Orthodontics is not only used to improve your appearance. The main purpose of treatment is to get teeth into proper occlusion so as to improve the overall stability of your oral cavity.
Malocclusion or malaligned teeth can have long term effects, such as:
- Interference with normal growth and development of the jaws.
- Abnormal swallowing patterns
- Abnormal Facial Muscle function
- Impairment of chewing
- Speech defects
- Susceptibility to cavities due to the difficulty of removing plaque from crooked teeth.
- Vulnerability to accidents or fractured teeth (if your front teeth stick out, they may be more easily injured)
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(1) Children as well as adults, are choosing to have orthodontic treatment for several reasons:
- Malocclusion
- Tooth Mal-alignment
- Unhappy with appearance of teeth
(2) During the preteen and teenage years, the jaws are growing and maturing; therefore it is easier to shift teeth at this stage rather than later on in adulthood.
(3) More adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment in order to improve the appearance of their teeth. Since their jaws are no longer growing. Treatment may take a little longer.
- Malocclusion
- Tooth Mal-alignment
- Unhappy with appearance of teeth
(2) During the preteen and teenage years, the jaws are growing and maturing; therefore it is easier to shift teeth at this stage rather than later on in adulthood.
(3) More adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment in order to improve the appearance of their teeth. Since their jaws are no longer growing. Treatment may take a little longer.
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Teeth can slowly be moved and shifted into proper position by applying pressure in certain directions.
Bands, Wires and elastics are placed on the teeth to move them in the right direction. This takes place slowly and carefully over an extended period of time. Shifting teeth back into a functional position can take months to years, but eventually you will have a new and improved mouth and a longer lasting smile. Retainers are often used after the braces, to hold the teeth in their new position until they are stable.
It is important to wear the braces or an appliance for however long the dentist suggests. If you quit at any point during the treatment, the teeth can shift back into their old position.
Bands, Wires and elastics are placed on the teeth to move them in the right direction. This takes place slowly and carefully over an extended period of time. Shifting teeth back into a functional position can take months to years, but eventually you will have a new and improved mouth and a longer lasting smile. Retainers are often used after the braces, to hold the teeth in their new position until they are stable.
It is important to wear the braces or an appliance for however long the dentist suggests. If you quit at any point during the treatment, the teeth can shift back into their old position.
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Malocclusion is the improper positioning of the teeth and jaws. It is a variation of normal growth and development, which can affect the bite, the ability to clean teeth properly, gum tissue health, jaw growth, speech development and appearance.
Some Types of Malocclusion:
There are three basic categories of malocclusions:
(1) The first category consists of dental problems, in which the teeth (for various reasons) don’t have the correct position on their osseous base (dentoalveolus), and as a result they appear crowded, spaced or rotated. Usually these problems are not visible when the mouth is closed.
(2) The second category consists of skeletal problems, where the jaws have not grown harmoniously and that in turn has a negative effect on the function of the mouth and the esthetics of the face. In this category the goal of orthodontic treatment is to correct the position of the teeth and restore the balance of the face.
(3) Finally, in the third category the patient has a combination of dental and skeletal problems, which not only affect the oral cavity but also the esthetics of the face
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Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure in which the diseased or damaged pulp (core) of a tooth is removed and the inside areas (the pulp chamber and root canals) are filled and sealed.
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The pulp, or soft inner tissue of your tooth, is normally surrounded and protected by a layer of dentin. Above the gumline, a layer of enamel protects the dentin; below the gumline, the dentin is covered by cementum. When a deep cavity, decay or crack destroys these protective layers, the pulp is exposed to the bacteria in your mouth. This can result in inflammation, infection and, eventually, necrosis (pulp death). A severe blow to the tooth can also damage the pulp. Irritants may then escape from the end of the root and cause a diseased area (apical lesion) in the bone. Pus accumulates at the ends of the roots, forming a painful abscess (Pus filled cavity usually seen in this condition in side the mouth), which can damage the bone supporting the teeth. Such an infection may produce pain that is severe, constant, or throbbing, as well as prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums, facial swelling, and discoloration of the tooth. However, in some cases, the pulp may die so gradually that there is little noticeable pain.
Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp and irritants. This allows the bone surrounding the root end to repair and heal.
Common signs of pulp problems include:
- Pain when biting down on a tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen gums around the infected tooth
Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp and irritants. This allows the bone surrounding the root end to repair and heal.
Common signs of pulp problems include:
- Pain when biting down on a tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen gums around the infected tooth
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You could get it removed, but then adjoining teeth may shift and interfere with biting and chewing. You can have a replacement tooth implanted or attached to adjacent healthy teeth, but this can be expensive and require even more dental treatment. There is no real substitute for your own natural tooth, which is more efficient in chewing and biting than an artificial one.
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An examination, including X-rays, will be performed. A local anesthetic will be given, if necessary. A sheet of rubber latex, called a “rubber dam,” will/may be placed around the tooth to isolate it and keep it clean and dry during treatment.
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With modern techniques and anesthetics people report that having a root canal treatment is about as painless as having a cavity filled. Should you experience any discomfort, call your dentist, who will do everything possible to make you comfortable.
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The tooth may be sore or you may experience pain/discomfort for several days after the filling. Pain relievers, may be taken to ease the soreness as prescribed by the dentist. The tissues around the tooth may also be irritated. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water several times a day will help. Chewing on that side of the mouth may need to be avoided for the first few days following treatment. A follow-up appointment should be scheduled with the dentist for six months after treatment to make sure the tooth and surrounding structures are healthy.
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(1) Soreness - Most patients experience a little soreness after the appointment. This may be due to the injection, the necessity of keeping the mouth open for a long time, or the treatment. Your temporary filling will be hard enough to bite on within approximately a half-hour, but avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth if it hurts.
(2) Pain - Over-the-counter pain relievers usually relieve the discomfort. Should pain last more than a few days, or if severe pain or swelling occur, call your dentist. Remember, if your tooth hurt before you came in for treatment, it may take a while to heal.
(3) Permanent Filling - When your root canal treatment is complete, a temporary filling is placed. The tooth needs to be permanently restored to prevent contamination or fracture, so you will need to return for a permanent restoration. It is important to return promptly because the temporary filling can loosen and leak, possibly causing the root canal treatment to fail, which would necessitate re-treatment.
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Gum disease is a common dental problem that may result in tooth loss. Gingivitis and Periodontitis are the most common types of adult gum disease.
Healthy teeth and gums are maintained by daily plaque removal from all surfaces of the tooth (through tooth brushing and interdental cleaning)
The following features characterize healthy gums:
- Pink or coral pink color, (normal variations in color depend on race and complexion)
- Firm, resilient tissues
- 'Orange-peel' texture (known as stippling)
- Shape that follows the contour of the teeth and forms a scalloped edge
- No areas of redness, swelling or inflammation
- No bleeding during daily plaque removal
.
Healthy teeth and gums are maintained by daily plaque removal from all surfaces of the tooth (through tooth brushing and interdental cleaning)
The following features characterize healthy gums:
- Pink or coral pink color, (normal variations in color depend on race and complexion)
- Firm, resilient tissues
- 'Orange-peel' texture (known as stippling)
- Shape that follows the contour of the teeth and forms a scalloped edge
- No areas of redness, swelling or inflammation
- No bleeding during daily plaque removal
.
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Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue. The gums are irritated and swollen due to a plaque or calculus (tartar) buildup along the gumline. The gums may be sore, bleed easily and appear puffy, soft and swollen. No bone structure is lost around the teeth at this stage of gum disease. Blood on the toothbrush or dental floss is one of the earliest and most common signs of gingivitis. Your gums should never bleed while brushing or flossing. The good news about gingivitis is that it is preventable and reversible through good brushing and flossing techniques (or other interdental tooth cleansing). On the other hand, if oral hygiene habits are poor, gingivitis may progress to Periodontitis
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Dental implants are made of biocompatible materials that become directly attached to your jawbone. In dental terms, this is called “osseointegration.” Once anchored in place, your implants can be used to replace a missing tooth, support an entire set of teeth or retain an overdenture. The result is a natural type of tooth replacement that can restore the biting and chewing ability you once enjoyed, improve your appearance and renew your self-confidence.
