Why should you fix baby teeth?

Many parents at one time or another have asked me if they should have their child’s teeth fixed, and my quick answer is YES! "Baby teeth" exist for a reason; they are present so your child can eat, smile, and provide a pathway for your child's permanent teeth. The healthier your child's primary (baby) teeth, the healthier their permanent teeth will be. Most babies will start to get teeth around the age of 6 months and continue until they have a full set of twenty primary teeth around the age of 2. Many parents don't understand the importance of bringing their children to the dentist at a young age when their teeth will just "fall out anyway." The truth of the matter is that children will lose their top four and bottom four teeth around the age of 7, but the back twelve teeth will not come out until around the age of 10. This is why it’s important to not let your child take a bottle to bed or feed your child and then let them go to sleep without brushing their teeth. This will cause early decay that will need to be addressed by a dentist.

It is imperative to keep your child's teeth healthy and cavity free by seeing the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and exam. Children should be seen as soon as they get their first primary tooth or by 1 year old. If your child should have cavities, then your dentist will explain the options of fillings, stainless steel crowns or extractions. Sometimes a child’s tooth decay has gone so far that the tooth needs to be taken out (extracted). This, while necessary for your child's teeth, brings its own consequences. Early loss of primary teeth can cause problems with the eruption of your child's permanent teeth, chewing and speech. A space maintainer may be necessary to save this precious space for the awaiting permanent tooth. In some cases a child with an infection or multiple cavities may need to be seen in a hospital operating room in order to fix their teeth. This is what we try to avoid with early oral hygiene instruction and guidance from the dentist office.

Good oral hygiene will help prevent cavities, but nothing will make them go away except for treatment by a dental professional. Cavities in primary teeth develop and spread quicker than in permanent teeth. The dentist will want to take care of this dental disease before it causes pain, needs a larger filling or an extraction. It’s important to start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they get their first tooth. Continue helping them brush as they grow, introducing flossing when the spaces between their teeth have closed. Many children will want to brush their own teeth and fight their parents. Young children do not have the dexterity to keep their teeth clean. Please do not let them brush by themselves, it is very important that you control this habit. It is true that the primary teeth are going to "fall out", but not for many years. Good hygiene habits that you establish when they are children will last a lifetime.

Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS is a pediatric dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

 
Above article  – By Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS

Wine Tasters, Beware

Wine tasters may be at high risk for enamel stain and erosion.

Why? Sipping wine many times a day -- and swishing it in the mouth -- increases the enamel's exposure to damaging acids.

That is why it's better to drink a glass of wine, soda, or sweet tea with a meal instead of sipping it over several hours.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Your Mouth Is Not a Bottle Opener!

Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.

Gnawing on anything else -- like pens or fingernails -- or chomping down on seeds, popcorn kernels, or ice could have the same result.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

I just need a cleaning...

Dentistry is an evolving and changing field and the connection between the health of our teeth, gums and the rest of our bodies is being recognized. Most patients, due to no fault of their own, have no idea that there are different types of “cleanings” and that different conditions and situations dictate what type of treatment is appropriate. Our administrative team receives many calls from patients in a day that say, “I just need a cleaning.” We view this as an opportunity to listen to the needs of new patients and educate them on the importance that their oral health plays into their mouths AND their bodies as a whole.

In a healthy patient, there is no pocketing or bone loss, and the gums do not bleed when they are brushed, flossed or examined in the dental office. These patients can receive routine cleanings every six months and with good homecare will have very few gum related problems. At most they may have some gingivitis, but this is reversible with improved homecare and routine professional care. However, a large percentage of Americans have periodontal disease, a largely unknown and often undiagnosed condition. Periodontal disease is a condition that affects the gums and bone that surround and support our teeth. It is linked to genetics, poor home care, the use of nicotine products and lack of professional dental care. If untreated, patients run the risk of losing teeth, and are also at greater risk for preterm babies, heart disease, diabetes and strokes. Early diagnosis, routine care and improved homecare can lessen the direct effects of periodontal disease and also greatly reduce the overall effects on the body.

Diagnosis and treatment for patients with this condition may vary from patient to patient. However, the ultimate key to successfully treating this condition involves early accurate diagnosis followed by a plan tailored for that individual patients’ condition. The standard protocols involve periodontal therapy, a series of appointments where we comfortably yet thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from the crown and root surfaces of the teeth. This is followed by 3 to 4 month maintenance intervals and in the most resistant cases the use of customized antibiotic regimens. The 3 to 4 month visits greatly improve the long term chances for success and as a result we are able to not only save teeth but also reduce the systemic effects of this disease on patients. This helps them to be healthier for a lifetime.

How is periodontal disease detected?
We use a combination of x-rays and a thorough clinical examination to look for recession, pocketing, bone loss and infection

How can you help prevent gum and periodontal disease?
• Brush your teeth twice daily (electric toothbrush is recommended)
• Floss or use a waterpik once daily
• Have dental examinations 2 times per year
• Quit or limit smoking
• Be seen more frequently for hygiene visits if recommended
• Be aware of your family’s dental/medical history and share this with your dental team

If you have not received routine dental care in years, have family members with gum disease or missing teeth, or are a smoker, I would greatly encourage you to contact a dental professional for a comprehensive examination including a periodontal screening. It will not only allow you to have any dental problems diagnosed and treated, but may help reduce your risk for many of the major health risks facing us today.

Above article written by: Dr. Seidel

Foods That Stain Your Teeth: Tea and Your Teeth

Although tea has a reputation as a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea -- especially the basic black variety -- can cause more stains than coffee. However, recent studies have found that even herbal teas and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Tooth Decay and Sensitivity

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
What happens when tooth enamel is damaged? The exposed part underneath becomes vulnerable to decay. Cavities aren't the only problem.

Teeth with damaged enamel can become sensitive to extreme temperatures. Suddenly, eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee can be painful or unpleasant.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

How Enamel Protects Your Teeth

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
Enamel is kind of like the shell of an egg: it protects the softer, more vulnerable part of the tooth inside.
But unlike an eggshell, the thin layer of enamel is tough.

In fact, enamel is the hardest substance in the body. It can withstand decades of biting, chewing and crunching -- with some luck and good dental care.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193