Tooth Loss in Children

Some parents may feel that caring for baby teeth isn’t as crucial as caring for adult (permanent) teeth, simply because baby teeth are designed to fall out anyway. However, baby teeth are very important. They allow the child to chew food, and they reserve the spaces in gum tissue for future adult teeth.

For example, if a baby molar is prematurely lost, the baby teeth next to the missing tooth may drift into the gap and create spacing problems for the adult tooth when it comes through. Decayed baby teeth also need professional dental treatment. If neglected, decayed baby teeth can lead to mouth pain, dental abscess and the decay of surrounding teeth.

Losing baby teeth

From the age of about six years, baby teeth start to become ‘wobbly’ and fall out to make way for adult teeth. It is perfectly normal for a child to lose their first tooth up to a year or two earlier or later than six years of age. Girls generally lose teeth earlier than boys. The first tooth to fall out is usually located in the front of the lower jaw.

Losing baby teeth can be unsettling and painful for young children. Suggestions for parents include:

• Reassure your child that losing baby teeth is a natural process and new adult teeth will come in their place.
• Use cold compresses or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain-killing drugs to help relieve loose tooth pain. Please consult your dentist or pharmacist for recommendations on appropriate medication for your child.
• Offer reassurance - it’s normal for gums to be tender and bleed a little, although some children experience little or no discomfort while losing their teeth.
• Make use of the Tooth Fairy. This mythology has lasted a long time for a good reason. If the idea of getting a coin in exchange for a tooth softens the idea of tooth loss for your child, then go ahead and use it!

Mouthguards are important

Mouthguards help keep dental injuries to a minimum, particularly when playing contact sports. All children playing contact sports should wear a mouthguard, even primary school aged children. Professionally fitted mouthguards are comfortable, allow speech and do not restrict breathing. Suggestions for parents and carers include:

• Avoid do-it-yourself ‘boil and fit’ type mouthguards; they are unlikely to provide effective protection. See your child’s dentist to have a customised mouthguard fitted.
• Ensure your child wears their mouthguard at training and during the game. It may help to talk to their coach about it.
• Update your child’s mouthguard every 12 to 18 months to ensure that it still fits and is fully effective.
• Keep the mouthguard clean.
  When not in use, store the mouthguard in a rigid container and away from heat to ensure it maintains its shape.

Saving a knocked-out tooth

If a tooth is knocked out, you should:

• Remain calm.
• Find the tooth, handle it by the crown only, and check that it’s clean.
• Rinse it in milk or wash it very briefly with plain water if the root is dirty.
• Replant the tooth immediately in the socket. Ideally, this should be done within 15 minutes of the tooth being knocked out. This maximises the chances of effective re-implantation by the dentist.
• Hold the tooth in place.
• If you can’t replant the tooth, keep it moist by submerging it in milk, sealing it in plastic wrap, or placing it in the child’s mouth next to the cheek.
• Seek immediate dental treatment. Time is critical. If too much time elapses, the tooth cannot be saved.

What NOT to do with a knocked-out tooth

Do not:

• Hold the tooth by the root surface
• Scrape or rub the root surface
• Let the tooth dry out
• Rinse or store the tooth in water for more than a second or two.

Where to get help

• Dentist
• Your doctor
• Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch Inc. Tel. (03) 9826 8318
• Dental Health Services Victoria Tel. (03) 9389 8888
• The Maternal and Child Health Line is available 24 hours a day Tel. 132 229.

Things to remember

• Caring for baby teeth is as crucial as caring for adult (permanent) teeth.
• If neglected, decayed baby teeth can lead to mouth pain, dental abscess and the decay of surrounding teeth.
• All children playing contact sports should wear a mouthguard, even primary school aged children.
  

Article source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Oral Health

Cleaning Teeth

• Clean your teeth after breakfast and before bed - at the very least.
• Use a soft toothbrush, floss and fluoride toothpaste.
• It takes about two minutes to do it properly.
• Use children's fluoride toothpaste for kids or just a pea sized amount of regular fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush all surfaces of your teeth well - starting on the inside surfaces, then the outside surfaces and finally the chewing surfaces.

How to Brush

Brushing should take at least two minutes!!

Use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth, and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration.

Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section:

1. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
2. Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
3. Clean the chewing surfaces
4. For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too

Article source: http://www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au/

In Chair or at Home Teeth Whitening?

In chair or at home teeth whitening? Your choice…

By: Dr Ken Ho

With so many whitening solutions available for you to choose from, how do you know which is the safest, which offers the best results, how sensitive your teeth may become or how long they last?

In Chair / One Hour Whitening

The original professional tooth whitening system, in chair whitening can only be used by your dental practice. Your dental health is checked and you are advised of any problems before whitening commences. For example, dental decay must be attended to before any whitening treatment starts.

In addition to this, your dentist will discuss the results you can expect. If you have any dental restorations, these will not whiten therefore you need to make sure your restoration is the end result you require the rest of your teeth to match.

Once your dentist has give you the ‘all clear’, your in chair whitening experience can begin. Using a specifically formulated blue light technology, you are placed in a dental chair for approximately one hour with a gel on your teeth that is activated by the blue light. The process takes three 20 minute sessions This is activated in 6 ten minute sessions, each time having your teeth checked and making sure you are comfortable with your treatment.

On completion, you will see the results straight away and they are truly amazing. You will be advised not to eat dark foods, consume drinks which may stain, such as red wine or coffee and not to smoke for at least 48 hours after your treatment to avoid your newly exposed teeth from staining again very quickly.

It is also advised that some people may suffer from sensitivity from this type of whitening treatment. This can be dulled by using a sensitive specific toothpaste and staying away from extremely hot or cold food and drinks.

Depending on your diet and ability to maintain good oral health will determine the length of time your in chair whitening treatment will last. Normally 2 years is a good approximation however it does depend on how well you take care of your teeth. You may also be offered custom made trays to use as a top up whitening treatment if you feel your teeth are becoming slightly dull.

The more expensive of the two options, however if it is an instant bright, white smile you want then this is the solution for you.

Take Home Whitening

Using a much weaker whitening product than the one hour whitening, your take home whitening allows you the ability to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home and at your convenience.

In most cases, as generally in cases where a better result is achieved, your dentist will create impressions of your teeth to allow them to customise trays to your own mouth.

Once you receive these, you will also be give the required dose of whitening product and instructions on quantities and when to apply the whitening agent. As a starting point, it is often advised that you wear the trays and the agent for one hour a day, working up to longer and eventually over night.

The whitening treatment is normally completed over the course of a week and the results will start to show then. The more you do, the better the results you will receive however persistence is the key, remembering to wear the trays regularly.

Once you have achieved the colour you desire, you can then purchase more whitening agent to allow you to keep topping up your white smile when you feel it is becoming a little duller than you would like.

This option will never provide you with the same level of whitening as the in chair whitening as the strength of the whitening agent is not as strong. In addition to this, a treatment monitored by a professional ultimately does achieve a better result.

So, which is better? It’s your choice! There is a solution for everyone and at TOPGUM Dental Artistry, they can advise you on what is right for your smile.

About the Author:

Ken Ho of TOPGUM and his experienced dental artistry team, specialise in Cosmetic Dentistry in North Sydney including Tooth Whitening, Dental Implants, Orthodontic Treatments and Dental Health.

Article source: http://www.savvy-spa.com/

Dental Care - Dummies

Many parents are concerned about the effect of a dummy on their child’s teeth and mouth. Sucking a dummy or thumb purely for the sensation is thought to be a natural act of the newborn. However, a child’s teeth and the shape of their mouth may be affected if sucking persists to school age, after the eruption of adult teeth. The changes can then become permanent.

Most dentists advise parents not to be concerned about the effects of dummy or thumb sucking on a child’s teeth before school age, although there may be other reasons why it is beneficial for your child to stop the dummy habit earlier.

Making dummies safe
Serious and rapid tooth decay can result if dummies are dipped in sugary substances such as honey, jam, condensed milk, malt or vitamin C syrups. Sucking your child’s dummy can also increase the risk of tooth decay by transferring bacteria from your mouth to the child’s. Dummies may be a source of infection if they are shared by other children or picked up from the floor. Follow good hygiene procedures when using dummies and check that dummies are in good condition and meet safety approval ratings.

Dummy overuse
Overuse or incorrect use of a dummy, or prolonged use (beyond school age), may lead to mouth and dental problems such as:

• Incorrect positioning of teeth – teeth may be pushed forward so that the bottom and top teeth at the front don’t meet properly.
• Tooth decay (especially the front teeth) – if the dummy is dipped into sweet things before sucking.
• Mouth breathing – your child may tend to breathe through their mouth rather than their nose. This is often linked to long-term dribbling.
• Speech and language problems – your child may not use the full range of tongue movements that are necessary for making all the speech sounds and may have fewer opportunities to use sounds to communicate.

Encouraging your child to stop
Most children stop sucking dummies, fingers or thumbs between the ages of two and four years. However, prolonged sucking beyond six to seven years of age (when permanent teeth begin to come through) may cause tooth and mouth problems. If the habit continues into primary school years, seek advice from a dental professional.

Children should be given the opportunity to stop their dummy habit (wean) spontaneously. Abrupt weaning from the dummy is not recommended, as it often leads to other negative oral habits such as finger sucking. Persist gently but firmly, with good humour. Remember that the first few days are likely to be the most difficult and it may take several attempts before the habit is completely broken.

Dummy sucking versus thumb sucking
Studies of thumb suckers show that they have a greater problem in breaking their habit than dummy suckers. One advantage of the dummy over finger sucking is that the dummy can be gently removed when the child goes to sleep. This helps establish the habit of sleeping without either dummy or thumb sucking.

