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It’s something that many parents fear, the dentist telling you that your son or daughter may need braces. We’ve all heard that they’re expensive, but we also know that they’re necessary for some kids so that when they’re older, they have nice, straight teeth.

Braces are an orthodontic cure for what’s commonly called a “bad bite”. This means that the teeth are crowded, crooked, or don’t align properly to allow a person a natural, healthy bite. Sometimes the upper and lower jaws don’t come together the right way when an individual bites down, due to misalignment, and even though the teeth are straight, the bite is not. (more…)

Early childhood tooth decay, caused by baby bottles. Photo courtesy ADA.org

As early as six months, when children cut their first teeth, are they susceptible to decay. In extreme cases, babies and young children have had to undergo restorative and reconstructive surgeries to handle the problems caused by what’s commonly called “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay”.

The good news, however, is that this problem can be prevented. (more…)

Children generally lose their first tooth around the age of 6 or 7. For most kids, it’s an extremely exciting thing to have happen to them, likely because of the chance that the Tooth Fairy will come by while they’re sleeping.

For some kids and parents though, it can be somewhat traumatic. Sometimes the “tonguing” of the tooth can be irresistible yet produce a pain the child may have never had before. Other times, it may be “hanging by a thread” and be begging to be yanked, but the child is frightened or the parent is squeamish to go through with it. (more…)

In a word, no.

But as there are exceptions to every rule, it’s largely dependent on factors like the size and type of piercing, the natural, genetically based strength of your child’s teeth, and even just the shape of the mouth and jaw. It’s also very important that your teen truly understand and practice impeccable oral hygiene to avoid major infections.

Oral piercings are usually done on the lip, tongue or cheek. All of these types of piercings can cause problems though, and it’s important that both you and your teenager are aware of them.

Since the tongue is covered in bacteria, dentists are finding that oral infections are very closely related to other infections in the body, and piercing the tongue can lead the bacteria to release into the bloodstream and travel to the heart. Un-sanitized instruments and equipment used during the piercing process can also cause hepatitis, so it’s important to monitor where and how the piercing is done.

Teeth can become chipped or fractured from the jewelry quite easily. Talking, chewing, or even sleeping can cause the metal to bump or rub against teeth and cause problems. Fillings can usually be placed on or in the teeth if it’s a small fracture that’s only in the tooth enamel, but if it’s a deeper fracture a root canal or even an extraction might be required. (more…)

Bacteria in the mouth thrives on sugar. After “eating” it, the bacteria leaves behind an acid, which eats away at the enamel on the teeth and causes cavities and other oral health problems. The more sugar you eat, the more the bacteria gets to eat, and the more acid that gets produced. Can you believe that it would be better to eat one large dessert, once a day, than three little pieces of candy over the course of a whole day?

It’s true! Bacteria get “full” after processing a certain amount of sugar, so that extra that’s in the large piece of cake aren’t going to affect the bacteria. However giving it a little sugar 3 times a day makes it produce that enamel destroying acid three times a day, instead of just once.

Here are 5 important ways to help your kids keep their teeth healthy and decay-free:

• Limit kids to foods containing sugar only 2-3 times per day, with no sugary snacks or beverages. The frequency of sugar intake is much more important to think about than the amount of sugar, so when it comes to your teeth and decay, one large dessert (or even a double helping) is better than small amounts of sugar all day long.
• Start brushing your child’s teeth for them when they cut their first tooth, at around 6 months. Keep brushing and flossing for them, until they are responsible enough to do it on their own. Double check their work, make sure they’re doing it at least twice a day, but preferably after any meal containing sugars.
• Make sure your child gets regular fluoride treatments as soon as they are old enough, and once they reach pre-teen ages, around 12, ensure they’re getting fluoridated water or chewable tablets to continue the strengthening process through adulthood. (Yes, even adults can benefit!)
• Ask your dentist to show your child some photos of what happens to teeth that aren’t cared for properly. Then ask your children if they want their teeth to look like that, or if they’d like them to be clean, white, and healthy like they are now. Explain to them what they need to do to keep that from happening and why.
• There are several mouthwashes on the market that are approved by the ADA (American Dental Association) that will help your child see the leftover plaque and bacteria on their teeth after improper brushing.

Of course, regular checkups and visits to the dentist are a necessity for everyone, and nothing can substitute the professional opinion of one who has actually seen your child’s teeth!