All parents want to protect their children’s teeth. We teach our kids how to brush and floss their teeth the right way and bring them to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning. Despite our efforts, kids may still develop oral health problems. Cavities, gingivitis, damaged teeth—there are many things that can go wrong with children’s teeth. Many parents come to Chisholm Trail Smile Center with the same questions, so we wanted to share some frequently asked questions with you.
When it comes to keeping kids’ teeth healthy, knowledge is power! To learn more, visit Duncan and Velma dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center for an appointment.
Q: How is children’s dentistry different from adult dentistry?
In a lot of ways, preventive dentistry is the same for both adults and children. Getting a dental cleaning every six months can help prevent the accumulation of tartar and the start of cavities. Preventive treatments, such as fluoride and sealants, work equally well at protecting both baby and adult teeth. When it comes to tooth decay, however, things change. Baby teeth have thinner enamel and are smaller than adult teeth. This means that decay can worsen and spread comparatively faster than in adult teeth. Baby teeth require different materials to restore them, as well.
Adult teeth are pretty straightforward. We want them to last your whole life, so when they are damaged we repair them. They also tend to stay in the same positions over time. Children’s teeth are a more of a mixed bag. Depending on how old your child is, damaged teeth may need to be repaired, replaced or left alone. A chipped tooth may not need any restoration if it is still functioning properly and not irritating the soft tissues of the mouth. Children’s mouths and bones are always growing and changing, as well, so treating their teeth is also a matter of predicting the future and understanding what nature may correct on its own.
Q: My son’s baby tooth got knocked out—do we need to replace it?
Children lose their baby teeth in a predictable order and on a predictable schedule. If I child loses a tooth before it became loose on its own, you should always make an appointment with your dentist. Baby teeth are important. If you’ve ever been tempted to think “they’re all going to fall out anyway…they don’t need attention,” think again! Not only do children need all their baby teeth for proper chewing function, they also need them as placeholders for the adult teeth growing in their jaw. If a tooth is required for proper speech, losing it early may cause communication problems for your child. It may be that the tooth does not need to be replaced with a bridge or other prosthetic, but only your dentist should make that determination.
Q: Why are my kids getting cavities? They brush and floss their teeth every day!
Brushing the teeth twice a day (and flossing once a day) is the cornerstone of good home-based oral hygiene, but it may not be enough for all kids. Many parents don’t realize the role that diet plays in preventing tooth decay. We all know that candy and sodas contribute to cavities, but any sugary or starchy foods can be just as harmful if allowed to sit on the teeth for hours at a time. Sports drinks, fruit juice, potato chips, corn chips, chewy fruit snacks, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches: these can all be as harmful to the teeth as candy when their residue is not removed from the teeth promptly.
This does not mean your children need to brush their teeth every time they eat, however. Drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can all “clean” the teeth and prevent mouth bacteria from feasting on food particles and plaque. Many parents can successfully prevent cavities with a few tweaks to their kids’ diet and eating habits.
It’s important to note that medical conditions can also contribute to oral health problems, including decay. Always discuss any medical concerns with Dr. Bridges and your hygienist, so we can help you pre-empt any ill effects to the teeth and gums.
Q: Should I buy my child an electric toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes are not necessary for effective tooth-brushing. However, studies have shown that patients tend to brush longer when using an electric toothbrush, so that could be a good thing. If your child doesn’t brush for a full two minutes each time, a toothbrush with an automatic timing mechanism might help him/her brush more thoroughly.
Good tooth brushing is more about technique. You can do an excellent job or a poor job, depending on how you use your cleaning tools. To learn more about the right way to brush your teeth (with any kind of toothbrush), talk to your dentist or hygienist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Regardless of which type of brush you choose, be sure to change it out every two or three months so the bristles remain effective cleaning tools.
Duncan and Velma dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges is ready to help your children get the best oral health possible. To learn more about children’s dentistry, call our office to make an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.