Where to get help

• Your dentist
• Your Maternal and Child Health nurse
• Your local community dental clinic Tel. 1300 360 054

Things to remember

• Dummy sucking is not thought to be a problem for dental care in the very early years, but should be stopped before permanent teeth appear in the mouth.
• Sucking can have permanent impacts on the mouth and teeth if it persists into school age.
• Dummies need to be clean, free of sugary substances and safe.

Article source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Teeth Development in Children

The development of the primary teeth begins while the baby is in the womb. At about five weeks’ gestation, the first buds of primary teeth appear in the baby’s jaws. At birth, the baby has a full set of 20 primary teeth (10 in the upper jaw, 10 in the lower jaw) hidden within the gums. Primary teeth are also known as baby teeth, milk teeth or deciduous teeth.

Tooth names
Each type of tooth is named for ease of identification. The names are:

• Incisors – the front teeth located in the upper and lower jaws. Each incisor has a thin cutting edge. The upper and lower incisors come together like a pair of scissors to cut the food.
• Canines – the pointy ‘vampire’ teeth, on both sides of the incisors in the upper and lower jaws. They are used to tear food.
• Premolars – have flat surfaces to crush food.
• Molars – larger than premolars, these teeth have broad, flat surfaces that grind food.

Eruption of primary teeth
The term ‘eruption’ refers to the tooth breaking through the gum line. In babies, tooth eruption is also called teething. The timing of tooth eruption differs from one child to the next. For example, one child may cut their first tooth when only a few months old, while another may not teethe until they are 12 months old or more. While the timing may vary, the order of tooth eruption is generally the same. This includes:

• The two front teeth (central incisors) in the lower jaw are usually the first to erupt. This occurs somewhere between the ages of six and 10 months.
• The two front teeth (central incisors) in the upper jaw erupt between the ages of eight and 13 months.
• The lateral incisors, which are the teeth on each side of the central incisors, erupt in both the upper and lower jaws between the ages of eight and 16 months. The lower set tends to erupt before the upper set.
• The first set of upper and lower molars (flat-surfaced back teeth) erupt between the ages of 13 and 19 months.
• Canine or ‘eye’ teeth sit beside the lateral incisors and erupt in both the upper and lower jaws between the ages of 16 and 23 months.
• The second set of upper and lower molars erupts between the ages of 25 and 33 months.

Generally, the average child has their full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of three years.
Development of permanent teeth
The permanent teeth start to develop in the jaws after a child is born. By about 21 years, the average person has 32 permanent teeth: 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw. (In some cases, however, the third molars – commonly called the wisdom teeth – do not develop. A set of 28 permanent teeth is considered normal too.) Permanent teeth are also known as adult teeth or secondary teeth.

Loss of primary teeth
Between the ages of about six and seven years, the primary teeth start to shed. The central and lateral incisors in the upper and lower jaws are usually the first to go. Some children are worried about the loss of their first teeth but the tooth fairy, with her cash reward for every shed tooth, usually helps to ease anxiety!

Eruption of permanent teeth
At about the age of six years, the first permanent teeth erupt. These four molars (two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw) emerge behind the child’s existing primary teeth. Other permanent teeth, such as the incisors and canines, erupt into the gaps in the gum left by shed primary teeth.

Like primary teeth, the timing for when the permanent teeth come through differs from one child to the next. Generally, the order of eruption and rough timeline for each type of permanent tooth includes:

• First molars – between six and seven years
• Central incisors – between six and eight years
• Lateral incisors – between seven and eight years
• Canine teeth – between nine and 13 years
• Premolars – between nine and 13 years
• Second molars – between 11 and 13 years
• Third molars (wisdom teeth) – between the ages of 17 and 21 years, if at all.

Where to get help

• Your dentist
• Your doctor
• Your local council – some have a preschool dental program
• School Dental Service, Dental Health Services Victoria Tel. (03) 9389 8888, 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or 1300 360 054
• Dental Health Services Victoria Information Line Tel. (03) 9341 0428, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or Tel. (03) 9341 0345 after hours
• The Maternal and Child Health Line (24 hours) Tel. 132 229
• Nurse on Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Royal Children’s Hospital Tel. (03) 9345 5344, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or Tel. (03) 9345 5522 after hours

Things to remember

• The average child has their full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of three years.
• Between the ages of about six and seven years, the primary teeth start to shed and the permanent teeth begin to come through.
• By the age of about 21 years, the average person has 32 permanent teeth – 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw.

Article source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Is Pet Dental Health Really Important?

Written by: Lori Matthews

Many veterinarians stress the importance of oral hygiene because tooth and gum problems are common medical conditions seen in pets. If left unchecked, an unhealthy mouth can affect the liver, kidneys, heart and even the brain. So when you lean in to give your pet a smooch, ask yourself "Does my pet need a breath mint?" Studies show that 98% of pets with bad breath are suffering from severe plaque build up.

