Smiles At Every Age Interactive Guide . . .

>0-6 By 6 months babys front teeth prepare to emerge. Teeth often

appear in pairs. Lower teeth usually arrive sooner than upper.
>>7-12 Babys front teeth, or incisors, start peeking through gums.
Beneath the gum, permanent teeth begin to develop.
>>>13-24 Babys molars- the rear teeth used for chewing-now emerge.
>>>>2-5 Your childs first dental visit. The roots of your childs baby
teeth begin to dissolve, creating room for his permanent teeth.
How Do I Care For My Infants Teeth?!
How Do I Care For My Babys Teeth?
>Good oral care starts from the beginning of your
childs life. Even before his or her first teeth emerge, certain
factors can affect their future appearance and health. For
instance, tetracycline, a common antibiotic, can cause tooth
discoloration. For this reason, they should not be used by nursing
mothers or by expecting mothers in the last half of
PREGNANCY.
 Since baby teeth usually emerge around six
months of age, standard oral health procedures
like brushing and flossing arent required for
infants. However, infants have special oral health
needs that every new parent should know about.
These include guarding against baby bottle decay
and making sure your child is receiving enough
fluoride.
What Is Baby Bottle Decay And How Can I
Prevent It?
Baby bottle decay is caused by frequent exposure,
over time, to liquids containing sugars. These include milk,
formula, and fruit juices. The sugar liquids pool around the
teeth for long periods of time as your baby sleeps, leading to
CAVITIES that first develop in the upper and lower front
teeth. For this reason, you shouldnt let your baby fall asleep
with a bottle of juice or milk in his/her mouth. Instead, at
naptime, give your child a bottle filled with water or a pacifier
recommended by your dentist. If you breast-feed, avoid
letting the baby nurse continuously. And after each feeding,
wipe your babys teeth and gums with a clean, damp
washcloth or a gauze pad.
What Is Fluoride And How Do I Know If My Baby Is Getting
The Right Amount?
Fluoride is beneficial even before your childs teeth begin to erupt. It
strengthens the tooth enamel as the teeth are forming. In many municipal water
supplies, the right amount of fluoride, and how much, call your local water
district. If your water supply does not contain any(or enough) fluoride, talk to
your pediatrician or dentist about fluoride drops that can be given to your baby
daily. If you use bottled water for drinking and cooking, be sure to tell your
doctor or dentist. They may prescribe fluoride supplements for the baby.
How Do I Care For My Toddlers Teeth?
Passing on good oral habits to your child is one
of the most important health lessons you can teach
them. This means helping him or her BRUSH twice a
day, showing the proper way to FLOSS, limiting
between-meal snacks and seeing your dentist regularly.
Most dentists recommend that children start their
DENTAL VISITS by the age of two. In addition to giving
your dentist a chance to monitor your childs dental growth
and development, this is your chance to learn about
TOOTH DEVELOPMENT, the need for fluoride, how to
help your child maintain PROPER ORAL HYGIENE,
how to deal with your childs oral habits (such as pacifier
use), diet and NUTRITION, and how to prevent ORAL
INJURIES.
Always emphasize that a dental visit is a
positive experience. Explain to your child that
visiting the dentist helps maintain good oral
health. By fostering a positive attitude, youll
increase the chance that your child will see a
dentist regularly throughout life.
What Should I Do When My Toddlers Teeth Begin To
Erupt?
Teeth start to erupt at about 6 months and continue until age 3.
This causes many children to have tender gums, which can
make them irritable. It helps to rub the gum with your finger, a
small cool spoon or a frozen teething ring thats been placed
in the freezer. There are also pain relief gels and medications.
If your child has a fever when teething, its best to contact
physician to rule out the possibility of some other kind of
condition.
Whats The Proper Way To Brush My Toddlers Teeth?
Its a good idea to supervise your childs brushing until the age of 6,
following the guidelines below:
>Use a pea-sized amount of an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Take care
that your child doesnt swallow the paste.
>>Use a toothbrush with soft bristle, brush inside surface of all teeth first,
where plaque accumulates most. Angle bristle toward the gumline. Brush gently back
and forth.
>>> Clean all outside surface of teeth. Angle bristle toward the gumline.
Brush gently back and forth.
>>>>Place brush so bristle are on the chewing surface of the teeth. Brush
gently back and forth
Is Thumb Or Finger Sucking A Problem And How
Can I Treat It?
The sucking reflex is normal and healthy in babies. However, a
thumb or finger sucking habit can cause problems with the growth of the
mouth and jaw, and position of teeth, if it continues after permanent teeth
have erupted, between four and seven years of age. Front teeth that point
outward (sometimes called buck teeth) and an open bite may result from
habitual thumb or finger sucking. This can cause problems in adulthood that
include premature tooth wear, increased dental decay and discomfort on
biting. Sucking on pacifiers after permanent teeth have erupted may cause
similar problems.