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Placement of dental implants is a minor surgical procedure performed in one or two office visits. If you have one-stage implants, their metal tops will extend through the gums while your tissues heal, and you will not need a second surgery. If you have two-stage implants, they will be placed under the gums while the bone heals. You will need a second, simple surgery to uncover them and attach a post to support your replacement teeth. Your dentist’s decision to do a one- or two-stage surgical procedure depends on a number of clinical factors, such as the amount of available bone and location of the implants. After the implants are placed, the bone attaches to them and permanently anchors them within your jaw. In the meantime, your dentist may adjust your full denture or partial prosthesis for temporary use.
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These are not extra teeth like most of us think. They are part of our normal set of teeth. Each one of us has 32 teeth. 28 would have erupted into the mouth by the time we are 13 years of age. The last four, one in each end of the upper and lower jaws are the wisdom teeth. There is a sequence of eruption and it just so happens that the wisdom teeth are the last ones to erupt at the age of 18 to 24 years of age. By then there is usually a lack of space for them to erupt properly and so most are always stuck(IMPACTED). So we always have this idea that they are extras!
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There criteria most Dental Surgeons will have to determine whether that wisdom tooth of yours need to be removed. These are:
- They have given you gum pains before. These pains will usually subside after some medications and then will recur at a later date. No one can predict the frequency and severity of these recurring pains. They may or may not be accompanied by swelling and pustulent products.
- They have caused cavities in the teeth in front of them due to food trapping or they themselves have cavities from food trappings. These are usually determined by the dental surgeons after a check up or through x-rays results.
- They interfere with the treatment you are having. Usually this will happen in those who seek braces treatment.
- They are constant causes of food trapping and irritation.
- They have given you gum pains before. These pains will usually subside after some medications and then will recur at a later date. No one can predict the frequency and severity of these recurring pains. They may or may not be accompanied by swelling and pustulent products.
- They have caused cavities in the teeth in front of them due to food trapping or they themselves have cavities from food trappings. These are usually determined by the dental surgeons after a check up or through x-rays results.
- They interfere with the treatment you are having. Usually this will happen in those who seek braces treatment.
- They are constant causes of food trapping and irritation.
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A tooth becomes impacted due to lack of space in the dental arch and its eruption is therefore prevented by gum, bone, another tooth or all three. Lack of space occurs because our jaws have become smaller (through evolution), we do not loose teeth through decay as frequently as in the past, and our diet is such that our teeth do not wear down as much.
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There are two methods of removing wisdom teeth. They can be by simple extraction or they are removed by simple minor surgical procedures. These are determined by their degree of impaction. Removing wisdom teeth either by extraction or surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia.
Local anaesthesia means that they can be done in the clinic when you are fully awake or sedated.
General anaesthesia will mean removing them while you are asleep and is usually done in a hospital environment under Day Surgery. i.e, you go home about four hours after the procedure is performed. These can be carried out either in the private hospitals or restructured hospitals. The surgeons can be private practitioners or from government service.
The healing process begins immediately after surgery as your body sends blood to nourish the tooth socket. Simple pressure from a piece of gause is usually all that is needed to control the bleeding and to help a blood clot to form in the socket, which promotes healing. Within a day or two, soft tissue begins to fill in the socket, aided by the blood clot. Eventually, the bone surrounding the socket begins to grow, eventually filling in the socket completely, as illustrated here:
(note that there is a possibility of a swelling developing in the area which is normal and will reduce within a short time)
Local anaesthesia means that they can be done in the clinic when you are fully awake or sedated.
General anaesthesia will mean removing them while you are asleep and is usually done in a hospital environment under Day Surgery. i.e, you go home about four hours after the procedure is performed. These can be carried out either in the private hospitals or restructured hospitals. The surgeons can be private practitioners or from government service.