Bad breath not only means that your pet's mouth may be a warehouse for unhealthy bacteria, tartar and plaque, but it can also point to unhealthy intestines. In addition, the quality of your pet's food can contribute to the status of your pet's breath. Low quality food can cause digestive problems, thus promoting bad breath. Can I Share My Toothpaste With My Pet? Absolutely not! Pets aren't like us: they swallow whatever you use to clean their teeth. Human toothpaste simply isn't edible. Nor is the heavy minty flavor really desirable to pets. Human toothpaste can give your pet some serious stomach problems.

Did you know...? Certain breeds of dogs and cats are genetically predisposed to unhealthy teeth and gums? For example, the Maltese is the number one dog breed with tooth and gum problems. In the cat world, the Siamese and the Abyssinian, charming as they are, have serious tooth problems and often get some of their teeth pulled during their youth. Other factors include viruses, bacteria and not enough abrasive foods. It all starts with the gums looking almost red, and some of the teeth coated with tartar. When it comes to your pet's mouth, don't take anything for granted. When you examine your pet, slowly open his mouth with your fingers and ask yourself the following questions: Does his breath smell like he just raided a rotten fish market? Are any of his canines or molars discolored (gray, brown or green)? (Keep in mind that a pet's teeth may be yellow due to early antibiotics like tetracycline--totally normal.) Are his gums swollen and bright pink or angry red like a lobster with a sunburn? Note that normal colored gums should be light to medium pink. For some dark colored cats and dogs, gums may be gray.

Do you see any sores on the gums, particularly if you have a cat? They'll look like craters on the top or bottom gum or lip. Are his bottom teeth worn down like the soles of a shoe? Do you see any swelling or sores on his face around the lips, under the eyes or nose? Bad teeth can result in a manifestation of external sores. If you have a puppy or a kitten, do you see any double teeth? Is he drooling like a newborn? Keep in mind that some dogs always drool, like the St. Bernard.

If your pet is experiencing excessive drooling but doesn't usually, it could indicate some problem. Has he lost weight recently as a result of not eating enough? It's also important to observe your pet's behavior as far as food is concerned. Has your pet been approaching his food bowl reluctantly? Has he been eating slower than usual and has he exhibited trouble biting hard things? Does your dog or cat cry during or after eating? Does your cat have the tendency to pick up food, spit it out, pick it up again and finally throw it to the back with his tongue? If you've nodded your head to two or more of any of the questions above, then it's clear that your pet has some dental health issues! You must take your pet to your veterinarian right away for an oral examination.

Teeth Care

Dental decay is the most common disease that affects teeth, but it can be prevented. Decay is caused by plaque, a sticky film found on teeth. Bacteria found in plaque change sugars into acids, which produce holes (cavities) in the teeth. Plaque cannot be removed by rinsing. Toothbrushing with a fluoride toothpaste or cleaning by a dental professional are the best ways to remove plaque. Fluoridated drinking water and toothpastes have reduced the amount of dental decay in Australia.

Plaque also causes gum disease
Gum disease is caused by plaque, which builds up on the gumline of teeth and causes gums to become inflamed. Eventually plaque may destroy the fibres and bone that hold teeth in place. Regular removal of plaque from teeth by toothbrushing will reduce gum disease.

How to prevent decay
Suggestions to protect your teeth include:

• Clean your teeth at least twice a day after meals.
• Low fluoride toothpaste is best for children under six years of age. Introduce a low fluoride toothpaste from approximately 18 months of age.
• Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.
• If you eat sugary foods and snacks, limit their intake – especially between meals.
• Drink plenty of tap water – especially if fluoridated.
• Milk and flavoured milks are preferable to other sugary drinks. If you do drink acidic and sugary drinks such as soft drinks, sports drinks, cordials and fruit juices, limit how often and how much of these you drink.
• If you live in a non-fluoridated area, seek dental professional advice about the use of fluoride toothpaste for children. A dental professional may advise more frequent use of fluoride toothpaste, commencement of toothpaste at a younger age or earlier commencement of use of standard toothpaste.

Regular dental check-ups are important
Regular dental check-ups (at least every two years) help to keep teeth and gums healthy. The Child Health Record recommends children’s teeth should be checked twice before they are three and a half years of age. This might be done by a maternal and child health nurse, dental professional or paediatrician.

Dental sealants
Dental sealants protect children’s second (adult) teeth from decay. Sealants are painted on new molars to stop food from collecting on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Not all children need sealants. Ask about these when you see your dental professional.

Protection of teeth and mouth from trauma during sport
Oral trauma can include damage to the teeth, gums, tongue and lips, or fractures of the jawbones. Suggestions to limit trauma include:

• Wear a professionally fitted mouthguard when playing and training for sport if there is a risk of dental injury.
• Some sports and recreational activities require a full-faced helmet or face guard.

