on a variety of topics.

Small children are examined by doing a knee-to-knee exam. The dentist and parent sit down facing one another and the parent then holds the child’s body in his or her lap and the dentist holds the child’s head in his or her lap. This is known as knee-to-knee dentistry and has been proven to be a good method to put children at ease while allowing the dentist to check for early cavities and oral developmental problems. At our office the dentist will examine, brush and apply fluoride to your child’s teeth at their appointment. Knee-to-knee exams continue every 6 months until the child is comfortable sitting in the dental chair, usually around age 3.

Come back next week for part 2 of First Visit by Age 1 - Why is that important?

What to Expect with Your Kids Teeth: Birth to Age 1

2011-09-06T11:53:00.000-05:00

Your child’s primary (baby) teeth are completely formed at birth. Primary teeth form at 6-8 weeks gestation, just under the gums. The process of eruption (teeth moving up and breaking through the gums) is often referred to as teething. On average, teething usually begins around 6 months of age. Symptoms that occur during teething may include excessive drooling, low grade fever, diarrhea, and fussiness from the discomfort.

Here are some tips to help deal with the discomfort and pain associated with teething:

Allow baby to chew on teething rings.
Give infants Tylenol as needed to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.
Using numbing gel on baby’s gums is NOT recommended as it ends up numbing the throat and is not generally very effective.

The first teeth to erupt are the two bottom front teeth (central incisors) at around 6-8 months. After these appear, the two top front teeth (upper central incisors) will erupt around 8-12 months. The next to appear are usually the upper cutting teeth (lateral incisors) at around 9-13 months, these are the teeth directly adjacent to the upper front teeth on either side. Following these will be the matching pair on the bottom (lower incisors). The top and bottom first molars start to appear and erupt around age 1. Teeth like to erupt in pairs so our teeth stay symmetrical and all line up nicely in the mouth. The complete set of 20 primary teeth will be fully erupted by age 3.

Here you can see a graph of this process, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

Caring for baby’s primary teeth is a fairly simple process. Once teeth have started to erupt from the mouth, they should be softly wiped out after each feeding, including after nursing or formula. A clean piece of gauze or a cloth may be used wrapped around your finger to wipe out the mouth. You may also introduce a baby tooth brush with no toothpaste or simply water on it to your baby. They will have fun getting to hold it and experience the feel of the bristles in their mouth. Toothpaste is not started until your child is able and aware enough to spit. Swallowing the fluoride in the toothpaste on a regular basis could be harmful.

To protect your child’s new teeth, keep these guidelines in mind:

Limiting juice to a maximum of 4 oz per day
Avoid all sugary drinks - Milk or water is always a better decision.
Never put baby to sleep with a bottle as this will prolong exposure of their teeth to harmful sugars.

The American Pediatric Dental Association recommends bringing your child to a dentist by age 1 or within 6 months after the first tooth has erupted. Our next article will discuss why it is important to visit the dentist by age 1 and what to expect at your child’s first visit.

X-rays - Are they really necessary?

2011-06-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

Yes. Radiographs, commonly known as x-rays, are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. X-rays are taken on children to check the health of primary and permanent teeth. X-rays also are used to find extra or missing permanent teeth (supernumeraries) and cysts. We can also see if teeth are coming in correctly and if they are in the right spot.

I recommend taking x-rays starting on children at age 3. Usually the first x-rays are taken of the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) front (anterior) primary teeth. These x-rays allow us to see not only the primary incisors but the permanent incisors developing in the bone.

Traditional bitewing x-rays are taken on the right and left back (posterior) primary teeth. A bitewing x-ray allows us to see in-between the back teeth. Bitewing radiographs are important because decay often begins between the posterior teeth. X-ray are repeated either every 6 months or every year depending on your child's risk of cavities.

A pantograph or panorex is taken on most children starting at age 7. A panorex is a large x-ray that allows us to view all of the child’s primary and permanent teeth as well as the surrounding bone. We are able to count all permanent teeth developing, check for potential impacted teeth, and check for cysts. The panorex is taken every 3-5 years or more often if your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment or there is another concern that needs to be monitored.

In our office, we offer digital x-rays. These are taken using an electronic sensor instead of the traditional film. By using digital x-rays, the amount of radiation your child is exposed to is reduced by 80% compared with traditional film x-rays. Additionally, you will not have to wait for the x-rays to develop – the electronic system takes less than 2 seconds to show the image on the monitor, which saves you time during your appointment.

Getting Ready - Dental Terms

2011-06-17T09:25:00.000-05:00

Dentistry comes with a whole new language. To prepare you for our blog articles, and for a visit to the dentist, we will be posting several "Dental Terms" lists over the next few months. This will be a great reference to you as you read and learn about the world of dentistry.

Dental Terms

Incisors – The four upper and lower front teeth

Cuspids – Canine teeth

Anterior Teeth – The six upper and six lower front teeth

Posterior Teeth – The upper and lower back teeth

Erupt – The process of a tooth coming into the mouth

Unerupted tooth – A tooth that has not pushed through the gums

Impacted Tooth – An unexposed tooth with fully formed roots that is partially or completely covered by bone.

Interproximal – The surfaces of adjoining teeth

Supernumeraries – Extra teeth

Maxillary – The upper teeth

Mandibular – The lower teeth

Radiographs – X-rays

Bitewings – X-rays that are taken of the back teeth

Welcome to our Blog!

2011-06-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

Specializing in dental care of infants, children, teenagers, and special needs patients, Dr. Rebecca F. Scott is your resource for everything related to your child's teeth.

Dr. Scott has a successful pediatric dental practice in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her staff strives to create a fun environment to make your child's dental care as easy, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible.

We encourage you to be a part of our dental health team, working with us to protect the oral health of your child. We will be counting on you to promote excellent dental health at home by encouraging your family to establish or continue daily oral care. This blog will share how to do just that! Check back regularly for new articles, tips, resources, and office information.

Thank you for visiting!