The healing process begins immediately after surgery as your body sends blood to nourish the tooth socket. Simple pressure from a piece of gause is usually all that is needed to control the bleeding and to help a blood clot to form in the socket, which promotes healing. Within a day or two, soft tissue begins to fill in the socket, aided by the blood clot. Eventually, the bone surrounding the socket begins to grow, eventually filling in the socket completely, as illustrated here:
(note that there is a possibility of a swelling developing in the area which is normal and will reduce within a short time)
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Complete dentures replace all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both, sitting on the soft (gum) tissue of the mouth that covers the bone ridge. Your dentist may use several different procedures to make sure your denture will fit the shape of your mouth, and provide the necessary support for your face. The design of the complete denture and position of the teeth will restore good speech and appearance.
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Your dentist will take an impression of your jaw, along with measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them (bite relationship). The color (shade) of your teeth will also be determined either from your natural teeth or a denture you may already be wearing. The impression, bite and shade are given to the dental laboratory so a denture can be made just for you.
The dental laboratory makes a mold (model) of your jaw, places the teeth in a wax base, and carves the wax to the exact form wanted in the finished denture. Usually a "wax try-in" of the denture will be done at the DENTAL CLINIC so any adjustments can be done before the denture is completed.
The denture is completed at the dental laboratory using the "lost wax" technique. A mold of the wax-up denture is made, the wax is removed and the remaining space is filled with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated to harden the plastic. The denture is then polished and ready for the patient to wear.
The dental laboratory makes a mold (model) of your jaw, places the teeth in a wax base, and carves the wax to the exact form wanted in the finished denture. Usually a "wax try-in" of the denture will be done at the DENTAL CLINIC so any adjustments can be done before the denture is completed.
The denture is completed at the dental laboratory using the "lost wax" technique. A mold of the wax-up denture is made, the wax is removed and the remaining space is filled with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated to harden the plastic. The denture is then polished and ready for the patient to wear.
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Keep your denture clean by brushing it with denture cleaning paste at least once a day. Do this over a sink filled with water to prevent breakage in case you drop the denture.
- Take your denture out every night when you go to sleep. Place it in some water in the box or cup with water Letting your denture dry out by not storing in a cup of water will slightly change it's shape enough to adversely effect the fit.
- Occasionally soak your denture in a commercial denture cleansing product which your dentist may prescribe to help disinfect it
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash (without the denture) at least once a day to keep your mouth clean. This helps cut down on the amount of bacteria and fungus in the mouth which can lead to bad breath, denture sores, and infections.
- Make an appointment as soon as you develop any sores, change in fit, or any other problem you would like us to address.
- Take your denture out every night when you go to sleep. Place it in some water in the box or cup with water Letting your denture dry out by not storing in a cup of water will slightly change it's shape enough to adversely effect the fit.
- Occasionally soak your denture in a commercial denture cleansing product which your dentist may prescribe to help disinfect it
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash (without the denture) at least once a day to keep your mouth clean. This helps cut down on the amount of bacteria and fungus in the mouth which can lead to bad breath, denture sores, and infections.
- Make an appointment as soon as you develop any sores, change in fit, or any other problem you would like us to address.
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Ideally, it is best to take your child to the dentist between six and twelve months of age. The earlier you begin, the better chance your dentist has to prevent problems. By starting dental visits at an early age, you will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.
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While there is no set rule, it is generally recommended that children visit the dentist every six months. The frequency of dental visits will partly depend on your child's eating habits, how clean his or her teeth are kept and whether your child drinks fluoridated water.
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You play an important role in preparing your child for his/her first visit to us. The first visits to the dentist may be the most important in your child's life so we ask that you help by reinforcing our role as a "tooth doctor" who works to keep teeth healthy and happy.
- Be relaxed, your child will sense any anxiety on your part.
- Tell your child that we will "count" and "take pictures" of his/her teeth, and then talk afterwards about it.
- Don't over do it! Don't use words that may create fear in your child such as "hurt, injection, drill, X-ray, or needle".
- Don't relate any negative experiences you may have had as a child, and don't let other people tell your child stories that may provoke fear.
We are specially trained to handle children & you can rest assured we will treat your child as gently as we would treat our own.
- Be relaxed, your child will sense any anxiety on your part.
