Babies and Toddlers

A baby can have plaque. And when plaque is left in the mouth, uncleaned, it can harm the baby’s first teeth, possibly even causing tooth decay. To start cleaning a baby’s mouth, use a soft washcloth, dampened, and rub, gently, over the baby’s gums. Continue doing this until the child’s teeth have come in (this can occur any time after six months, taking sometimes one year), and, when the baby has teeth, begin to brush the teeth with a baby-sized toothbrush, using a very small bit of toothpaste in an amount comparable to a grain of rice.

The toothpaste should be something marketed for very young children (any questions about this make sure to ask your dentist before you use the product) and to be free of fluoride, because the baby will not be able to spit out the toothpaste. Continue to help the child brush until he or she is able to clean their own teeth. Continue using the children’s toothpastes without fluoride, until the child has mastered spitting out the toothpaste.

Fluoride toothpastes and flossing

Once a child can brush his or her teeth well, and is spitting out all of the toothpaste, change the toothpaste to something with fluoride (if you have any questions as to which toothpaste would work best, again, call your dentist), and use an amount comparable to the size of a pea. Also, once two of the child’s teeth are touching, you can begin to floss a child’s teeth for them, progressing to giving them the responsibility.

The Dentist Office

It’s also very important to get a child in for a dental visit early. Even baby teeth can develop problems, and these problems can persist to the child’s permanent teeth even after his or her baby teeth have fallen out. Also, early visits to the dentist help to prevent a future fear of the dentist office.

Schedule an appointment today at Silvercreek Family Dentistry for all of your dental needs.

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Related Troubles

According to the Mayo Clinic, there can definitely be a relationship between sinus infections and toothaches. For example, when sinus cavities become inflamed or swollen from allergies, sinus blockages, or respiratory infections, the pressure on your face and teeth roots can make it feel like the problem is caused by cavities or other types of dental problems. In addition, problems such as impacted wisdom teeth or a cracked tooth can also lead to sinus problems.

Watch for Symptoms

Toothaches caused by sinus congestion can show up in a variety of ways, including a constantly itchy or runny nose or an uncomfortable feeling of pressure on your face or neck. You may also experience a throbbing pain in some or all of your teeth, which can seem to come and go at any time.

Allowing allow a sinus infection to fester can make it hard to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Not only can sinus infections cause toothaches, but they can also lead to bad breath, post-nasal drip, persistent coughs — and even a stuffy nose.

If you suspect that a sinus infection has lead to a problem with your teeth or your teeth may be causing a sinus infection, be sure to contact your dentist or doctor right away. If you take care of the problem promptly, you can keep both your sinuses clear and your teeth in good shape and avoid serious problems in the future.

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Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings are usually made from a methacrylate matrix filled with very fine porcelain particles. These particles make up roughly 80 percent of the filling, and they give it a creamy consistency when the filling is placed in a tooth. This allows the fillings to be molded into any shape the dentist sees fit. The result is a filling with a white color that matches the natural shape and color of the tooth.

The biggest advantage of porcelain fillings is that they are more cosmetically pleasing than other filling options. Since they match the color of your teeth, people won’t be able to tell that you have any fillings at all. Porcelain fillings will also not release any toxic elements after they are placed in your mouth, something that cannot always be said about amalgam fillings. The only problem with porcelain fillings is that they are very technique sensitive, and it takes a skilled dentist to mold them into the proper shape. They also require a tooth to be completely dry before it can be fitted with a filling. This problem can be overcome with a dental dam, but it still presents an obvious challenge.

Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings consist of mercury mixed with silver, zinc, tin and copper. They have been used since the 19th Century, and they are known for their durability and relatively low cost. Amalgam fillings typically last between 10 and 15 years, and they easily withstand chewing forces. The major downsides of amalgam fillings is that they aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain fillings and they require more of your teeth to be destroyed when they are being fitted. About one percent of people will also experience allergic reactions to the mercury present in the fillings.

While most people will probably be fitted with porcelain fillings these days, amalgam fillings are still popular for their lower cost and their durability. Your dentist will help you decide which type of filling is best for you.

Contact Silvercreek Dental for all of your dental needs.

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