Other healthy habits
Oral cancers include cancers of the lip, tongue, gums, floor of mouth and other parts of the mouth and throat. Use of tobacco and heavy consumption of alcohol are major risk factors for oral cancers, while sun exposure is an additional risk factor for cancers of the lip. Suggestions to reduce these risks include:

• If you smoke, quit for good.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Protect your face from the sun.

When to see a dental professional
Regular dental check-ups are important. You should also visit a dental professional if you have:

• A toothache – this may be caused by dental decay.
• Bleeding gums – this may be caused by gum disease. Some viral infections can also make gums inflamed.
• Dental trauma – a tooth may be loosened or knocked out. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, wrap it in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental advice immediately. It may be possible to put the tooth back.

Where to get help

• A dental professional
• Royal Dental Hospital Clinic Tel. (03) 9341 1000 or 1800 833 039, 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
• Dental Health Services Victoria, Emergency Service Tel. (03) 9341 1040 8am to 9.15pm, Monday to Friday; 9am to 9.15pm, Weekends/Public Holidays
• Royal Children’s Hospital Tel. (03) 9345 5344, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Tel. (03) 9345 5522 after hours

Things to remember

• Clean your teeth at least twice a day after meals and have regular dental check-ups to maintain healthy teeth and prevent tooth decay.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of tap water (especially if fluoridated) and enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.
• If you live in a non-fluoridated area, seek dental professional advice about the use of fluoride toothpaste for children.
• Protect your face and mouth when playing sport.
• Quit smoking and limit your alcohol intake.

Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Dental Sealants

Sealants are clear or white plastic coatings that stick or bond to the surfaces of teeth. They are used to cover particular teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Sealants do not dissolve in saliva and are safe. They were developed in the 1960s and have been widely used since this time.

Sealants block the physical effects of early tooth decay
A combination of sealants (on teeth) and fluoride (in water or toothpaste) will virtually eliminate decay in the permanent teeth of many children. In children:

• Fluoride in the water supply and toothpaste, and the School Dental Program, have reduced tooth decay in children.
• Decay is now much less common, although preventable decay still occurs.
• Most decay starts as narrow pits and grooves on the biting surfaces of teeth in the back of the mouth, these narrow grooves are too small for the thick bristles of toothbrushes to get in to clean.
• Germs from plaque living in the grooves can make acid, which may causes tooth decay.

Sealants fill up the grooves
Sealants painlessly fill and block up grooves that are too small for the toothbrush to clean. Sealants:

• Are applied by a dentist or dental therapist
• Fill and block up the small pits and grooves in the teeth to prevent decay
• Take a few minutes to apply to the teeth
• Are painless
• Do not require injections
• Do not require drilling.
• Can last from two to seven years, but may last up to 15 years.
• Your dentist or dental hygienist should check sealants regularly

How sealants are put on teeth
To apply sealants, the dental care provider will:

• Prepare teeth - clean and dry the tooth or teeth
• Apply sealant - a thin layer of plastic liquid into the groove or pit, just like how nail polish is painted onto a fingernail.
• Placed on permanent teeth - in the back of the mouth those have the highest risk of tooth decay. In most children, the first permanent molars appear about age six or seven years and the second molars about age 11 or 12 years.

The liquid then hardens into a tough layer that prevents decay occurring.

Other tips for healthy teeth
Correct cleaning of your teeth and a healthy diet also helps to eliminate dental decay. Remember to:

• Clean your teeth at least twice a day after meals
• Eat a healthy diet and enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.
• Limit sugary foods and sweets especially, between meals
• Drink plenty of tap water especially, fluoridated water
• Have regular dental check-ups.

Where to get help

• Your dentist
• Your dental therapist
• School Dental Program
• Your community health centre.

Things to remember

• Sealants are applied onto the teeth to protect teeth and prevent tooth decay
• Sealants fill up the small grooves on your teeth that are hard to clean
• Regular cleaning of teeth, eating a healthy diet, limiting sugary foods and drinking plenty of tap water also helps to prevent tooth decay

Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

How to Relax in The Dentists Chair

Be cool in the chair!!!

If you're anything like me you'll feel varying degrees of anxiety when you find yourself sitting in the dentists chair, perhaps you can remember a specific incident from your childhood that brings back painful memories or maybe you don't like the sounds and smells involved. Being afraid of the dentist is nothing to be ashamed of and is something most of us experience at sometime in our lives.

The good news however is that modern dentistry is is now a different experience, modern dentists have a greater understanding of their patients fears and concerns and have undergone additional training to meet these concerns. Dental practices have also greatly improved with less painful treatments, more efficient practices and quicker dental treatments along with your dentists empathy make for a much nicer experience.

Lie back and think of something nice...

5 things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable...

