Your Teeth
Throughout your life, you will have two sets of teeth: primary (baby) teeth and secondary (permanent) teeth. The primary teeth typically appear between 6-8 months, and all 20 are usually in place by age 3.
Permanent teeth will begin to erupt around age 6. In most cases, all of the permanent teeth are present between ages 12 and 14 (with the exception of wisdom teeth). The total number of permanent teeth is 32, though few people have room for all 32 teeth, which is why wisdom teeth are usually removed.
Your front teeth are called incisors. The sharp "fang-like" teeth are canines. The next side teeth are referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids, and the back teeth are molars. Your permanent teeth are the ones you keep for life, so it is important that they are brushed and flossed regularly and that periodic check-ups by a dentist are followed.
Why Good Dental Health is Important
​Many studies and research have concluded on the importance of starting children early in their lives with good dental hygiene and oral care. According to research, the most common chronic childhood disease in America is tooth decay. In fact, 83% of the population has experienced dental caries by the age of 17. Early treatment prevents problems affecting a child's health, well-being, self-image and overall achievement. The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research estimates that children will miss 52 million hours of school each year due to oral health problems and about 12.5 million days of restricted activity every year from dental symptoms. Because there is such a significant loss in their academic performance, the Surgeon General has made children's oral health a priority. Our practice looks to partner with parents in making dental health an important aspect of our patients' lives. The American Dental Hygiene Association states that a good oral hygiene routine for children includes: Thoroughly cleaning your infant's gums after each feeding with a water-soaked infant cloth. This stimulates the gum tissue and removes food. Gently brushing your baby's erupted teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Teaching your child at age 2 or 3 about proper brushing techniques and making sure they know that a parent must be in charge of oral hygiene until approximately 8 years old or when the child has the manual dexterity to do it on their own properly. Regular visits with their dentist to check for cavities in the primary teeth and for possible developmental problems. Encouraging your child to discuss any fears they may have about oral health visits, but NOT mentioning words like "pain" or "hurt," since this may instill the possibility of pain in the child's thought process. Determining if the water supply that serves your home is fluoridated; if not, discussing supplement options with your dentist or hygienist. Asking your hygienist or dentist about sealant applications to protect your child's teeth-chewing surfaces and about bottle tooth decay, which occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugared liquids. We ask parents to remember that we are trying to create a supportive, educational and fun experience at the dentist. In order to foster this positive environment, our strong preference is that parents refrain from sharing any negative feelings they have about dental treatment with their children.
General Treatment
Our practice can provide a wide range of dental services for your children. Our emphasis is on total preventive care for our patients. Total care begins with regular hygiene visits, regular check-ups and continued home oral health routines.We provide many preventative measures to keep your child's teeth clean and healthy, including sealants and fluoride treatments. We also educate the parents in early detection of some common problems children may face, including thumbsucking, bruxism and baby bottle tooth decay.Our primary goal for your child's dental development is to achieve and maintain optimum oral health through advances in techniques, technologies and by maintaining their scheduled dental exams.
Nitrous Oxide & Oxygen
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, oral sedatives and general anesthetic. Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation. Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your pediatric dentist about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your pediatric dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions. "Laughing Gas" Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their pediatric dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your pediatric dentist will provide you with pre- and post-sedation instructions.