What is a healthy tooth?
A healthy tooth is clean and strong, supported by solid bone and healthy gums, and free from cavities or decay.
When should you consult your dentist?
At the appearance of any of the following symptoms, consult your dentist immediately: toothache; bleeding gums during brushing; persistent unpleasant breath; cavities; painful sensations; malposed or irregular teeth; swollen, loose or flabby gums; and loose teeth.
Is professional cleaning of the teeth necessary?
Yes. Because even the most careful and conscientious cleaning can leave some Plaque and Tartar deposits. Therefore, it is usually necessary to have your dentist give your teeth a of professional cleaning every 6 months. Professional cleaning maintains periodontal health.
What can happen if missing teeth are not replaced by artificial teeth?
If missing teeth are not replaced by artificial teeth, the adjacent teeth will, over a period of time, lean into the empty space. Food is likely to accumulate between the remaining teeth, providing a breeding ground for decay-causing bacteria. Irregular spacing also makes cleaning of teeth difficult and leads to the formation of Tartar. Further, the pressure caused by chewing is not properly distributed among the remaining teeth. This uneven pressure may contribute to the destruction of gums and bone. So removable or permanent artificial teeth that replace missing teeth maintain your dental health.
Should you use a mouthwash?
You may use a mouthwash, if you want to freshen your breath. But do not expect it to remove Plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Bad breath may indicate some other bodily disorders. Do not mask these signs of trouble by using a mouthwash.
Your child & his teeth
With proper personal and professional care, your child could keep his permanent teeth all his life as Nature intended. You will find most of the questions about your child's teeth and dental care answered here.
What are the types of teeth and when do they erupt?
There are two types of teeth: the primary, often called 'baby' or 'milk' teeth, and the permanent teeth. There are 20 primary and 32 permanent teeth. In some persons, one or more of these teeth may be absent, or there may be one or more extra or supernumerary teeth.
The approximate ages at which the primary and permanent teeth appear are shown in the illustrations. Some children's teeth appear much earlier and some much later than the average appearance dates given here
Are children always ill when they are teething?
Not necessarily. But sometimes teething may be accompanied by vomitting, diarrhoea, fever ànd pain. In case of an illness associated with teething, consult your doctor.
Should gums be lanced to help teeth come out?
Usually, it is not advisable. Gums that have been lanced often heal before the tooth comes through, and then it becomes difficult for the tooth to come up because scar tissue is usually tougher than normal tissue. In some cases, the dentist may advise that the tissue overlaying an unerupted tooth be removed completely.
Why is it important to keep the primary teeth and to have them filled if cavities develop?
The primary teeth should be given the best of care because they were designed by Nature to assist in chewing food, contribute to facial development and expression, preserve the space for incoming permanent teeth and help in better speech habits.
However, if the defective tooth cannot be treated and filled properly, it should be extracted.
Does filling primary teeth weaken permanent teeth?
No. Careful procedures on the primary teeth cause no harmful reaction on the permanent teeth.
Should a primary tooth that is lost too soon, be replaced with a 'space maintainer' (see illustration)?
Yes. Otherwise, the vacant space tends to close up. If a 'space maintainer' is inserted, it will preserve the space for the permanent tooth.
If a child's primary teeth are decayed, irregular or poorly formed, will his permanent teeth also be faulty?
Not necessarily, but an infected primary tooth may affect the developing permanent tooth. Also, premature loss of primary teeth may cause the permanent teeth to erupt out of position or become so affected that they fail to erupt at all.
What should you do if your child accidentally breaks or cracks a tooth?
Take the child to the dentist immediately. The dentist will probably make an X-ray examination and then place medicated cement over the sensitive part of the fractured tooth. Or, he may smoothen the rough edges of the break. If it is a serious fracture, he may place a band or a crown over the tooth to protect it. If the tooth is knocked out, do not clean the tooth, but wrap it in a wet cloth or place it in water. Then take the child and the tooth to the dentist as quickly as possible. In many cases, it is possible to re-attach the tooth to the jaw so that it functions normally.