1. Arrive relaxed, calm and on time - Plan your visit with care, be sure to allow plenty of time to arrive and park your car if driving. If you are running late or have difficulty getting there on time you will naturally be more stressed. A high level of stress can make you irritable and that makes it more difficult to control your level of anxiety.
2. Try exercising your brain - Don't just sit in the dentists chair thinking about nothing or worse still imagining what might happen but use the time effectively by thinking about something that will tax your brain. Why not have brain puzzle already prepared or perhaps you'd prefer to think about planning your next holiday or a home improvement. Whatever you do make sure you have something to occupy your mind other than what is going on...
3. You are in control - It is important that you let your dentists know how you will signal that you want them to stop now because you need a break before the dental treatment can start again. The mere fact that you can now control the situation often helps reduce anxiety and makes the treatment more bearable.
4. Music can help - A personal stereo that allows you to play your own choice of music or a talking book can help distract your mind and hide the sound of treatment.
5. Hypnosis and relaxation - Perhaps your dentists offer these techniques which are a little like day dreaming, these techniques allow you to gain control over your feelings of distress, panic or fear, if your dentist doesn't offer these services they will most likely be able to suggest somebody suitable.
   

Most importantly speak to your dentist and explain any fears and concerns you may have about your treatment, a good dentist will be able to empathize with your feelings and by carefully explaining what they are about to do and how, it will go a long way to resolving your issues without the need for any other technique, you may even find yourself looking forward to next visit???

About the author:

Tony Forster has a keen interest in dental care and bad breath treatment and has compiled many useful resources at www.eliminate-bad-breath.info

Your Child's First Teeth

You can prevent dental decay in your child's new teeth.

Your own behaviour and example lay the foundation. A good diet, limiting the intake of sugar, thorough daily brushing and regular dental check-ups for yourself also set the pattern for your child.

Food Habits

Good food habits established now, while you have control of your child's diet, are carried on during later school years.

Eating and drinking sweet things causes tooth decay and also lays the basis for later weight and other health problems. The sugar habit is easily formed and very hard to break. Therefor, don't keep sweets (lollies, etc) or biscuits in the house. Children soon learn to manipulate you to get access to them. Use plain milk and water for drinks between meals.

Bottle Decay

Infant's teeth are especially prone to Bottle Decay. This starts as soon as teeth appear and rapidly destroy them. The cause is frequent bottle feeding of sugary solutions, such as sweetened milk, cordial or soft drinks.

Honey or any sugared material on a dummy is equally disastrous.

The use of a sweetened bottle to put the child to sleep is a doubly dangerous habit as saliva flow which has a protective effect, is lessened at night. The pacifying effect of a sweet bottle makes the habit hard to break.

Prevent Bottle Decay by:

• using vitamin drops instead of vitamin syrup
• never adding sugar or honey to a bottle
• tapering off sugar in a formula as soon as possible
• getting your child off the bottle as soon as possible
• cleaning off plaque twice a day
• never put your child to bed with a bottle

Fluoride

Most children in Queensland, including all in Brisbane, do not get enough fluoride in their water to build strong teeth. The right amount is important. Dentists, doctors and pharmacists will advise parents about the correct fluoride dosage.

So that you do not forget your child's extra fluoride, give it at the same time each day.

Brushing

Start cleaning baby's teeth with a wet soft toothbrush or soft flannel as soon as all front teeth are well erupted.

When the back teeth have erupted, use a little fluoride toothpaste. It is normal for some pre-schoolers to resist toothbrushing.

For older children, a ¼ brush length of fluoride toothpaste on a small soft brush is sufficient.

Brush twice a day with a thorough brushing at bedtime.

Most children are unable to brush effectively until eight or nine years of age. Until then it is up to a parent to supervise the child's brushing and complete the task.

First Dental Visit

Your child should meet the family dentist in a relaxed way when you are going for your own dental check-up - around the time when all teeth have erupted is a good starting point. Make this earlier if you have reason to suspect that any problems are developing. Some reasons for going to the dentist earlier include:

• mouth or tooth damage from an accident
• yellow or brown discoloured teeth
• habits which worry you

Further Information

More detailed information on many of the subjects discussed in this pamphlet is available from your dentist.

Source: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/

Teething

When do children begin to get teeth?
Most children will get their first tooth between the age of 5 and 9 months, but some children are born with a tooth. By the time they are 12 months old, most babies have the top and bottom 4 front teeth. If no teeth have appeared by 12 months, a dentist should be consulted.

The first molars appear at about one year of age and are the teeth that can cause the most discomfort as they come through.

By two-and-a-half years, most children will have 20 milk or ‘baby’ teeth. These teeth will be lost from 6 years of age to make way for their permanent or adult teeth. The first of the permanent teeth to appear are the lower first molars (‘6-year-old molars’), followed by the front (incisor) teeth.

What happens when a baby tooth breaks through?
The skin over the tooth will become red and swollen, and the gum may feel hard. Some babies find this painful and uncomfortable.

Most babies have a compulsion to put their fists or objects into their mouths to chew on and rub against their gums.

Teething problems
For some children teething also causes a loss of appetite, excessive dribbling, loose bowel movements and/or skin rashes. The child may be restless when awake, and have difficulty sleeping.

