A Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

Your child’s introduction to oral care should actually begin soon after birth.  By gently cleaning a baby’s gums after feedings with a soft, damp washcloth, parents can get the child accustomed to oral hygiene as an important , everyday routine. Your child’s first dental visit is as important as those first words or first steps; it’s a social and developmental milestone.  By starting dental visits at an early age, you will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.

A child’s introduction to professional dental care should take place by the child’s first birthday.  The earlier you begin, the better chance there is to prevent problems. We will take the time to make sure that your child's first visit is a fun one.  From taking a ride in the dental chair to watching their favorite cartoon, we have plenty that will ease any anxiety about a new place!

We believe that making the first visit to our office a fun and memorable one will help your child to have a great future with their oral health care.

Before the First Dental Visit

Here are some important tips for your child’s first dental visit:

Don’t                                                                    

·        Bribe your child into going to the dentist.

·        Use the dental visit as a punishment

·        Let the child know that you feel any anxiety about going to the dentist.

·        Let anyone tell your child scary stories about dental visits.

 Do

·        Talk about the upcoming appointment with your child in a positive, matter-of-fact way

·        Try to make dental visits enjoyable for your child

·        Set a good example by caring for your teeth.

Oral Health During Your Pregnancy

The old wives’ tale that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy is simply not true. 

 

Tooth decay results from repeated acid attacks on the teeth.  The way that a pregnant woman would get more cavities is to eat a lot of candy, sweet and salty snacks and not maintain good oral health. (Last time I checked that is true for everyone!!)

Some forms of gum disease, however, may occur more frequently during pregnancy due to a rise in the body’s hormone levels.  These increased hormones exaggerate the way gum tissues react to the irritants in plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth.  Home care during pregancy is very important to help prevent this from occuring.

Another thing mistakenly believed is that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy. The developing baby’s need for 400 milligrams of calcium per day is supplied by the mother’s diet.  If calcium in the mother’s diet is inadequate, this mineral will be depleted from the mother’s bones.

Regular visits to the dentist are very important during pregnancy!  We can help you maintain your good oral health, so don't wait - call us today!

What Causes Bad Breath?

There’s no single answer, but advanced gum disease --- usually preventable by brushing, flossing and regular dental visits --- is a primary culprit, because bacteria can gather in pockets that form around the teeth, releasing unpleasant odors.  Even before serious gum disease sets in, poor oral hygiene can contribute to this social embarrassment.

Onions, garlic and similar foods can also cause bad breath by releasing oils into the bloodstream, which travel to the lungs and are exhaled.  A denture can trap food and plaque, leading to odors.  Brushing your dentures daily and soaking them every night in a cleaning solution helps avoid these problems.  In addition, some illnesses, including diabetes, tuberculosis and kidney and liver disorders, may also lead to bad breath.  We can determine whether the problem is of dental origin and, if not, we will direct you to a physician for further evaluation and treatment.

Be sure to brush your tongue including the back of your tongue daily to remove bacteria.  If you continue to have bad breath, we may be able to offer you other treatments.

The Mouth: A Mirror of Health

The mouth is often called the body’s “barometer” or “mirror” of health, because it’s so easy to observe and because so many diseases have oral signs and symptoms.

Many diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth and tongue.  That’s why when we examine your mouth, we look for more than tooth decay.  Disorders that can show up in the mouth include:

·        Vitamin deficiencies.  A burning or sore tongue is a common symptom of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies.  Bleeding gums can be a warning sign not only of gum disease, but also of scurvy, a Vitamin C deficiency.

·        Diabetes.  Early signs can include red, swollen gums and teeth that are sensitive to tapping.

·        Leukemia.  Signs can include sores inside the cheek, in the throat and on the tonsils and lips.

·        Bulimia.  The compulsive pattern of consuming enormous quantities of food and then vomiting may lead to loss of enamel and dentin on the inner (tongue) sides of the teeth.

·        Infectious mononucleosis.  This condition is sometimes signaled by inflamed gums and tiny hemorrhage spots on the roof of the mouth.

·        Sinusitis.  This condition is an inflammation of the sinus cavity, which can feel like a toothache.

Regular professional care has always been your best way to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.  Now you know that dental exams help you care for the rest of your body too.