What harm can irregular or malformed permanent teeth do to a child, and what should be done about it?
Irregular or malformed permanent teeth can be a hindrance to brushing, which may lead to the formation of Tartar on the teeth, and finally, to tooth decay and gum disease. They also interfere with chewing, good speech habits and appearance. For advice, consult your dentist. He will recommend the necessary orthodontic treatment or a minor surgical operation.
What is the proper age at which to begin correcting irregular tooth position?
Some irregularities need treatment when the child is very young. Others are best treated at a later age. Regular check-up by a dentist is advisable. He will decide when the treatment is necessary and refer the child to an orthodontist.
Should something be done about the jagged edges of newly erupted teeth?
No. As a rule, when these teeth are in proper position, the jagged edges gradually wear down, leaving behind a smooth edge.
What is the purpose of examining permanent teeth soon after they appear?
It is important to discover cavities and fill them before they have a chance to seriously damage the tooth seriously.
Is thumb sucking harmful to a child's dental health?
Thumb sucking during the first year or two of a child's life need not cause any concern. Any irregularity in the position of teeth that is directly due to sucking habits will probably correct itself if it occurs before the age of 5. After that, however, thumb or finger sucking may affect the position of the incoming teeth and the shape of the jaws. So, the child should be discouraged from sucking his thumb or fingers.
At what age should a child start using a tooth brush?
He should start using a toothbrush soon after the first incisors (front teeth) have appeared. Initially, you will have to brush his teeth for him. By the time all the teeth have erupted, he will be used to the idea of brushing and will be able to brush his teeth himself.
What is the relationship between nutrition and dental health?
Calcium and phosphorus are necessary for the hardening of the tooth structures during the years the teeth are being formed. After the teeth are fully formed, they do not need any more calcium, nor can they absorb any. A balanced diet throughout for dental health.
Should you give your child calcium tablets while his teeth are forming?
According to most authorities, the best source of calcium is the daily diet. If a child eats a balanced diet and drinks an adequate amount of milk, he will obtain all the calcium and phosphorus he needs. Ask your dentist or doctor for any dietary supplement, if necessary.
What is the place of sweets in the child's diet?
Tooth decay can, to a large extent, be controlled by a diet in which sugar (natural or refined, both) is restricted, particularly between meals. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and such other foods could be substituted for sweets.
Should you defer your child's first dental visit until he needs dental attention?
No. The child should go to the dentist for the first time preferably not as a toothache patient. The first appointment should be free from pain and discomfort, so that the child will learn to know the dentist as a friend.
At what age should you take your child to the dentist for the first time?
Your child's first visit to the dentist should be when he is between 2 and 3 years of age. However, if a child younger than 2 has a cavity or his teeth are injured in an accident, he should, of course, be taken to a dentist for examination and the necessary treatment.
How should you prepare your child for his first visit to the dentist?
The most important thing is to prevent fear. You may remark casually about the benefits of dental care, such as attractive teeth without cavities. Do not over-prepare him. Avoid saying,
'It won't hurt. ' Rather, your attitude should be that the dentist is like a friend who helps you keep your teeth healthy, strong, and shining white.
He will examine the child's mouth and teeth, using a mouth mirror and explorer. He will check for any irregularities of the teeth and jaws. Usually, he will clean the teeth and advise on proper dental care.
Should X-ray pictures be taken of children's teeth?
Yes. If the dentist considers it necessary for a detailed examination.
How can you encourage your child to have regular dental examinations?
When your child is old enough to understand the importance of good living, explain to him the part the teeth play in general health. Dental care should be considered a routine part of normal living. If you have any other questions, ask your dentist. He will advise you properly.
I brush twice a day and take good care of my teeth, so why do I still have dental problems?
Brushing alone isn’t enough—factors like diet (sugar/acid), genetics, improper brushing technique, not flossing, missed dental checkups, or underlying health issues can still cause dental problems. Regular professional cleanings and using mouthwash can also help prevent issues that brushing alone may miss.