The best way to deal with thumb or finger sucking is through
positive reinforcement, not negative words or behavior. Your child
is only doing what feels natural to him or her. Praise your child
when he/she is not sucking his thumb/finger. You may also want to
focus on correcting the anxiety thats causing your child to suck
her/his thumb/finger. You can remind your child of the habit by
bandaging the thumb/finger, or putting on a sock over his hand at
night. Bitter-tasting medication to coat the thumb can also be
prescribed by your dentist or pediatrician.
Pregnancy/ Prenatal Care And Oral Health?
Can Oral Health Have An Effect On
Pregnancy?
Growing evidence suggests a link between gum disease
and premature, underweight births. Pregnant women who have
gum disease may be likely to have a baby that is born too early
and too small.
More research is needed to confirm how gum
disease affects pregnancy outcomes. But it
appears that disease triggers increased levels of
biological fluids that induce labor. Data also
suggests that when gum disease worsens during
pregnancy, theres a higher risk of having a
premature baby.
What Can I Do To Ensure I Have A Healthy
Pregnancy?
The best advice to women considering pregnancy is to
visit their dentist for a checkup and to treat any oral problems
before becoming pregnant.
During your pregnancy, your teeth and gums
need special attention. Regular brushing and
flossing, eating a balanced diet and visiting your
dentist regularly will help dental problems that
accompany pregnancy.
What Oral Problems Might Develop During My
Pregnancy?
Studies show that many pregnant women
experience pregnancy gingivitis- When dental plaque
builds up on the teeth and irritates the gum. Symptoms
include red, inflamed and bleeding gums.
Pregnancy gingivitis occurs more frequently during
pregnancy because the increased level of hormones
exaggerate the way gums react to the irritants in
plaque. However, its still plaque- not hormones-
that is the major cause of gingivitis.
Keeping your teeth clean, especially near the
gumline, will help dramatically reduce or even
prevent gingivitis during your pregnancy. And
substituting sweet with more wholesome foods
such as cheese, fresh fruits or vegetables is better
for your teeth.
What Can I Expect When I Visit My Dentist During My
Pregnancy?
First, be sure to let your dentist know youre pregnant when
you schedule your appointment. Its best to schedule your dental
visit during the fourth to sixth month of your pregnancy. This is
because the first three months of pregnancy are thought to be of
greatest importance in your childs development. During the last
trimester, stresses associated with dental visits can increase the
incidence of prenatal complication.
Typically, X-rays, dental anesthetics, pain medications
and antibiotics (especially tetracycline) are not prescribed
during the first trimester, unless its absolutely necessary.
During the last three months of pregnancy, sitting for long
periods of time in the dental chair can become
uncomfortable. And there is evidence that pregnant
women can be more prone to gagging. Your dentist,
however, is prepared for this situation.
If you need to schedule an emergency visit, let the office
know about your pregnancy before you arrive. Discuss
any stresses, past miscarriages and drugs you are taking as
these can all have an influence on how your dentist
attends your needs. Your dentist may also want to consult
with your physician before any treatment is started.
If you have any doubts or concern, insist that
your dentist and physician discuss your
particular needs. If your dentist prescribes
medication, do not exceed the prescribed
dosage. This includes aspirin.
Finding A Dentist
How Do I Look For A Dentist?
A good place to start is by asking for a referral from people you
trust-your friends, family, acquaintances, work associates,
pharmacist or family doctor. Ask them how long theyve gone to
their dentist, they how comfortable they feel asking questions,
what type of dentist they go to (general or specialist). It is
important that you find a dentist with whom you feel comfortable.
Other Ways To Find A Dentist Include:
>Calling your local dental society for a list of
recommended dentists in your area. Your local dental
society can be found in the Yellow Pages under dentist.
>>Searching online for dentists in area. More and
more dentists have websites explaining their approach
and treatment methods.
What Kind Of Dentist Should I Look For?
General dentists are trained to all types of treatment. If you
have difficult or unusual problems, your dentist may refer you to one
of the following specialists:
>Pediatric Dentists/Pedodontists- specialize in
pediatric(childrens) dentistry.
>>Endodontists- diagnose and treat diseased tooth pulp and
perform root canal work (many general dentists also perform root
canals.)
 >>>Prosthodontists- specialize in crowns, bridges,
and dentures.
>>>>Oral Pathologists- use laboratory procedures
to diagnose diseases of the mouth. They also specialize
in forensic dentistry.
 >>>>>Oral/ Maxillofacial- surgeons perform surgical
treatments, such as removing cysts, tumors, and teeth. They can
correct fractures or jaw problems that require surgery, including
temporomandibular joint (TMJ). They also use methods similar to
those of plastic surgery to treat cosmetic problems of the jaw and
face.
>>>>>>Orthodontists- correct improperly positioned teeth,
using braces and other appliances to move teeth into a better
position.
>>>>>>>Periodontists- specialize in the diagnosis and
treatment of gum disease.
How Do You Become A Practicing Dentist?
A general practitioner or specialist can be degreed as either
a D. D. D (Doctor Of Dental Surgery) or a D. M. D (Doctor Of
Dental Medicine), depending on the school from which he/she
graduated. The requirements for each degree are identical: four
years of post-graduate study for general practice plus one to two
years of advanced study for a particular specialty. A graduate must
then pass a state licensing examination in order to begin practice.
