Fluoride Supplements

The most effective way for your child to get fluoride’s protection is by drinking water containing the right amount of the mineral… about one part fluoride per million parts water. This is of special benefit to children, because fluoride is incorporated into enamel as teeth form. Children who, from birth, drink water containing fluoride have up to 40% fewer cavities. Many of them remain cavity-free through their teens.

Fluoride is one of the most effective elements for preventing tooth decay. This mineral combines with tooth enamel to strengthen it against decay. Fluoride may also actually reverse microscopic cavities by enhancing the process by which minerals, including calcium, are incorporated into the teeth.

Even though your regular water supply may be fluoridated, it is still important to discuss with your dentist any additional fluoride needs your child may have. Look for fluoride toothpastes and over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinses that carry the ADA seal. They have been proven safe and effective for their intended use. The advertising claims for these products have been reviewed by the ADA so the claims are accurate and not misleading.

Your dentist may recommend various ways to get fluoride protection, including:

- Drinking fluoridated water at school.

- Taking prescribed fluoride tablets or drops.

- Brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste after age two.

- Using a fluoride mouth rinse for children over age six.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

 

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

 

Baby bottle tooth decay is a form of decay than can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth. These teeth are critical to you child’s smile. Other teeth may also be affected by this condition.

 

What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is caused by frequent and long exposure of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugars. Milk, formula, fruit juices, and other sweetened liquids help to create this problem. The sugar in these liquids is used as an energy source by the bacteria in plaque.

Plaque is a thin, almost invisible film of bacteria and by-products that constantly form on everyone’s teeth. In the decay process, the bacteria produce acids which attach tooth enamel. The length of time these liquids are in contact with the teeth is critical. Longer and frequent exposures allow greater damage to occur.

Offering your child a bottle containing these liquids many times a day, as a pacifier, isn’t a good idea. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can cause serious harm and damage to your child’s teeth. During sleep, the flow of saliva decreases. This allows the liquids in the nursing bottle to pool around your child’s teeth for long periods of time.

 

Prevention

Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby’s teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the child’s teeth. You can prevent this from happening to your child’s teeth by learning how to protect them:

• After each feeding, wipe the child’s teeth and gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad, to remove plaque. Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Remember to continue cleaning and massaging the child’s gums in all other areas that remain toothless. Flossing should begin when all primary teeth have erupted, usually by age
• Never allow your child fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquid.
• If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, fill a nursing bottle with cool water or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or pediatrician. Never give your child a pacifier dipped in any sweetened liquid.
• Avoid filling your child’s nursing bottle with any liquids such as sugar water, sweetened gelatin, and soft drinks.
• Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. If you are not sure that your local water supply contains the right amount of fluoride, ask your dentist about fluoride supplements.
• Start dental visits between six and twelve months of age. Make appointments regularly. If you suspect that your child has a dental problem, take the child to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Bridges

What is a Bridge?

A bridge is a replacement tooth that is supported and attached by a crown on either side of the space. The two side teeth or (anchor teeth) are prepared to provide support the bridge).

Taking Care of Your Bridge

A bridge is made of very strong materials, but nothing as strong as natural tooth structure. If normal care and precautions and care are taken, a bridge can last for many years.

- Brush and floss with great care to clean where the crowns meet the tooth.

- Flossing must be accomplished underneath the bridge on a daily basis.

- Avoid eating or chewing on hard objects, food, or ice.

- Make regular visits to your dentist to evaluate the condition of the crowns.

When are Bridges Needed?

To replace a missing tooth with a conventional three-unit bridge, teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared. The custom-made bridge is fitted and adjusted, appearance immediately after a tooth is lost. When a tooth is not replaced, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, this can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Aftercare

1. Must clean “under” as well as around the bridge
2. There are special tools to aid in cleaning
3. Floss once, and brush twice daily
4. Avoid chewing on hard objects, food and ice
5. Limit snacks

Prevention

Preventive dentistry is a lifelong commitment. Regularly scheduled preventative treatments can save you time and money while helping you avoid complicated and uncomfortable dental procedures. Preventive dentistry includes periodic examinations, cleanings, sealants and fluoride treatments.

WHITENING

This is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. Our office uses several methods: Custom Trays with Professional strength whitening gel, Pre-filled Disposable tray whitening and Touch-up Kits for those patients with trays of their own. 

The tray method involves having impressions taken from which laboratory fabricated custom vinyl trays are made. A Carbamide peroxide  or  Hydrogen peroxide gel is placed in these trays and the trays with gel are worn for a minimum of 30 minutes. The entire process takes 1-2 weeks of daily use. Three different strengths of gel may be used, however the higher the strength the greater the likelihood of reactions or tooth sensitivity. The tray method is recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining, and it may take several months of use to see significant color improvement. For maintenance of whitened teeth the trays should be used every several months.

We recommend discussing your individual needs with Dr. Gina Ostrand or the hygienist prior to purchasing other over-the counter products so the product that is best for your situation is chosen and you reach your cosmetic goals.

NEW! FOR OUR ESTABLISHED PATIENTS: You may now preview all of our office tested and approved Whitening products through our Venus Smile Store link. This enables you to purchase PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH products directly online whenever you need them and have them delivered right to your doorstep. You can also take advantage of SPECIAL PROMOTIONS and DISCOUNTS.

VENEERS

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very aesthetic.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.

Invisalign

Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible custom-molded aligners. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with results you'll notice sooner than you think.

The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position step by step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual.