Local Dental Care - California Dentist For Toddlers

Seal Out Tooth Decay in Your Children's Teeth

Sealants are a plastic barrier to protect the chewing surfaces of the eight permanent molars from decay. The six-year molars usually erupt (come in) between five and seven years of age and the twelve-year molars erupt around 11 to 14 years of age. More than 90% of decay occurs in the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces of these molars. When teeth first erupt, the enamel is not completely calcified (hardened), and the teeth are very susceptible to decay. Dental sealants should be applied as soon as the molars are in far enough to see the entire chewing surface. If a primary (baby) molar has early decay on a chewing surface, and the child is cooperative, a sealant may be recommended. Once decay has penetrated the second layer of tooth structure, a restoration (filling) must be placed.

The application of a sealant is painless, but does require cooperation. A very high flow of saliva, a strong gag reflex, or an inability to open the mouth wide enough for access to the molars, will make the procedure difficult. Your pediatric dentist will use various methods to manage these circumstances. The most important requirement for a quality sealant is your child's cooperation.

In order to see how the sealant is performed, you and your child could ask if you may watch the procedure being performed on another child or your dentist may have a videotape or DVD that you may view. There are four six-year molars and four twelve-year molars. Because the teeth do not always come in at the same time, all four permanent molars may not be sealed during one visit.

First, the tooth must be isolated from saliva. Remember, the tooth must be dry for the sealant to bond tightly to the tooth surface. A gel will be applied for 15 seconds. After this is rinsed away with water, the sealant is applied (usually with a tiny brush). A bright light is used to harden the sealant. There is no heat or sensation from the light. The procedure takes only minutes for each tooth. Your child may eat right away.

Sealants do wear out. Retention rates are about 85% over three years. Grinding teeth and chewing ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy can crack sealants. How well the child's enamel bonds with the sealant will often determine how long a sealant will last. If a sealant is lost, the tooth is still more protected from decay than if the tooth had never been sealed. Decay will probably not occur if the sealant is replaced during the next six-month dental check-up. If your child has had a problem with cavities and his or her oral hygiene is very poor, decay can still occur.

Sealants are one of the very best things dentistry has to offer. Seal out your child's decay!

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

The Oral Health Hazard of Baby Bottle Syndrome

Baby bottle tooth decay is a condition resulting from frequent and long-term exposure of baby teeth to sugar-containing liquids, from sodas and sweetened drinks to baby formula, milk, fruit juice, and even breast milk. It doesn't matter whether the liquid is artificially sweetened or contains natural sugars. Breast-fed infants with prolonged feeding habits are also at risk in developing this condition. Baby bottle tooth decay may also be called baby bottle syndrome or bottle rot.

Bacteria found in plaque feed off the sugar in these liquids producing an acid byproduct. Acid attacks the gums and teeth, putting children at risk of tooth decay. If left untreated, the potential for pain and infection exists. Long-term effects include crooked teeth, speech problems, poor eating habits, and damaged adult teeth with the potential for tooth loss.

Tips to preventing baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle syndrome

• Do not put a child to bed with anything other than water. While an infant may suck on a bottle while falling asleep, it is very important to remove bottles containing either artificial or natural sugars before napping or at night. During sleep, the amount of saliva decreases, and sugars from the drink coat the gums and teeth for an extended amount of time, increasing the chance of cavities.
• Daily cleaning and massaging a child's gums help establish healthy teeth, as well as provide special comfort while teething. At least once a day, moisten a gauze square or washcloth and gently rub your baby's gums.
• As baby teeth appear, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and do not use toothpaste until two years of age.
• Wean children from bottles whenever they can drink from a cup. However, pediatric dentists recommend waiting until children are at least 6 to 12 months to provide adequate time for strengthening facial muscles developed by the sucking motion from a bottle or breast.
• Take "baby" steps for achieving good oral health. To help in the weaning of sugar-containing liquids, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a two- to three-week period. If your child still is using a bottle after that time, fill it with water since it's the only liquid which doesn't pose any risk for baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle syndrome. You could also give your child a clean pacifier recommended by your child's dentist. Be sure to check with your child's physician regarding any changes in feeding routines.
• Between the ages of 6 to 12 months, schedule your child's first visit to the pediatric dentist.

Stop baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle syndrome before it starts! Follow these prevention tips for optimal oral health.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.