Dental Visit- The Dentist Visit And What To Expect
What Happens During A Dental Visit?
First, it is important find a dentist with whom you feel
comfortable. Once youve found a dentist you like, your next step
is to schedule a check- up- before any problems arise.
 On your first visit to a dentist, they will take a full health
history. On subsequent visits, if your health status has changed,
make sure to tell them.
Most dental visits are checkups. Regular checkups
(ideally every six months) will help your teeth stay cleaner, last
longer and can prevent painful problems from developing.
A Full Examination
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your
teeth, gums, and mouth, looking for signs of disease or other
problems. His or her goal is to help maintain your good oral health
and to prevent problems from becoming serious, by identifying and
treating them as soon as possible.
X-Rays
Depending on your, risks of disease and symptoms, your dentist may recommend X-
rays. X-ray can diagnose problems otherwise unnoticed, such as damage to jawbones, impacted
teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, and decay between the teeth. A modern dental office uses
machines that emit virtually no radiation- no more than you would receive from a day in the
sun or a weekend watching TV. As a precaution, you should always wear a lead apron when
having an X-ray. And, if you pregnant, inform your dentist, as X-rays should only be taken in
emergency situations.
Your dentist may ask for a Panoramic X-ray, or Panorex. This type of film provides a
complete view of your upper and lower jaw in a single picture, and helps the dentist understand
your bite and the relationship between the different teeth and your arch.
How Long Should I Go Between Visits?
If your teeth and gums are in good shape, you probably wont
need to return for three to six months. If further treatment is required-
say to fill a cavity, remove a wisdom tooth, or repair a broken crown-
you should make an appointment before leaving the office. And dont
forget to ask your dentist any questions you may have- this is your
chance to get the answers you need.
Tooth Anatomy
What Are The Different Parts Of A Tooth?
Crown: The top part of the tooth, and the only part you can
normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooths function.
For example, front teeth are shape and chisel-shapes for cutting, while
molars have flat surfaces for grinding.
Gumline: Where the tooth and the gums meet.
Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque
and tartar can build up at the gumline, leading
to gingivitis and gum disease.
Root: The part of the tooth hat is embedded in
bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of
the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
Enamel: The outermost layer of the
tooth. Enamel is the hardest, most
mineralized tissue in the body- yet it can
be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared
for properly.
Dentin:The layer of the tooth under the
enamel. If decay is able to progress its way
through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin-
where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the
dental pulp.
Pulp: The soft tissue found in the center
of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and
blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches
the pulp, you usually feel pain.
What Are The Different Types Of Teeth?
Every tooth has a specific job or function (use
the dental arch in this section to locate and identify
each type of tooth):
Incisors: The sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth
(four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
Canines: Sometimes called cuspids, these
teeth are shaped like points (cups) and are used
for tearing food.
Premolars: These teeth have two pointed
cusps on their biting surface and are
sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The
premolars are for crushing and tearing.
Molars: Used for grinding, these teeth
have several cusps on the biting surface.
What Is Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This
means:
> Your teeth are clean and free of debris
>>Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
>>>Bad breath is not a constant problem
If your gums do hurt or bleed while
brushing or flossing, or you are
experiencing persistent bad breath, see
your dentist. Any of these conditions may
indicate a problem.
Your dentist of hygienists can help you learn good
oral hygiene techniques and can help point out
areas of your mouth that may require extra
attention during brushing and flossing.
How Well Is Oral Hygiene Practiced
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most
important things you can do for your teeth and gums.
Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good,
they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral
health is important to your overall well-being.
 Daily preventive care, including proper
brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before
they develop and is much less painful, expensive, and
worrisome then treating conditions that have been
allowed to progress.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are
simple steps that each of us can take to greatly
decrease the risk of developing tooth disease and
other dental problems.
That Includes:
>Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily.
>>Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between
meals.
>>>Using dental products that contain fluoride, including
toothpaste.
>>>>Rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist
tells you to.
>>>>> Making sure that your children under 12 drink
fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a
non-fluoridated area.
How To Brush-Teeth Brushing Techniques
What Is The Right Way To Brush?
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes- thats right, 120 seconds!
Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for
the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth,
use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard
to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other
restoration.
Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as
follows:
>Clean the outer surface of your upper teeth, then lower
teeth.
>>Clean the inner surface of your upper teeth, then your
lower teeth.
>>>Clean the chewing surface.
>>>>For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue too!
What Type Of Toothbrush Should I Use?
Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristle brush is best
for removing plaque and debris from your-teeth. Small- headed
brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the
mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. For many, a powered
toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning
teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have
limited manual dexterity.
How Important Is The Toothpaste I Use?
It is important that you use a toothpaste thats right for
you. Today there is a wide variety of toothpaste designed for
many conditions, including cavities, gingivitis, tartar, stained
teeth and sensitivity. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist which
toothpaste is right for you.
How Often Should I Replace My Toothpaste?
You should replace your toothpaste when it begins to
show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first. It is
also very important to change toothbrushes after youve had a
cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to re-
infection.