Tooth decay is common in children and adolescence. And this is one of the reasons to take children twice a year for a checkup at the dentist. If children are taken to the dentist early in life, and given a good experience in the dental chair, they are far more likely to become adults who go in for regular dental checkups, unafraid. And, as confident as they will be, their dentist can fix small problems such as cavities, immediately. Encourage children to keep to a quality, routine oral health practice. Make sure they brush twice every single day, and, for those old enough, floss at least once every day. And explain to children just why sugary drinks and foods are bad for their teeth. Teach them about limiting snacking, and the benefits of drinking water.

But adults, too, can have problems from tooth decay. As we age, our gums recede, and open surfaces of the tooth to attack. Also prevalent, for adults, is gum disease, with statistics claiming that most adults will have it in their lifetime. Gum disease opens pockets near the teeth, which expose the roots of the teeth to plaque. These areas can be very difficult to keep clean, and, if a patient has a condition such as gum disease—be it gingivitis or the more devastating periodontal disease—then it’s best to make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Your dentist can prescribe a course of treatment for the gum disease, looking at the severity of the case. Also, adults can develop tooth decay around the margins of old fillings. Fillings can wear down, crack or break, and bacteria can fill these crevices and make a home.

If you have any questions about tooth decay, call Silver Creek Family Dentistry today.

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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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How it happens

The human teeth have a thin membrane of bacteria called plaque. Whenever you take in food substances that are full of sugar, plaque comes into contact with the sugar. The reaction between plaque and the ingested sugars forms acids that attack and erode the enamel of the tooth. If you consume food substances with higher sugar concentrations, you eventually increase the reaction of plaque and sugar creating more acid that damages the teeth.

Making healthier decisions

For the sake of your dental health, it is important to start focusing on healthy eating habits. A good practice that promotes dental health is a reduction of your sugar intake. Make sure you read through the nutritional details to determine how much sugar is in the food or drink.  You can also visit the dentist to get a check up on your dental health. Changing your eating patterns can also influence your dental health. It is recommended to take in more water and avoid or limit between meal snacks.

Healthier foods to eat

Since eating right is among the ways through which you can maintain your dental health, here are some of the foods to consider.

• Cheese, plain yogurt, and milk are some of the food substances that reduce an individual’s chances of getting gingivitis.
• To curb mineral deficiencies in the body, take lean red meat that is known to contain iron.
• It is good to take crunchy fruits and vegetables that rinse and remove harmful bacteria from the body such as apples, celery, and carrots.

Contact Silvercreek Dental for all of your Dental Care needs.

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Gingivitis is caused by a tarter build up on the teeth for a prolonged period of time (this is one of the many reasons why regular dental visits are so important!).  The bacteria on the teeth cause an inflammation of the gums.  This inflammation is called Gingivitis.  When it happens the gums are bright red and bleed easily.  The symptoms of Gingivitis can be cured with regular habits of brushing and flossing, and a visit to your dentist for a cleaning—your dentist may even recommend a mouthwash.

While gingivitis is considered gum disease, a more serious form of it is called periodontitis.  Periodontitis is the condition resulting from an untreated case of gingivitis.  With periodontitis, the gums separate from the teeth and the spaces left in the separation become infected.  Periodontitis can lead to damage to the teeth, gums, bones in the jaw, even necessitate the removal of teeth.

Obviously the methods to prevent these diseases are simple and well known: brush, floss, visit your dentist.  However, even a healthy individual, who performs his or her oral health flawlessly each and every day, could succumb to the symptoms of gum disease.

There are other preventable factors. Consider cutting down on sugary foods and drinks; try not to snack consistently throughout the day; stay away from tobacco.  You may also be taking medications that limit your saliva output (saliva washes debris from the surfaces of teeth), and you may be genetically predisposed to these conditions.

Regular check ups with your dentist—recommended twice yearly—and a consistent schedule of oral hygiene should keep your mouth healthy and free of gum disease.

Please contact Silver Creek Dental for all of your dental needs today!

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