- Tell your child that we will "count" and "take pictures" of his/her teeth, and then talk afterwards about it.
- Don't over do it! Don't use words that may create fear in your child such as "hurt, injection, drill, X-ray, or needle".
- Don't relate any negative experiences you may have had as a child, and don't let other people tell your child stories that may provoke fear.
We are specially trained to handle children & you can rest assured we will treat your child as gently as we would treat our own.
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We will explain our procedures to your child in easy understandable terms before we actually do it. Remember, we are pediatric dentists, and children are our only patients, ‘first class citizens’ in our office.
At this first visit, we will answer any questions you may have and do a comprehensive examination of your child's mouth. This will include evaluating the supporting structures and the teeth themselves. Your child's bite (occlusion) will also be evaluated. Usually, we will clean a child's teeth at this first visit also. Application of topical fluoride will depend on the child's age and the need for X-rays (tooth pictures) will be determined on an individual basis (not routine). Subsequent appointments may be scheduled for cleaning, fluoride treatments, or other treatments as needed.
Your aim as a parent and ours as a dentist are the same. To keep your child's teeth and mouth in good health and to make the process "painless" for child, parent, and dentist!
At this first visit, we will answer any questions you may have and do a comprehensive examination of your child's mouth. This will include evaluating the supporting structures and the teeth themselves. Your child's bite (occlusion) will also be evaluated. Usually, we will clean a child's teeth at this first visit also. Application of topical fluoride will depend on the child's age and the need for X-rays (tooth pictures) will be determined on an individual basis (not routine). Subsequent appointments may be scheduled for cleaning, fluoride treatments, or other treatments as needed.
Your aim as a parent and ours as a dentist are the same. To keep your child's teeth and mouth in good health and to make the process "painless" for child, parent, and dentist!
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Crying is a normal reaction to almost any kind of anxiety in a young child. New experiences, strange people and places fit in that category for the very young. Please do not let your child's occasional tears upset you as it is very common and we anticipate crying in some small children. The more relaxed we ( parent and dental staff ) are at that time, the sooner the child will overcome his/her anxiety. As a parent myself, I am aware that a crying child is often harder on us parents than the child itself. Trust me on this one! It will go away with time, in some cases it takes several visits, and no harm is done.
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Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental condition that can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. It occurs when a child's teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids for long periods. Among these are milk (including breast milk),infant formula, fruit juice, soft drinks and other sweetened liquids.
When a baby is put to bed with a bottle, the liquid drips into the mouth continuously. It collects around the teeth as long as the bottle is in the mouth, and is like sending the baby to bed with a mouthful of candy.
Take a look at the above pictures. In the left photo, notice how all teeth are severely decayed except the lower ones. As a child sleeps with the bottle, his tongue covers the lower teeth, protecting them. When we see a mouth like this, as dentists we know the child has been sleeping with a bottle. Notice also how inflamed and swollen the gums are compared to a healthy mouth and teeth on the right.
When a baby is put to bed with a bottle, the liquid drips into the mouth continuously. It collects around the teeth as long as the bottle is in the mouth, and is like sending the baby to bed with a mouthful of candy.
Take a look at the above pictures. In the left photo, notice how all teeth are severely decayed except the lower ones. As a child sleeps with the bottle, his tongue covers the lower teeth, protecting them. When we see a mouth like this, as dentists we know the child has been sleeping with a bottle. Notice also how inflamed and swollen the gums are compared to a healthy mouth and teeth on the right.
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The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth, but other teeth can be damaged also. Your child's first set of teeth - the 'baby' or primary teeth - are very important in helping your child chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and look attractive. Decay in primary teeth can affect our child's erupting permanent teeth, cause pain, and can be associated with general health problems in some children. Therefore, to avoid future problems, it's important to keep teeth healthy.
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An invisible sticky film called ‘Plaque’ covers teeth. Bacteria in plaque use sugar to produce acids. These acids then attack tooth enamel. If sugary liquid is allowed to remain in the mouth, the bacteria have more time to produce acids that can attack the teeth. Tooth decay can then occur after frequent acid attacks.
