dentistry
Cavity Infections
Some people tell me that “weak teeth” run in the family. I respond that everyone in the family most likely have an aggressive type of plaque on their teeth. Because cavities are caused by bacteria, they are the result of infection.
Infection with a specific type of bacteria is more likely to lead to a cavity than other types of bacteria. One of the most aggressive bacteria is called Streptococcus mutans. It is related to Strep throat bacteria but grows especially well on teeth.
First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends the first dental visit to be whenever the first tooth erupts or by the child’s first birthday.
I agree that this works for first children but I think than once parents have been through the practice of taking their infant off the bottle by age one, brushing and flossing daily, watching sweets, and using fluoride suplements appropriately, the following kids can wait until two or even three for their first dental appointment.
Spotty Teeth
Many kids or their parents ask me about spots they see on teeth.
There are several different types of spots found on teeth:
- white spots
- chalky yellow spots
- chalky brown spots
- dark brown spots
- black spots
Each of these have different causes but most have similar treatment: Treatment is either leaving it, polishing off the surface of the tooth or placing a filling of some sort.
White spots can be caused by:
Brushing Braces
One of the hardest things to do as an adolescent is to brush your teeth. We give brushing instructions but when you have braces, it becomes much, much, much harder to do a good job.
Brushing teeth and especially brushing around braces requires attention to detail and taking enough time to do it well. These are not traits that teens are famous for.
Sleep Dentistry or Deep Sedation
Some children are unable to hold still for dental care even with conscious sedation. For children with many cavities that will take a long time to fill or children too young to understand the need to sit still, we are able to have them go to sleep for their dental fillings.
Today I had a four year old boy from Molalla and a three year old girl from Gladstone needing deep sedation. Deep sedation is not quite general anesthesia like for medical operations but keeps patients just barely asleep.
Toothpaste
Enough parents ask about toothpaste for their kids that it is worth revisiting. See this page for more information on children’s toothpaste. Most of these questions are concerning fluoride in toothpaste. See the article on Fluoride for more information.
Common questions about children and kid’s toothpaste:
- At what age should I start brushing?
As soon as they have teeth use a soft toothbrush with infant toothpaste or a cloth to wipe them clean.
Baby Tooth Roots
Many of the parents in my practice are surprised to see that primary or baby teeth have roots.
The only baby teeth they had ever seen had no roots at all and they never really thought about what keeps them in.
Actually, the baby teeth have very strong roots that hold them firm when chewing and biting. As the adult teeth begin to grow, they push against the baby tooth roots and dissolve them away.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Some children need help coping with the fear of the unknown or anxiety of the known. A five year old boy from Milwaukie, Oregon recently needed oral sedation for his dental care.
This child had several decayed molars and the cavity on one tooth was especially deep. Since his older sister had told him that we were going to use a big shot and yank out his tooth, he got really scared.
- GreatGood to see everyone. Keep working on Dorian's dad, to get Dorian in. Sad that he would let his teeth go!
- ReviewGreat Grins is a great place and have wonderful employees! Always a pleasure to go in and both my kids are very comfortable when there.
- We love going to the dentist!You are all so great. Very good with kids of all ages. Everyone is friendly and patient.
- Five stars!Very caring staff. Dr. Mark gave me great motivating advice for caring for my teeth. Appreciate the video games in the waiting room, toys and books for young children, coffee and magazines for parents. ~Jared (age 15)
- Bailey's Visit TodayYou guys always do an awesome job. I wouldn't take my sons anywhere else!
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