Treating the pain
To help reduce the pain associated with teething the following measures may be useful.

• Gently massage or press on your baby's gum with a clean, wet finger. If this obviously upsets your child do not continue.
• Give your baby something cold to suck or chew on. You can also buy plastic teething rings which you cool and then give to your child to chew on. Some yogurt or fruit straight from the fridge can also be soothing.
• Prevent skin rashes on the face by wiping away dribble with a clean cloth and applying a protective barrier cream.
• Some children are more susceptible to nappy rash when they are teething. Change dirty nappies regularly, and wash the baby's skin well after a bowel motion.
• Rub a teething gel on to the gums if the child is very upset. Use as directed on the packet. Teething gels can be bought over the counter at your local pharmacy.
• Occasionally, children may require paracetamol or ibuprofen to control pain and/or fever. Use strictly as directed on the bottle. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before doing this.

When to see a doctor
Teething may cause your baby to be mildly off-colour but it does not cause serious illness. Take your child to the doctor if your child has a high temperature, diarrhoea, sore ears, is not drinking, or seems unwell rather than just grizzly.

source: http://www.mydr.com.au/

Smoking and Dental Health are More Intimately Connected than You Would Imagine

Smoking and dental health are more intimately connected than you would imagine

Imagine losing a portion of your cheek at the age of 18? Medical research indicates that smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers. Even those addicted to smokeless tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco) can develop cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips, increasing the risk by about 50 times. Oral cancer is in fact one of the most devastating effects of smoking. In fact, the death rate from oral cancers (which includes cancers of the tongue, mouth, gums, tonsils and pharynx) exceeds the death rate from cervical cancer, according to experts.

Who is at risk?

It's believed that the adolescents are at the maximum risk. Over the last 10 years the number of kids under 18 who become daily smokers increased by 70 per cent. Roughly 3,000 kids become regular smokers every day. Worse, almost 1/3 of them will die from a tobacco-related illness (Dental Health Foundation, http://www.dentalhealth.ie/whatsnew/index.tmpl?_eqRIDdatarq=20040 224175004) The susceptibility to smoking starts around age 10 years and peaks by age 14 years in close to 60 per cent of the population. And once thy have experimented, approximately half continue to smoke and become addicted to the nicotine content in cigarettes. An adolescent, who thinks that the health problems of smoking can be alleviated, provided he or she can stop smoking before the age of 35, appears to be at much greater risk of experimentation. Furthermore, older the habit and more the number of cigarettes smoked in a day, harder is it to quit.

The risk of oral cancer in adolescents?

Approximately 75% of all oral cancers are associated with tobacco use or alcohol consumption. In fact, about 3 per cent of male and 2 per cent of female cancer sufferers have oral cancer. The death rate from oral cancer is also high. Only about 50 percent of people who get oral cancer survive for five years or more, in part because the disease often is not discovered until it is more advanced, according to a study carried in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Early warning signs: o Sticky tar deposits or brown staining on the teeth. Heavy smokers will have almost brown teeth. o 'Smoker's palate' - red inflammation on the roof of the mouth o Delayed healing of the gums o Increased severity of gum disease o Bad breath or halitosis o Black hairy tongue o Oral lesions o Gum recession - with chewing tobacco at the site of the tobacco "wad", the gums react by receding along the tooth root, exposing the root of Oral cancer.

Do young people smoke?

There are a number of complex and inter-relating factors that predispose young people to smoke, and these vary among individuals and among populations. However, years of research have identified certain factors that commonly play a role in smoking initiation. These include high levels of social acceptability for tobacco products, exposure and vulnerability to tobacco marketing efforts, availability and ease of access, role modeling by parents and other adults, and peer group use. A study in the United States found that among teens who smoke, 85 per cent chose the three most heavily advertised brands of cigarettes, compared to only 35 per cent of adults. Data suggest that children are more responsive than adults to the messages and images contained in tobacco advertisements. Past studies have also shown that influence by their peers is likely the biggest motivator leading to adolescent's experimentation with smoking. Girls in fact are more susceptible to such influences, a trend that carries over to high school according to past findings.

What dentists and dental associations can do?

Small wonder that the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) has now constituted a task force to push its three-step approach to smoking cessation intervention: "Ask. Advise. Refer." Efforts are meanwhile afoot to develop protocols, scripts, and a toolkit to facilitate smoking cessation intervention by dental hygienists. In November 2003, ADHA also received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Smoking Cessation Leadership Center at the University of California, San Francisco to launch a nationwide effort by dental hygienists to promote smoking cessation. Smoking is no doubt a serious health problem for our adolescents. However, since abstinence is a long-drawn process, our cessation services need to be made more attractive to teens. So far, interventions with the youth have been relatively brief, without focus and without any longer term support systems. It would also be helpful to know what motivates adolescents to want to quit smoking.

Ready to quit smoking?

