How Can Child’s Oral Habits Affect Permanent Teeth

Blog

How Can Child’s Oral Habits Affect Permanent Teeth

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on How Can Child’s Oral Habits Affect Permanent Teeth. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.


[1]Giving importance to the child’s oral health is an essential point that the parents should never neglect right from the time they are born. It is a fact that when the baby’s teeth get replaced with permanent teeth, it still plays an essential role in the child’s oral hygiene. You should keep your children’s teeth healthy as they are the foundation of permanent teeth. Compromising such a necessary health factor could deteriorate the overall teeth of the children. There are many things that you must take care of from the very beginning of the child’s teeth journey as a parent.

According to WHO (World Health Organization) and the best dental clinic in Whitefield, almost 530 million or more children suffer from some sort of dental health condition of primary teeth (also known as milk teeth). One Of the leading causes of such issues is the ignorance of the parents of their child’s oral health. Parents often believe that the permanent teeth will replace the milk teeth so there would be no use in keeping up with their health. But on the contrary, it is not the fact. If you want your child to have complication-free, permanent teeth, it is necessary to take care of the child’s oral health seriously from the onset with no delay. The baby teeth or milk teeth significantly impact the development of the permanent teeth plus the overall dental health.

[2]Oral Health Problems In Children

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay (also called early childhood caries, nursing caries, and nursing bottle syndrome) happens when a baby’s teeth are in frequent contact with sugars from drinks, such as fruit juices, milk, formula, or any other sweet drink. If breastfed infants fall asleep with unswallowed milk in their mouth, they are also at risk for tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars, causing tooth decay.

If left untreated, decayed teeth can cause pain and make it difficult to chew and eat. Also, baby teeth serve as “space savers” for adult teeth. If baby teeth are damaged or destroyed, they can’t help guide permanent teeth into their proper position, possibly resulting in crowded or crooked permanent teeth. Badly decayed baby teeth could lead to an abscessed tooth, with the possibility of infection spreading elsewhere in the body.

How Do I Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Some tips to prevent baby bottle tooth decay include:

  1. During the day, to calm or comfort your baby, don’t give a bottle filled with sugary drinks or milk; instead, give plain water or a pacifier.
  2. Never dip your baby’s pacifier in sugar, honey, or any sugary liquid.
  3. Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle filled with sugary drinks (watered-down fruit juice or milk still increases the risk of decay).
  4. If your baby is nursing at night, make sure you remove your breast from your baby’s mouth when they fall asleep.
  5. Don’t add sugar to your baby’s food.
  6. Use a wet cloth or gauze to wipe your baby’s teeth and gums after each feeding. This helps remove any bacteria-forming plaque and sugar that have built up on the teeth and gums.
  7. Ask your dentist about your baby’s fluoride needs. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements or fluoride treatments may be needed.
  8. Teach your baby to drink from a cup by their first birthday. Moving to a “sippy cup” lowers the teeth’s exposure to sugars, but constant sipping from the cup can still result in decay unless it is filled with plain water.

Thumb Sucking

It’s normal and healthy for infants to suck their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or toys. Object sucking gives children a sense of emotional security and comfort. But if thumb sucking continues beyond the age of 5, when the permanent teeth begin to come in, dental problems can occur. Depending on the frequency, intensity, and duration of the sucking, the teeth can be pushed out of alignment. Your child may also have difficulty with the correct pronunciation of words. In addition, the upper and lower teeth can become misaligned and the roof of the mouth might become malformed.

Tips To Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking

First, remember that thumb sucking is normal and should not be a concern unless the habit continues as the permanent teeth begin to emerge.

Children must make the decision on their own to stop sucking their thumb or fingers before the habit will cease. To help toward this goal, parents and family members can offer encouragement and positive reinforcement. Because thumb sucking is a security mechanism, negative reinforcement (such as scolding, nagging, or punishments) are generally ineffective; they make children defensive and drive them back to the habit. Instead, give praise or rewards for time successfully avoiding the habit. Gradually increase the time needed without sucking to achieve the reward. The younger the child, the more frequent the rewards will need to be given. For children who want to stop, cover the finger or thumb with a band-aid as a reminder. Take the thumb or finger out of the mouth after your child falls asleep.

To help older children break the habit, you should try to determine why your child is doing it: Find out what stresses your child faces and try to correct the situation. Once the problem is gone, your child often finds it is easier to give up sucking. If this doesn’t work, there are dental appliances your child can wear in the mouth to prevent sucking. These appliances are cemented to the upper teeth, sit on the roof of the mouth, and make thumb sucking harder and less pleasurable.

Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting is the habit of sealing the mouth for swallowing by thrusting the top of the tongue forward against the lips.

