What A Parent Really Needs To Know To Prevent Cavities For Their Children...

A few years ago there was a movie by the late Gilda Radner from Saturday Night Live. One segment was about how we learn so much in school that we do not really remember very much at all and how school should concentrate on teaching us the �stuff� that really matters so that after we graduate we have some useful knowledge. Of course it was a spoof, but the audience laughed because there really was some truth in it. Think about all the courses you took in school and how much you really remember or use very often. That seems like an interesting subject for this section about education.
So what do parents who want to help their kids avoid cavities and save time and money in the process, really need to know and do?
In other words, lots of things are really helpful and good to do, like brushing after meals. But most kids do brush after at least some meals and still get cavities, so that is obviously not it. How about not eating sugar for desert? Another good idea, but many parents are pretty good about avoiding deserts, and still their kids get cavities. So that is not it either. How about going for check ups at the dentist? Most kids do go to the dentist for check ups, and that still does not stop decay for many kids. So that is not it either. What is it that will help?
Well, like we used to have the 3 R�s in school, Reading, R�iting and R�ithmatic, there are the 4 F�s in dentistry. Flossing, Food, Fluoride and Frequency (of dental check ups.)

What is a dental crown?

 

 

 A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

Brushing your teeth

Here are some tips for taking care of your child’s teeth:

• Choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Soaking the brush in warm water for a few minutes before brushing can soften the bristles even more.
• Many dentists recommend using only plain water for brushing up to the age of 2. This is because young children swallow toothpaste and swallowing too much fluoride may lead to tooth discoloration in permanent teeth. Ask your dentist if toothpaste should be used. Also, check the manufacturer's label; some toothpastes are not recommended in children under age 6. If a toothpaste is to be used, squeeze out about a green pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
• Brush your child's teeth twice a day – in the morning and just before bed. Spend 2 minutes brushing, concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars. This is an area where cavities often first develop.
• Replace the toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if it shows signs of wear. Never share a toothbrush with others.
• Start flossing your child's teeth once a day as soon as two teeth emerge that touch. The use of floss sticks or picks instead of regular string floss may be easier for both you and your child.
• Ask your dentist about your child's fluoride needs. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements or fluoride treatments may be needed.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants. These are thin, plastic protective barriers that fill in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, protecting them from tooth decay.

What is a night guard?

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

What is a Night Guard?

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is an appliance much like a retainer that people put in their mouths to protect their teeth while they are sleeping. This device is commonly used by people who suffer form Bruxism, or excessive nighttime toth grinding or clenching . This grinding and clenching puts pressure on the jaw, which can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, severe headaches, ear pain and neck pain as well as causing excessive wear to the teeth.

Thin transparent, and horseshoe-shaped, dental night guards are created from hard but moldable plastics. The night guard fits over either the upper or the lower teeth, creating a cushion between them and absorbing the impact of the grinding or clenching. Night guards can help reduce enamel damage, jaw joint inflammation and irritation to the gums . Overall, most night guard wearers report they have less pain and sleep better.

In order to be truly effective, night guards need to be custom-made for each individual. It typically takes two dental appointments to receive a night guard. During the initial visit, the dentist takes a bite record and makes an impression of the patients teeth. These will be used to create a customized night guard that allows for proper teeth alignment.During the second appointment, the patient gives the night guard a test run and the dentist makes necessary adjustments. Night guards can last up to ten years if they are given proper care.Night guards should always be rinsed just before and just after wearing , and they need to be brushed with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive tooth paste or denture cleaner once a day. They should also be soaked in a mild dish washing soap such as 'Dawn" once a week to keep them clean and fresh.

Many people view the night guard as a simple solution for protecting teeth and jaws form the damaging effects of bruxism. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of repairing or capping worn down teeth will be even more expensive than one of the these nighttime dental appliances.