If you smoke and you're ready to quit, come find out what the top stop-smoking products are at http://stopsmoking.trustsource.org/ac1. These products are ranked and reviewed by the ex-smokers who had success with these products.

Source: Trust Source

Anatomy & Physiology of Children's Teeth

An Introduction to Teeth

Children’s teeth play an important role in digestion and reserving spaces for permanent teeth. Children's teeth are also known as primary teeth. Due to the smaller jaw size of a child, there are only 20 teeth in total. In comparison there are 32 teeth in an adult's mouth. Children are not born with teeth. Teeth usually begin to erupt from 10 months of age and finish around 29 months of age.

The primary teeth consist of incisors (cutting teeth), canines (tearing teeth) and molars (grinding teeth). The tooth consists of a crown and root, and the tooth is composed of different materials that aid in strengthing, preserving and maintaining its function.

Purpose of teeth (Anatomy & Physiology of Teeth)

· To breakdown food into smaller pieces to aid in the process of digestion

· Maintains a space for permanent teeth to come through

Classification and Location of teeth

· Children have 20 teeth in their mouth

· There are 10 teeth on both the top and bottom jaw

· Each jaw consists of specific teeth, which are incisors (cutting teeth), canines (tearing teeth) and molars (grinding teeth).

· From the midline of one side of each jaw consists of 2 incisors, 1 canine and 2 molars.

Primary Teeth Eruption Sequence (Anatomy & Physiology of Teeth)

· Begins around 10 months and ends around 29 months

· Specific eruption times are:

1. Incisors= 10 months (8-13 months)

2. Canines= 19 months ( 16-22months)

3. 1st Molars= 16 months (13-19 months)

4. 2nd Molars = 29 months (25-33 months)

Tooth structure

· The anatomy of the tooth consists of root (hidden in the gum) and crown (visible part of the tooth).

· The root of the tooth functions as an anchor for the tooth and allows for blood and nerve supply to enter the tooth to maintain its viability.

· The crown is the surface that allows for food breakdown as opposing teeth are brought together when chewing.

· The crown and root consists of hard and soft tissue.

· The hard tissue covering the crown is called enamel, a hard mineral surface, where as the root is covered by cementum, a hardy mineral surface, however, it is softer compared to enamel.

· The next layer under both enamel and cementum is dentin, the main bulk of the tooth. Dentin is considered a hard tissue, however, it is much more porous than either of the other hard tissues to allow nutrients to be transferred through the tooth layers.

· The next layer under dentin is the pulp tissue that is housed in pulp cavity. The pulp cavity has a rich blood supply and nerve supply, which is essential for maintaining tooth health.

· The root of the tooth is embedded in bone, which is covered in tissue called gingiva. The root is held in place by strands of tissue that originated from the surrounding bone and embedded into cementum. These strands of tissue are called periodontal ligaments.

Source: http://www.virtualchildshealth.com/

You and Your Dentist

How to get the most from your partnership

Think of the relationship between you and your dentist as a partnership, your dentist can offer a range of dental treatment options for many oral health problems. Theses option will vary in complexity, durability and cost but working together, you can choose the treatment options that best suit your needs and budget.

A good dentist will explain each treatment option, including its benefits and drawbacks. It is important that you tell your dentist about yourself and your needs and you shouldn't be afraid to ask the dental team questions if necessary in order to help you understand their oral treatment recommendations.

The key to all good relationships is trust and understanding as it should be between you and your dentist, you should therefore try to build a relationships based on open and honest communication. A good dental team will be more than happy to explain the oral care program they are proposing for you but if you don't understand any aspect you may want to ask some or all of the following questions.

1. Can you give me a step by step breakdown as you make your oral examinations?
2. What are the treatment options in respect of my specific needs?
3. Are there any alternative treatments I should consider?
4. Which of these options would give me the best outcome?
5. What needs to be treated now and what can wait to be treated later?
6. What can I do in future to avoid similar problems reoccuring?
   

Concerns

Confidence and trust are key factors when visiting your dental team, a dental expert said, "Dentists are trained to understand their patients worries and cam empathize with them. Your dentist should be an expert, not just in technical dentistry but in communication, empathy, understanding and be able to deliver care in a professional manner". He also stated "that cost was actually quite low on their list of concerns, a hygienic, friendly environment is more important for most people".

Many people have a level of anxiety when visiting their dentist, probably based on a bad experience from their childhood when dental techniques were not as good as they are today. Things are somewhat different today as modern dental care and new techniques and advances mean that the discomfort you may remember from your childhood is considerably less today.

Advice

Don't wait for your dentist to sort out your problems, our expert stated "Avoid problems by sticking to a good mouth care routine in the first place, healthy teeth are within everyone's reach".

Remember you and your dentist are a team and good oral health is your goal.

About the author: Tony Forster has a keen interest in dental care and bad breath treatment and has compiled many useful resources at: www.eliminated-bad-breath.info