It's not just what children drink, but how often and for how long their teeth are exposed to decay-causing acids. That's why frequently offering your child a bottle containing sugary liquid as a pacifier, or allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night, can do serious harm to the teeth.
It's not just what children drink, but how often and for how long their teeth are exposed to decay-causing acids. That's why frequently offering your child a bottle containing sugary liquid as a pacifier, or allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night, can do serious harm to the teeth.
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You can prevent this from happening to your child’s teeth by learning how to protect them.
- Clean your child’s teeth daily
- Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle filled with juice, milk, or infant formula (or when awake, sip on it for long periods of time as a pacifier)
- Start bottle weaning by at least a year
- Give your child plain water for thirst
- Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed to prevent decay
- Have regular dental visits for your child beginning when their first tooth erupts
- Clean your child’s teeth daily
- Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle filled with juice, milk, or infant formula (or when awake, sip on it for long periods of time as a pacifier)
- Start bottle weaning by at least a year
- Give your child plain water for thirst
- Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed to prevent decay
- Have regular dental visits for your child beginning when their first tooth erupts
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Sealants are a safe and painless way or protecting your children’s teeth from decay. A sealant is a protective plastic resin coating (similar to a tooth colored filling), which is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
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Sealants are only applied to the back teeth – the molars and premolars. These are the teeth that have pits and fissures on their biting surfaces. Your dentist will tell you which teeth should be sealed after he/she has examined them, and checked whether the fissures are deep enough for sealing to help. Some teeth naturally form with deep grooves which will need to be sealed, others with shallow ones which will not need sealing.
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The process is usually quick and straightforward taking only a few minutes per tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution, and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard – usually by shining an ultraviolet light onto it.
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Sealants usually last for many years, but your dentist will want to check them regularly to make sure that the seal is still intact. They can wear over time, and sometimes the dentist needs to add or replace some sealant to be sure that no decay can start underneath them.
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The sealant forms a smooth, protective barrier, by covering all the little grooves and dips in the surface of the tooth. Dental decay easily starts in these grooves.
Sealant placed over the grooves
Sealant placed over the grooves
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Sealants are often applied as soon as the permanent teeth start to come through. This is usually between 6 and 7 years of age for the first molar teeth. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age (premolars).
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Yes. It is still vital that they do this. The smooth, sealed surface is now much easier to keep clean and healthy with normal toothbrushing. Using a fluoride toothpaste will also help to protect your children’s teeth. Pit and fissure sealing reduces tooth decay and the number of fillings your child might need.
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Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. Its more affordable -- and easier on your child -- to keep teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.
How to Maintain the Appliance:
- Please see to it that appliance/ appliance area is kept clean.
- In case of breakage of the appliance or any disturbance please bring the child immediately to the dentist.
- Bring the child once in 6 months to the dentist for periodic check up.
- The space maintainer has to be removed; teeth checked and should be fluoride treated every 6 months
How to Maintain the Appliance:
- Please see to it that appliance/ appliance area is kept clean.
- In case of breakage of the appliance or any disturbance please bring the child immediately to the dentist.
- Bring the child once in 6 months to the dentist for periodic check up.
- The space maintainer has to be removed; teeth checked and should be fluoride treated every 6 months
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A baby tooth usually stays in until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose a baby tooth too soon. A tooth might be knocked out accidentally or removed because of dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.
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Baby teeth are important to your child's present and future dental health. They encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. They save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position. Remember: Some baby teeth are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14 years old.
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If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift into the empty space. Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down to fill the gap. When adjacent teeth shift into the empty space, they create a lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. So, permanent teeth are crowded and come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may require extensive orthodontic treatment.
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Absolutely! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards. Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, childproof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventive care.
Some common Injuries:
Some common Injuries:
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Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
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Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap -- use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to the dental clinic immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth. The tooth needs to be stabilized as soon as possible. If the tooth is replanted and stabilized within 30 minutes the survival rate of the tooth is 90 percent, 30-60 minutes the survival rate is 75 percent.
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Call your dentist and visit the clinic promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.
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Contact your dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.
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