
Learn how to reduce the risk of chipping or fracturing your teeth by following the recommendations below. You will also learn if you are at risk for chipping your teeth.
(more…)Learn how to reduce the risk of chipping or fracturing your teeth by following the recommendations below. You will also learn if you are at risk for chipping your teeth.
(more…)Even before baby teeth begin to erupt, around the age of 6-10 months when the first baby tooth comes through, it is essential to start a regular oral hygiene regimen with your baby at home. It is recommended to use a damp cloth or piece of gauze to wipe your baby’s gums after bottles and before bed to remove sugars from the milk. As soon as the first baby tooth erupts, you can begin using a small toothbrush and non-fluoridated toothpaste to brush. The baby teeth will erupt between the age of 6-10 months until around 25-33 months. Baby teeth may be susceptible to cavities as soon as they break through the gum tissue into the mouth, so it is vital to have a good oral hygiene regimen.
(more…)Gum disease is an umbrella term used to describe several gum issues. It includes gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. The term also includes periodontitis, which is an inflammation of the bone, ligament and supporting structures of the teeth. Gum disease can also be used to describe temporary, aggressive types of gum issues such as ANUG (acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.)
(more…)Snoring in children is something that should be assessed by a healthcare provider. It may be innocent and related to illness or allergies if it is a rare occurrence. However, if this is a more consistent habit, it could be a symptom of something more dangerous such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
(more…)While there are many foods that are great for our overall health, some caution should be exercised when consuming these foods to ensure that your teeth stay healthy for your lifetime.
Citrus fruit may be healthy for your body, but because of a very acidic pH level, eating lots of citrus fruits can lead to tooth erosion. Tooth erosion occurs when the acids in your mouth erode the outer layer of your teeth, known as the enamel. Tooth erosion can lead to sensitive, thin and yellowish looking teeth. Try to rinse your mouth with water after consumption of citrus fruits, and the water will wash away much of the acid from your mouth.
(more…)There are several reasons why your dentist might recommend placing a crown on your child’s tooth. The main reason is if the cavity on the tooth is large. Baby teeth are not just smaller versions of adult teeth. They have thinner layers of enamel, the protective outer layer. A thinner layer means that a cavity can grow and affect the nerve of the tooth faster than it could in an adult tooth. Once a cavity gets close to the nerve, it will likely need nerve treatment, often called a “baby root canal” this is not as invasive as an adult root canal, but it does leave the tooth weaker and more prone to breakage if not protected. Cavities often occur on more than one surface of a tooth, so instead of placing multiple fillings on one tiny tooth, a crown would cover all of the surfaces. The crown will protect the tooth from future decay and breakage.
(more…)Halloween may be known for haunted houses, creepy zombies and monsters that roam in the night. However, the sweeter side of Halloween, the overload of candy, can produce much scarier results than ghosts and ghouls. Completely avoiding candy at Halloween may be too difficult for you, and not very festive. So, here are some tips to help stay healthier during the holidays and avoid those terrifying cavities later on.
(more…)Milk contains natural sugars in the form of lactose, which can cause cavities. Therefore, it is essential to brush your baby/child’s teeth after breastfeeding and bottles. The sugars from the milk can sit on their teeth if their teeth are not being brushed, and cause cavities. Often, cavities will appear on the upper front teeth because this is where the milk passes through and tends to pool. It is essential to brush after breastfeeding and after giving your child bottles of milk.
(more…)Invisalign is a tooth alignment process, much like braces, that gradually straightens your teeth and aligns your bite. It involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are worn for 1 to 2 weeks each, before switching to the next aligner set in the treatment series. The clear aligners apply slow, gradual pressure on the teeth in strategic areas to change the positioning. “Attachments” are bonded onto some tooth surfaces to allow the aligners to have traction when moving the teeth. Invisalign treatment, on average, takes around 18 months, but each case is different, and the more complex the case is, the more time that may be needed.
(more…)On average, the first tooth to erupt, or come into the mouth is one of the lower front teeth. This usually occurs around 6 to 8 months of age. Just like other milestones, a child’s teeth can develop at different rates. Some can be much earlier than six months, and some may not get teeth until they are close to their first birthday. Slower teething can be
a benefit in some ways. Once teeth erupt, they are exposed to foods that can increase the risk of cavities. Generally, children who experience teething early have a higher risk of cavities. Be sure to properly clean your baby’s teeth once they erupt in the mouth.