In the Know

Importance of Baby Teeth

Primary teeth (baby teeth) are very important to the overall health and well-being of your child. Baby teeth are essential to good nutrition, appearance and self-esteem, speech development, and maintaining the space for the permanent teeth.

Prevention of Tooth Decay

Dental caries (tooth decay) is an infection of the tooth. There are three primary factors involved in the prevention of tooth decay. These factors are oral hygiene (home and professional care), diet, and fluoride.

Top

Oral Hygiene

For infants, use a warm, damp washcloth to wipe food debris (dental plaque) from the teeth and gums. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. On demand breast-feeding prior to naps or at bedtime should be avoided after the first baby tooth is present. Encourage your child to drink from a cup as he or she approaches their first birthday.

For children, preteens, and teenagers, brushing effectively at least twice each day with a fluoride toothpaste is essential. The recommended times for brushing are after breakfast and right before bedtime. Since brushing does not reach the areas between the teeth that touch each other, dental floss must be used properly at least one time each day.

Top

Diet and Nutrition

A healthy, balanced diet that naturally provides the nutrients your child requires for growth and development is recommended. Contrary to popular belief, nearly all foods can cause tooth decay, not just high sugar content foods like cookies and candy. The most current diet recommendations for children are for three well balanced meals per day and no more than two snacks per day. Experts agree that frequency of eating is at least as important as what children eat in causing tooth decay.

Top

Fluoride

Fluoride is extremely effective in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride in water or vitamin supplements that is present in the body during tooth formation can reduce tooth decay by up to forty percent. Topical (surface) fluoride from toothpaste, mouth rinses, or applied in the professional office can further reduce tooth decay by up to an additional fifteen percent. Dr. Boraz will be delighted to discuss with you specific, individualized fluoride recommendations for your child.

Top

Thumb, Finger, and Pacifier Habits

Sucking of the thumb, fingers, or a pacifier by infants and small children is completely normal. These habits fulfill important needs for psychological development and security. Research indicates that these oral habits are beneficial to age four. Most children discontinue these habits on their own and frequently result in no negative effects. If your child continues their habit beyond age four or the upper front teeth begin to move out of alignment, Dr. Boraz will discuss with you options to help your child reduce or eliminate the habit and correct any negative changes that may have occurred.

Top

Improving Appearance

A beautiful, healthy smile is important for helping your child achieve high self-esteem and reach his or her full potential. At Boraz Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves a healthy, sparkling smile.

Top

Tooth Colored Fillings

The original color and shape of most teeth can be restored by using tooth colored fillings (composite resins) or porcelain veneers. These materials are effective for tooth decay as well as chipped or broken teeth.

Top

Colored Spots on Teeth

Spot discoloration of the enamel (outer surface) of teeth can occur. These areas may be white or brown and research indicates most of these areas result from fevers, infections, medications, or trauma during tooth formation. When only a part of the tooth is discolored, enamel microabrasion may be recommended. Enamel microabrasion utilizes a slightly abrasive compound to remove a small layer of the tooth enamel. The procedure is painless and frequently is effective in minimizing or eliminating the spot discoloration.

Top

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening, also referred to as bleaching, is an effective means to achieve an overall lightening of the color of your child's teeth. At Boraz Pediatric Dentistry, we offer several professional options for teeth whitening. Each child is individually evaluated and Dr. Boraz will discuss the options available and make recommendations to best serve your child.

Top

Sealants

Sealants are an excellent and cost effective preventive measure that bond to chewing surfaces of back teeth, creating a barrier against food and bacteria that cause decay. Research indicates that a majority of cavities in children under age 15 develop on the biting surface of molars. Sealants protect the grooved surfaces of these back teeth significantly reducing the risk of cavities. The application of dental sealants is quick and comfortable. With proper care, sealants can last for years and help protect your child throughout their most cavity-prone time.

Top

Mouth Protectors (Mouth Guards)

Athletic mouth protectors (mouth guards) are horseshoe-shaped soft plastic appliances that are adapted to fit comfortably over the upper teeth. Mouth protectors are essential for helping to protect your child from dental and facial injuries involving the lips, cheeks, and tongue. They also offer significant protection against concussions and other head injuries. Your child should always wear a mouth protector during contact and leisure sports such as soccer, rollerblading, football, hockey, softball, baseball, basketball, skateboarding, gymnastics, skiing, and snowboarding. Parents frequently think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.

Several options in mouth protectors are available. Preformed or "boil-to-fit" mouth protectors are available at most sporting goods stores. These mouth protectors are cost effective and appropriate in certain circumstances, but vary in comfort and protection. Custom mouth protectors are professionally provided in our office and offer more comfortable and effective protection, but may be a bit more costly. Dr. Boraz will recommend the most appropriate mouth protection for your child.

Top

Your Child's Teeth

	Click on image to view larger version Source: ADA
	Click on image to view larger version Source: ADA

Children normally have 20 primary (baby) teeth and 32 permanent teeth. On average, the lower central incisor teeth begin to appear in the mouth at approximately six months of age. By age 21, all 32 permanent teeth should be present (if wisdom teeth form and have sufficient room to enter the mouth). Adjacent are charts depicting the primary and permanent teeth with their name, average age of eruption (entering the mouth), and average age of loss (for baby teeth). Please keep in mind the ages listed are averages and there is a WIDE range in the ages that is normal.

Kids' Smiles Are Our Specialty

Top