Prevention is better than cure!
The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months , or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth. Children's toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adults because they can wear out sooner.
Although newborns usually have no visible teeth, most have at least a partially developed set of primary (baby) teeth, which may begin to appear as early as six months after birth. During the first few years of life, all 20 of the primary teeth will erupt through the gums. Most children have their full set of primary teeth in place by age three.
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As their teeth erupt, some babies may become fussy, sleepless and irritable, lose their appetite or drool more than usual. Diarrhea,
rashes and a fever are not normal for a teething baby. If your infant has a fever or diarrhea while teething or continues to be
cranky and uncomfortable, call your physician.
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As a tooth erupts an eruption cyst may develop. The tooth will eventually rupture this watery sac as it pushes through the gums.
Eruption cysts are usually harmless and should be left alone.
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Some babies may have sore or tender gums when teeth begin to erupt.
How to Calm Teething Children
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Gently rubbing your child's gum with a clean finger, a small,
cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing.
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A clean teething ring for your child to chew on may also help. Your dentist or
pediatrician may recommend a pacifier, teething ring or a special "numbing" salve for the gums.
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When the teeth begin to erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little bit of water to prevent tooth decay.
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Toothpaste is not recommended until a child reaches age two. At that time, supervise brushing to ensure that your child does not
swallow the toothpaste.
Eruption Charts
Teeth vary in size, shape and their location in the jaws. These differences enable teeth to work together to help you chew, speak and smile. They also help give your face its shape and form.
Children usually have 20 primary (baby) teeth, which often erupt as early as six months of age. They are then shed at various times throughout childhood.
Baby teeth
By age 21, all 32 of the permanent teeth have usually erupted. Sometimes the wisdom teeth can take their time to erupt.
Permanent Teeth
After your child's first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday, begin regular dental check-ups.
It is especially important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy.
Altered pregnancy hormones can cause problems in your mouth. During this you may experience very
sensitive red, puffy gums, which is an exaggerated response to plaque and is caused by an increase of progesterone.
Because of this, you may need your teeth cleaned more frequently, especially during the second and third trimesters.
Studies indicate that pregnant women who have sever gum disease may be at increased risk for pre-term delivery, which in turn increases the risk of
having a low-birth weight baby.
To help prevent these complications:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss regulary to remove plaque between your teeth
- Do not miss your regular dental checkup
Remember, if you are pregnant or think you may be, tell your dentist or hygienist so the proper precautions may be taken.
The health of your teeth and gums go hand in hand with the health of your body.
- Sinusitis could result in severe throbbing pain in the jaw, which is a common tooth ache complain.
- When consuming sugary foods with meals, saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
- If you crave a snack, choose nutritious foods and consider chewing sugarless gum afterward. Sugarless gum increases saliva flow and helps wash out food and decay-producing acid.
- Drink more water. Consuming optimally fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.
- Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily with your dentist approved dental products.
See your dentist regularly.
There are certain medical conditions that require a patient to be pre-medicated prior to dental treatment. This usually requires the patient to take antibiotics 1 hour before treatment to prevent any serious medical problems. The two main conditions requiring pre-medication are certain types heart conditions and artificial joint replacements.
During dental treatment, bleeding sometimes occurs. As a result, bacteria from the mouth can possibly enter the bloodstream and work their way to the heart. This presents a risk for some persons with cardiac abnormalities because the bacteria may cause bacterial endocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart valves or tissues. Antibiotics reduce this risk. The bacteria commonly found in the mouth may also travel through the bloodstream and settle in your artificial joint. This can also increase your risk of contracting an infection.
Dr Goyal, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, currently teaches at the School of Dental Medicine.
