Barbag Dental for You and Your Family.
Barbag Dental for You and Your Family.
As your infant grows into a toddler, there are many developmental changes that start to take place. One of these important changes is the development of little teeth. What do you, as a parent need to know about the care of these teeth, and how can you ensure that they develop properly? At Barbag dental in Coral Springs, we see patients of all ages and are dedicated to making dental care a top priority for our patients. Our team is here to offer suggestions and advice for toddlers, teenagers, and to adults.
Baby Teeth Need Care Too! Ask Our Coral Springs Dentist How.
Although our first set of teeth are not permanent, we still need to take care of them. It is estimated by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Researchers that 42 percent of kids between the ages of two to eleven will develop at least one cavity in their primary teeth. Toddler teeth can develop plaque, cavities, and decay just like adult teeth. How does this happen, and what can you as a parent do to avoid these problems? Let’s start off by reviewing plaque. Plaque will develop when foods and drinks are left on the teeth. When infant’s teeth are not wiped or toddler teeth are not brushed, plaque will develop. Foods with starches or sugar and drinks, including milk and juice, will mix with the bacteria in the mouth. Once mixed it produces an acid which will destroy the enamel and therefore, cause tooth decay. If plaque gets severe enough, it will also develop under the gums and break down the bones of the supporting teeth. Baby teeth need to be wiped with a warm washcloth several times a day after feedings or bottle drinks. Baby and toddler teeth have only a thin layer of enamel, so the harmful acid will work faster in causing problems. When more teeth develop, parents should also carefully and gently floss in between the teeth to remove any buildup. Tooth decay in toddlers happens mostly when they go for a nap or bedtime with a bottle of juice or milk. The sugars will accumulate on the teeth and gums and will lead to cavities and decay. Some little ones’ experience tooth decay so severe that they must have their baby teeth pulled and will not have teeth until the adult teeth grow in! Children that have poor oral hygiene will often times not eat properly and may also have speech problems. If you see that you child has started to develop issues with their teeth, it is best to contact our Coral Springs dental office and set an appointment.
We all want to do what is best for our growing children and most parents want to keep their kids away from sodas in fear of the damage the sugars and acids in soda may cause. However, many juices can be just as damaging to teeth as sodas. A recent study from the National Dental Health survey shows that more than half of five-year-old’s have lost part of their tooth surface because of erosion. This often times is because of the high acidity from juice that is left on the teeth after drinking juice. Although, juice and smoothies do contain essential vitamins, not caring for your teeth right after having these drinks will eventually cause enamel erosion or cavities.
How can you look for signs of tooth decay on your toddler? If you notice discoloration, usually a yellow or white color, or lines on the teeth, this is an indication of decay. Depending on the stage of decay will determine the treatment. Typically, we can treat your child with fluoride treatments, or fillings. If it is severe, we may recommend pulp therapy or extractions. Extractions, although not ideal may need to happen if the secondary teeth are in danger. We recommend that after drinking juice that you actually wait for about an hour to brush your teeth. Why is this? The acid in the juice will soften the tooth enamel which will cause your teeth damage if you brush right away. By waiting for a little while before brushing, you are giving the enamel time to strengthen again. Teaching your child to brush properly, several times a day will benefit them greatly as they age. Between your parenting, and our expert team, we will develop techniques for a healthy, bright, and happy mouth! When a parent gets their baby and toddler into the habit of cleaning their teeth, they will most likely continue these good habits as they age on their own.
You Can Afford Quality Dental Treatment at Barbag Dental.
At Barbag Dental in Coral Springs, we are known for our long-standing and high standard of excellence and commitment to our patients. Whether you make an appointment for a cleaning, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, or for crowns and restorations, we offer professional and caring services for your entire family. To make your dental service affordable, we also accept most dental plans and will work with you to make sure that you will recover the most from your benefits. If you require major dental work, we will come up with a payment plan with a payment schedule. You can also inquire about Care Credit® which is a financing program that offers extended payment plans for your dental care. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We always welcome new patients and look forward to working with you!
