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Dr. Charlyn Wilson |
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We believe dental care should be easy for everyone to attain. Because of this, we gladly accept major credit cards and offer outside financing.
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We have an extra-special newsletter for you that's full of advice for every child's age.
We understand; parents today face a daily barrage of information on how best to care for their children. With new research, changing governmental guidelines and a wide range of experts' opinions; finding and using the correct information can be time consuming and confusing. Below, we are offering you the most current information when it comes to your child's oral health. From infancy to adolescence, your child's smile will be the brightest when you work together to institute the best health habits in their lives. |
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Infancy
When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth? And how? Actually, you should start cleaning your baby's mouth as soon as he or she is born. Before your baby's teeth begin to emerge, clean his or her gums by lying your infant in your lap and gently, but firmly, rubbing a small piece of gauze or clean, damp washcloth along the baby's upper and lower gums. When your child's primary teeth begin to peek through, use a toothbrush specially designed for a baby's mouth. Toothpaste really isn't necessary at this time. However, you can use toothpaste, and if so, use a "starter" toothpaste that does not contain fluoride.
What are the best ways to deal with teething? Teething can be as stressful for parents as it is for children. It may make your baby irritable or fussy or cause restlessness, drooling, and loss of appetite. You can ease your child's teething discomfort by offering a frozen teething ring to chew on, rubbing the gums with a clean finger, or using over-the-counter pain medicine.
Can pacifiers or thumb sucking harm my child's mouth? Sucking is a natural reflex and something babies do while still in the womb. For many infants, sucking is soothing and gives them a sense of security, and nothing calms a fussy baby faster than a bottle, pacifier or thumb. Children often give up sucking habits by the age of four or five. Children who are still sucking a pacifier, finger or thumb when their adult teeth begin to come in are more likely to have dental problems. The amount of damage incurred is determined by the intensity, frequency, and duration of the child's sucking. It is easier to get a child to stop sucking a pacifier than a finger, since you can simply get rid of the pacifier. To help your child to quit sucking a thumb or finger, try using positive reinforcement or we can discuss other alternatives such as appliances.
Is putting my baby to sleep with a bottle harmful? Absolutely. While parents are aware of the effects of candy, sodas and other sugary sweets, many do not realize that any food containing carbohydrates is broken down into sugars and can cause decay. Putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice ensures that these sugars stay in the mouth, providing "food" for the bacteria that cause decay. Baby-bottle decay, or "early childhood caries", affects about 4 to 5 percent of infants in the United States and other Western countries. In disadvantaged areas, this number may reach 25 percent or more. Even though baby teeth are soon replaced with adult teeth, decay of those first teeth can have serious consequences, since they hold a space for permanent teeth and their decay can cause pain when chewing or eating and eventually will cause an abscess or infection. If your infant insists on using a bottle to calm down between meals or at bedtime, fill it with water instead of juice.
Is breast-feeding better than bottle-feeding in preventing early childhood cavities? Many experts recommend breast-feeding over bottle-feeding for the overall health of your child. However, breast-feeding can lead to early childhood cavities in the same way that bottle-feeding can. Avoid overnight feeding, such as bringing your baby to bed with you and allowing him or her to nurse extensively. Milk can "pool" in your baby's mouth at night, leading to acid and decay. The American Dental Association recommends that with either breast-feeding or bottle-feeding, you should encourage your child to begin drinking from a cup by their first birthday.
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Toddlers/Children
When should I start using fluoride toothpaste for my child? Toothpaste is off-limits until your child is able to spit. Fluoride is safe and necessary for keeping teeth strong, but only at appropriate levels. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using fluoride by age 3. Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush by using a "smear" technique - smearing the paste evenly on the brush. Younger children may accidentally swallow toothpaste in excessive amounts, which can actually discolor their teeth. Remember, too; even if your water is fluoridated, you still should use a fluoride toothpaste. If your water isn't fluoridated, be sure to tell your dentist so that he or she can prescribe a fluoride supplement.
How can I help my children care for their teeth? There are several things you can do to preserve your child's white, bright smile. The first thing you can do is to set a good example - taking care of your own teeth shows that oral health is important. Make taking care of teeth fun by letting your child pick out his or her own toothbrush or toothpaste. Make sure that your child brushes twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Parents should to try to floss the child's teeth as soon as possible to avoid cavities from forming. They can do this by lying the child on the bed to help the parent see better. We recommend regular dental floss, but if the child is uncooperative, floss "sticks" or holders are acceptable. Encourage a well-balanced diet that limits starchy or sugary foods. When your child does have a sweet treat, try to eat them with a meal rather than as a snack so that the extra saliva produced during the meal can help to rinse out the mouth.
What are dental sealants? How do I know if my child needs them? Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of a child's permanent back teeth, where most cavities form. Applying a sealant is not painful and can be performed in one dental visit. Your dentist will tell you if your child can benefit from sealants.
What should I do if my child chips, breaks, or knocks out a tooth? The first thing you should do is to contact our office immediately. If your child is in pain, visit the dentist as soon as possible. If possible, keep any part of the tooth that has broken off and take this with you to the dentist. If a tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth, take the tooth and your child to our office immediately. Handle the tooth as little as possible - don't wipe it or try to clean it and keep it submerged in water or milk. With luck, we may be able to place the tooth back in the mouth through reimplantation.
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Adolescence/Teenagers
How do I know if my child needs to see an orthodontist? If your child's teeth are crooked or crowded; if he or she has poor jaw alignment; or if you hear frequent complains with facial pain; you probably need to visit the orthodontist. Modern orthodontics begin as early as age seven, so don't wait if you feel your child has needs in this area. Only an orthodontist or dentist can tell you if your child will need some kind of orthodontic work or appliance, such as braces. You should expect a full evaluation of your child's dental history and a complete examination to determine how best to treat your child.
My child plays sports. Does he need a mouth guard? Yes! Mouth guards are absolutely necessary when playing sports. The appliance usually covers the upper teeth and protects your child from broken teeth, cut lips, and other oral damage. If your child wears braces or other fixed appliances, like a bridge, we may recommend a guard for the lower teeth as well.
What can I do if my teenager smokes? Smoking can cause tooth discoloration, bad breath, gum disease, and oral cancer. One of the best measures you can take to prevent teenage smoking is not to smoke yourself. If you already smoke, talk to your dentist about ways to kick the habit. Talk to your children early and often about the hazards of tobacco use and how to deal with friends who pressure them to smoke. If you suspect that your child is currently smoking, talk to your dentist or doctor about how to help him or her stop. The sooner tobacco use is stopped, the better, for your child's oral and overall health.
Are oral piercings dangerous? Yes, oral piercings can cause infection, uncontrollable bleeding, and nerve damage. Your teenager can choke on studs or hoops that come loose and metal jewelry can crack or break his or her teeth. If your child is considering an oral piercing, talk with your dentist about the hazards associated with piercings in order to make the best choice. |
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By far the most important action you can take to preserve your child's teeth and promote good oral health is to create a partnership with our dental team. Make sure that the whole family visits us at least twice a year to maintain good oral health and to detect and treat problems. With our support, you and your child will enjoy a lifetime of bright, sparkling smiles. | |
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