Just like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting exerts pressure against the front teeth, pushing them out of alignment, which causes them to protrude, creating an overbite, and possibly interfering with proper speech development.

If you notice symptoms of tongue thrusting, consult a speech pathologist. This person can develop a treatment plan that helps your child to increase the strength of the chewing muscles and develop a new swallowing pattern.

Lip Sucking

Lip sucking involves repeatedly holding the lower lip beneath the upper front teeth. Sucking of the lower lip may occur by itself or in combination with thumb sucking. This practice results in the same kinds of problems as with thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. Stopping the habit involves the same steps as for stopping thumb sucking

Early Tooth Loss

Premature loss of a child’s baby teeth typically occurs from tooth decay, injury, or lack of jaw space.

If teeth are lost before the permanent teeth come in, the nearby teeth can tip or shift. When a permanent tooth tries to emerge into its space, there may not be enough room. The new tooth may emerge tilted. Crooked or misaligned teeth can cause a range of problems, from interfering with proper chewing to causing temporomandibular joint problems.

If your child loses a tooth prematurely, your dentist may recommend a space maintainer. A space maintainer is a plastic or metal device that holds open the space left by the missing tooth. Your dentist will remove it once the permanent teeth begin to erupt.


Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://dentalclinicinwhitefield.com/childrens-oral-habits-affect-their-permanent-teeth/
  2. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oral-health-problems-children

Post A Testimonial

Teeth Cleaning

Post46

Special Offer

Post47-5

Featured Services

Post46-4 Post45-3 Post44-5-1 Post44-2-1 Dental Implant

Dental Brace Options

Blog

Dental Brace Options

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on Dental Brace Options. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.


[1]Adults are embracing orthodontia like never before.

A survey by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) showed that the rate of people over 18 with braces grew 14 percent from 2010 to 2012. That brought the number of adults with braces in the United States and Canada to over a million.

“We’re more concerned about our appearance and we’re more concerned about keeping our teeth,” says DeWayne McCamish, DDS, MS, AAO president.

[2]Underbites, overbites and teeth that are crooked, crowded or have large gaps can all be treated with braces. There are just as many options in braces as there are problems they solve.

Parents of today had far less choice as teenagers; it was just the standard metal braces available back then. Now, their children can be fitted with a range of different options in braces.

There Are 5 Main Types Of Braces Available Today:

  1. Metal braces
  2. Ceramic braces
  3. Lingual braces
  4. Clear aligners like Invisalign

Metal Braces

Metal or traditional braces are the most common type of braces world-wide and have been around for over 100 years now. In the past, braces were very bulky and noticeable. Luckily, braces today are nothing like what they were 100 years ago. Advances in innovation and technology have made braces:

  • Smaller
  • Faster
  • More Comfortable
  • More Effective

Metal braces are most popular among children and adolescent patients. They work by applying the braces to the teeth and connecting them with a wire. The wire is tied to the braces using elastic ties, which come in an array colors to choose from. To move the teeth, the orthodontist makes adjustments to the wire at your appointments every 4-8 weeks.

Unlike clear aligners like Invisalign which are removable, some parents and patients love metal braces because they do not need to remind their child to wear them. However, metal braces require care and attention and good oral hygiene is a must throughout treatment.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are braces made of clear, tooth colored material. They work in the same way as metal braces, but are more discreet and less visible. Ceramic braces are most popular among patients who do not think Invisalign or lingual braces are right for them, but who still want to straighten their teeth in an aesthetically driven way.

Compared to metal braces, ceramic braces are less noticeable and present an affordable alternative to metal braces. You should know, however, that these braces are also slightly larger than metal braces and can stain depending diet and brushing habits. They are not for everybody, but we believe they remain a valuable tool in our orthodontic tool-bag.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces behind the teeth are the most specialized and least common orthodontic system on the market. This is because they require a different set of orthodontic skills that few orthodontists take the time to hone. Lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth, are not typically taught during standard orthodontic training, so it’s often up to the individual Orthodontist in London, Ontario to gain proficiency through additional learning and experience.

We believe that lingual braces behind the teeth should be presented as an option to all eligible patients because they provide advantages that no other type of braces offer. These include complete invisibility, full customization to your specific teeth, as well as better efficiency and versatility in select patients.

Lingual braces behind the teeth are especially well-suited for adults who do not want noticeable braces, but also have complex orthodontic needs. We have also seen an increase in the popularity of braces behind the teeth among esthetically conscious adolescents.

