Posts Tagged ‘children’

February is National Childrens Dental Health Month

  Dental Health Month Activity Pages

The annual observance of children’s dental health began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio on February 3, 1941. During that year, February 3-7 was designated as Children’s Dental Health Week in Akron, Ohio.

The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. This single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

I have always seen all ages, from age one on up (first visit by first birthday). There are occasions that a child has specific dental issues requiring referral to a pedodontist (children’s dental specialist), but these are not common.

February – National Children’s Dental Health Month

Getting kids started out right with their teeth is a mission of mine, and I hope yours too. Dental health has long-term implications for heart disease and stroke. Most dental problems can be avoided if usual prevent practices are followed. It is the standard of care to see little ones for a dental checkup by age 1 (well-baby checkup). If it’s time to get your children in for a checkup consider getting them in during National Childrens Dental Health Month.

I practice general, family, and cosmetic dentistry, and offer a wide range of services to all ages. All the dentistry I do is cosmetic: I do not use silver / amalgam fillings and have not since 1986. My focus is on education and prevention. I know that you can get a filling, or crown, or cleaning with any dentist – what makes a difference is how you receive the service, and I make every effort to help you feel welcome, comfortable, and respected.

• laser cavity detection
• tooth-colored fillings
• implants 1
• non-surgical periodontal treatment, root planing / scaling
• crowns, bridges, veneers
• teeth whitening
• bite guards
• nitrous oxide
• digital x-rays
• dentures (partial / complete)
• root canal treatment 2
• sealants
• sports mouthguards
• extractions  3

• 1 I restore the implant (make the crown / bridge), the actual implant is done by the oral surgeon or periodontist.
• 2 Some root canal treatment by the endodontist – as needed.
• 3 My commitment is to keep teeth and gums healthy (many extractions are treated by the oral surgeon or periodontist)
• I refer to specialists for your well being.

Updated thinking about fever in children’s illnesses was in the news recently. Fever is fairly common in children, and not all fevers are bad.

Longstanding belief, and even parental instinct, may compel you to fight your child’s fever to ease the persistent crying and discomfort. But most experts say not to worry so much about treating your child’s fever. In fact, they say, for children older than six months old, having a fever may be a good thing.

To see the original ABC News article, click here (for the video, click here).

For more about fever (definition, considerations, causes, home care, when to contact a medical professional, what to expect at your office visit, alternative names) from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, click here.

FYI, it is not uncommon to notice a slight elevation in temperature when children are teething, although research does not find any outright fever caused by teething.

We know that everyone needs plenty of sleep, but here is a new study that shows a link between lack of sleep and metabolism in children.

Suboptimal sleep patterns in children linked with obesity and adverse metabolic outcomes

Summary. Short sleep duration, variable sleep patterns, and lack of catch-up sleep on weekends were linked with obesity, and contributed to adverse metabolic outcomes in children. The authors urge emphasis on education regarding increased, less-variable sleep to help reduce obesity rates and improve metabolic trends.

Basis for Study. Obesity has increased as sleeping patterns have changed and duration increased in recent years. Short sleep duration or sleep disruption may be linked with metabolic dysfunction and obesity in children but has not been thoroughly studied.

Study. In a cross-sectional, community-based cohort of 308 children (ages 4 to 10; 71.4% non-Hispanic white), sleep duration and sleep patterns were tracked with wrist actigraphs for 1 week and measured against BMI, fasting morning plasma levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Results. Children overall routinely slept an average of 8 hours per night, below current recommended hours. Among obese children however, variation during the school week was greater with less catch-up sleep on weekends. Highly variable duration and short duration were linked with altered metabolic markers. The greatest health risk was shown in children with low sleep duration combined with irregular sleep schedules.

Sources & Other Links. Spruyt K, Molfese DL, Gozal D. Sleep Duration, Sleep Regularity, Body Weight, and Metabolic Homeostasis in School-aged Children. Pediatrics. 2011 Jan 24. [Epub ahead of print]

We’ve known for decades that dental disease (cavities, gum problems) is contagious. Cavities and gum problems are caused by bacteria that are transmitted from person to person. When children are born they’re sterile – no bacteria, but right away they pick up bacteria for their skin, mouth, intestines.

In a recent article in Pediatric Dentistry (Volume 32, Number 3, May / June 2010 , pp. 205-211(7), published by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) researchers concluded that “mothers are an important source of infection [with Streptococcus mutans – the primary bacteria causing cavities in children] for the child at an early age.”

What this means is that they dental health of the mother is more responsible for the risk for cavities in their children. Cavities need three things: a tooth, food and bacteria. What can be modified to prevent cavities is straight-forward: a healthy diet, effectively cleaning teeth (brushing and flossing), sealants, and fluoridated water and toothpaste. In addition, moms can work towards a very healthy mouth for their own benefit, but also for their children. Children will further pick up on what their parents do (or don’t do), and will model their behavior after them: if parents brush and floss regularly and go to scheduled dental checkups this will not be lost on what the kids perceive about the importance of dental health.

On April 30, 2010 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) together with manufacturer McNeil Consumer Healthcare issued a voluntary recall of specific children’s over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. It is important to note that the recall is specific for certain lots of Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl and that the medicines being recalled are all liquid, drops or syrup.

Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl are safe medications – the recall is in effect for reasons of concentration or contamination.

• For complete information, please see the FDA web page on this topic, click here.
• Further information about a refund or coupon if you have one of these recalled products, click here.
• For additional information about the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) in children see this information from the American Academy of Pediatrics, click here.

What Causes Decay?

Decay is caused by dental plaque, a thin, sticky colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth. When food is eaten (not just sugar), the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down, and a cavity (hole) is formed.

before after

 
What Is A Sealant?

