What are the symptoms related to tooth eruption and what can I do to help my baby?
The usual symptoms that appear when the primary teeth start erupting are:
• Red and swollen gums
• Increased quantity of saliva (salivation)
• Anxiety and grumbling
• A change in nutritional habits
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty in sleeping
In general, the symptoms that are related to the appearance of the child’s first teeth are mild. If you observe fever, rashes, vomiting or diarrhea, you must visit your pediatrician, because something else, not related to the teeth, is happening.
In order to relieve your baby from these discomforts, you must clean his/her mouth 2-3 times/day with a wet gauze and give him/her cold objects that are manufactured specifically for this purpose, or a cold clean cloth to bite.
When is the time for my baby to have the first visit to the Pediatric Dentist?
The first visit to the pediatric dentist should take place as soon as the first tooth comes through. During this first visit, the pediatric dentist will organize and give you a complete preventive dental program to follow; he/she will also examine the dental development of your child, will give you advice concerning its nutrition, and will inform you on how to avoid possible problems.
What are the white patches sometimes found in a newborn's mouth?
Yeast infections in the mouth occur frequently in newborns. White patches can spot the tongue, cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth. If they are removed, some bleeding will occur. Treatment is usually unnecessary; however, your doctor should be notified of this condition.
What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?
The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist.
Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
When should brushing of teeth start?
The cleaning of teeth should start as soon as the child’s first tooth appears in the mouth. Until the end of the child's second year, a wet gauze or a thin toothbrush can be used to clean the primary teeth at least once per day, but preferably after every meal. As the child grows, a small and soft-bristled toothbrush with a smear layer of toothpaste may be used.
How can I protect my child’s teeth?
The best way to protect your child’s teeth is the initiation of correct preventive measures at a young age. These measures include correct nutritional habits, the cleaning of teeth and the use of fluoride, along with frequent visits to the pediatric dentist. Our aim is to maintain the teeth’s health until the age of 16-18 years. If you succeed in this, your child will have healthy teeth for the rest of their life.
What is orthodontic treatment and why is it so important?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with facial growth, the development of the dentition and occlusion, and the diagnosis and treatment of occlusal anomalies.
If orthodontic problems exist, they should be treated in order to preserve dental and periodontal health. When teeth are crowded, they are hard to clean and maintain. This will contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Moreover, masticatory troubles could exist in the case of an open bite, where patients usually complain from difficulty in eating particularly when incising food. Inefficient chewing function or misalignment of the jaw joints can result in chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck due to the application of destructive forces to ligaments and bone muscles of the head and neck.
The most common reason for patients to seek orthodontic treatment is dissatisfaction with the appearance, or aesthetics, of the bite. Studies showed that malocclusion is likely to be a social handicap whether in school, at work, or in personal/social relationships.
When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Treatment by a specialist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.
When is the proper time to see an orthodontist?
A dentist usually checks for malocclusion in children during regular dental visits. If any problem was noticed, the dentist may suggest a visit to an orthodontist.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a checkup with an orthodontist by age 7.
Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.
Is there any need for anesthesia during orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic procedures, in general, do not require local anesthesia. Having braces put on is painless. Few days before the braces are positioned, spacers are placed between the molars. This can sometimes cause discomfort the day after they are placed, but Paracetamol is sufficient in easing the discomfort.
