DENTAL CARIES

Dental caries, also known as cavities, can be caused by sugary and/or acidic foods and drinks in your child’s diet. Bacteria in the mouth consume sugar and produce acids as waste, which in turn causes weakened areas in the enamel. If these weakened areas progress, a hole, or cavity, results.

• Cavities can occur on the chewing surface or along the gumline of the teeth, and these areas are visible to the naked eye.  This type of cavity is usually caused by sugary, starchy snacks such as cookies, crackers, chips, or sometimes through poor brushing habits.  
• Cavities may also occur between teeth, and these areas are only visualized through cavity detecting x-rays, or bitewing x-rays. This type of cavity is frequently caused by drinks other than white milk and plain water, or by sticky, sour candies.  Our doctors prescribe these x-rays when back baby teeth are touching, and the child can follow directions to obtain them safely.

When your teeth and gums are constantly exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks, and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting.

Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.

DENTAL ABSCESSES

These result if a tooth with a cavity is left untreated for a period of time.  Abscessed baby teeth are those which become infected and can no longer be saved by a restoration.  These teeth require extraction.  Without removal, abscessed teeth have the potential to cause facial cellulitis, a life-threatening infection that results in a swollen face and often requires hospital admission for treatment of IV antibiotics.

GINGIVITIS

Gum or periodontal disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss, and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.

ORTHODONTIC CONCERNS

A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth, or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions. Our doctors trained two additional years to be competent in identifying potential growth issues at an early age and to offer early interventions when appropriate that may minimize the need for future interventions.  Our doctors utilize both clinical and radiographic examinations to identify orthodontic concerns.

SPACE MAINTAINERS

Space maintainers are small retainers used to maintain proper growth and development when a baby tooth is lost early due to infection.  These retainers are cemented to an adjacent tooth and remain until the new permanent tooth is near eruption.

PANORAMIC X-RAYS

Panoramic x-rays are prescribed when the first permanent tooth erupts, which is in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s guidelines on prescribing radiographs in children.  This type of x-ray helps the doctors diagnose missing teeth, extra teeth, crowding, and other pathologies such as cysts, growths, or infections.