While lingual braces offer many advantages, there are some things you should know before taking the leap! Because lingual braces are behind the teeth, some patients experience slight changes to their speech (lisps are common) and irritation to their tongue. These symptoms usually present shortly after the braces are applied and usually go away several weeks later as your mouth becomes accustomed to the new appliances.

Invisalign And Clear Aligners

Clear aligners have seen a surge in popularity in the last decade. They were popularized by Invisalign in the early 2000s, which slowly became the largest brand of aligners. In a way, they are what “Kleenex” is to facial tissues or “BandAid” to bandages.

It is clear why clear aligners and Invisalign are so popular right now:

  • Clear and transparent
  • Removable
  • Allow for easier brushing and flossing
  • Faster than braces for some limited treatments
  • Require less appointments in some cases
  • Shorter appointments are sometimes possible

Invisalign is great for patients who had braces when they were younger and just need a “touch up,” as well as for patients who have mild to moderate dental problems like misaligned teeth, large overbite, no jaw alignment problems, and who have gaps in their front teeth (open bite). But any clear aligner system including Invisalign has significant limitations compared to braces when addressing difficult problems or comprehensive treatments.


Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-health/adult-braces
  2. https://www.theorthodontists.com.au/blog/different-types-of-braces-are-available-which-is-best-for-you

Painless Dentistry

Blog

Painless Dentistry: Gentle & Stress-Free Treatment

 

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on Painless Dentistry. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.


[1]When most of us hear the word DENTIST, a shiver runs down our spine and the thought of the dreaded drill and pain makes us run in the opposite direction. For a long period of time pain and dentistry have been associated together and have made a great team, but the time has finally come for them to part ways.

With the advent of new technology, knowledge, and the latest equipment, dentistry has become almost pain-free.

Most of us consider Root Canal Treatment to be torture and relate it with severe pain and discomfort. But to our delight, in this new world of dental care, a root canal procedure when performed by a skilled dentist is almost painless and can even be completed in a single visit depending on the case.

It is performed under local anesthesia, using the latest equipment which includes the Apex Locator (which tells us the exact extent of the root canal reducing the need for unnecessary x-rays), High magnification using loupes or a microscope, and the latest rotary instruments to achieve the perfect Root Canal Treatment.

Even the administration of Local anesthesia is painless now, with the advent of the latest delivery system using extremely thin needles at very low speed. The pre-application of a topical spray or jelly makes the procedure even more comfortable.

For sensitive patients, Local Anesthesia could be administered even for general dental procedures such as a restoration (filling) or deep cleaning. The idea is to make the entire dental treatment as comfortable for the patient as possible.

[2]Sedation dentistry allows the most anxious of patients to get their oral health on track

At Asleep for Dentistry, providing a comfortable and painless dental experience for our patients has always been a top priority.

In fact, dentistry has come a long way in ensuring patients have as positive of a dental visit as possible. With comfortable chairs to sit in, protective eyewear to block out strong light during treatment, and even TVs mounted on the ceilings of the procedure rooms among other comfort-promoting efforts – patients can generally expect a rather pleasant dental care experience today.

However, dental anxiety and fear are still very common for many patients. In fact, millions of people neglect their teeth each year due to these concerns.

The good news is: Sedation dentistry has been a game-changer for many of these particularly anxious patients.

When it comes to dental anxiety, there are various medications available to alleviate most fears and allow a patient to have a painless dental experience.

Dentists often seek out one of three different types of sedation options for their patients. They differ in their administration, as well as the level of pain control and anxiety relief that they provide.

Oral Sedation/Medication:

This is a pill or liquid prescribed and taken prior to the procedure. These sedatives often referred to as sleeping pills, allow the patient to become very relaxed to the point that they are generally not aware of the treatment being provided. As this is a stronger level of sedation, patients will require a ride to and from the dental office and will usually need to rest after the treatment, allowing the sedative to wear off

This type of sedation is ideal for longer, more invasive procedures, and for patients that would rather not be aware of the dental treatment being provided.

Inhalation Sedation/Medication:

Nitrous oxide is used in inhalation sedation (often referred to as laughing gas), and is a great option for painless dentistry. Once inhaled, a patient can feel warm/tingling sensations, as well as a general sense of well-being, or may feel “floaty” or extreme sleepiness. Either way, it’s a pleasant feeling!

Nitrous oxide works very rapidly – reaching the brain within 20 seconds, with relaxation and pain-killing properties developing after 2 or 3 minutes. The depth of sedation can be altered from moment to moment, allowing the person who administers the gas to increase or decrease the depth of sedation.

Best of all, because the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped, a patient can safely drive home after their dental appointment without the need of an escort.


Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/mordern-world-painless-dentistry
  2. http://www.asleepfordentistry.com/blog/painless-dentistry.html