A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the grooves of teeth, where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay prone areas of the teeth from plaque germs.  Sealants are a safe, painless, and low-cost way to help protect your teeth from decay.  Sealants have been used for than 30 years.

How Are Sealants Beneficial?

Many teeth have tiny grooves that form as they develops.  These are pits and fissures.  This is where most decay occurs.  That’s because the bristles of a toothbrush can’t get down into the grooves to remove the food and bacteria that get trapped there.  By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures, sealants keep out plaque and food, and thus decrease the risk of decay.

How Are Sealants Applied? 

• The tooth is cleaned.
• The tooth is dried, and cotton or other material is put around the tooth so it stays dry.
• A solution is put on the tooth surface that makes the tooth a little rough. (It is easier for the sealant to stick to a slightly rough tooth).
• The tooth is rinsed and dried. Then new cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry.
• The sealant is applied in liquid form and is hardened by light in a seconds.

Who Should Have Sealants Applied And When?

Although children receive significant benefits from sealants, adults can also be at risk for pit and fissure decay and thus be candidates for sealants.

Children benefit from getting sealants on their permanent back teeth as soon as the teeth completely erupt – before decay attacks the teeth.  Teenagers and adults without decay or fillings in the grooves of their teeth also may benefit from sealants.

• The first permanent molars — called “6 year molars”– come in between the ages of 5 and 7.
• The second permanent molars –”12 year molars”– come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old.
• The other teeth with pits and grooves — called “premolars” or “bicuspids”– right in front of the molars, also benefit from sealants.

Which Teeth Should Be Sealed? 

Only decay free teeth are sealed (see more about laser cavity detection, click here).  Usually the molars and premolars are sealed; however, any tooth (sometimes behind an upper front tooth) with a substantial groove that is not cleansable can benefit from a sealant.  Fluoride helps protect the smooth surfaces, but only sealants can keep food and bacteria from getting into the grooves of the teeth.

What About Baby Teeth? 

The baby molars often don’t need to be sealed.  However, it may be beneficial to seal the baby molars if there is a high risk of decay (sometimes too if there is not a permanent tooth to replace the baby tooth).  Since baby teeth are “space holders”, losing baby molars from decay can cause crowding when the permanent teeth come in.

How Long Does Sealing Take?

Generally, all the back teeth can be sealed in one 30 to 60-minute office visit.

Will Insurance Cover Sealants?

Many dental insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of sealants for children.  Check with your insurance company for details, because there are often age limits, even limits on which teeth may be covered.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants can last for many years, as much as 20 or more.  If they chip or come off, they can easily be replaced.  Any problems can be detected at your regular dental checkups.  As long as the sealants are in place (and done carefully), it is very difficult for decay to develop in the grooves.  You can help the sealants last by not chewing on ice cubes or hard or sticky candy.

Are Sealants Safe?

Yes.

The ADA is a professional association of dentists committed to the public’s oral health. As such, the ADA supports ongoing research on the safety of existing dental materials and in the development of new materials.  Based on current research the Association agrees with the authoritative government agencies that the low-level of BPA exposure that may result from dental sealants and composites poses no known health threat.

Reports from a 1996 study questioned the safety of sealants, and resurfaced again in 2001 in a commentary by MSNBC.  The 1996 study from the University of Granada in Spain questioned whether a raw ingredient used in the manufacture of sealants is leached out with subsequent detrimental estrogenic effects.  Further studies by the American Dental Association, researchers at the University of Nebraska Dental School, and Boston University School of Dental Medicine showed that if BPA is leached from sealants it is not detectable in blood tests and therefore does not represent an estrogenic hazard.  I feel very confident in both the safety and value of sealants for both adults and children.

Children’s Dentistry

I have long recommend a first checkup by 12 months old to make certain that teeth and jaw development are normal, and even more importantly so that parents and guardians know how to help their children be healthy from the start. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry now also recommends the same thing: First Visit by the First Birthday.

Being a ‘good parent’ does not require that you take your child to a Children’s Dentist (pedodontist). I routinely see children, and I do refer to a pedodontist when needed (extensive dental treatment required, special needs, etc.).

Guidelines for working with children

• comfort is always our concern
• parent / guardian consent and guidance are vital, before any procedure
• no restraint is ever used

* Generally it is most effective if parents are NOT in the room during the full time of treatment. If the parents have any dental anxieties, please don’t bring those with you. For your child’s best interest, you will likely be invited to wait in the reception room during treatment.

First Visit

There is a significant value for early well baby dental checkups.  In particular, checkups for very young children address many concerns including teaching adults how to care for their child’s teeth and gums, how to help their children learn to care for themselves, answering parents questions and concerns, and planning for future dental health.

Checkups

Education and prevention are the cornerstones of my concern for the dental health of children.  In addition to teaching parents and guardians about dental care for their child, checkups are an appropriate time to comfortably and easily evaluate:

Home Dental Care Tips

It is often difficult initially to brush your child’s teeth – that’s normal.  They can really put up a struggle, screaming, kicking, crying, running away, not opening their mouths – every kid is different.

Healthy teeth and gums are so important to start out life with.  We’ve often heard the value of choosing your battles with your children, and this is one to choose.

Remember that the initial challenge you face is actually more taxing on you than it ultimately is for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

• GENERAL INFORMATION
  • Bruise
  • Glossary of Dental Terminology
  • St. Apollonia, Patron Saint of Dentistry
  • Tooth Numbering
  • Transferring Records from Another Office
• PREVENTION & HOMECARE
  • Cold and Canker Sores
  • Dry Brushing
  • Flossing
  • Homecare Recommendations 
  • Sealants
  • Sports Mouthguards
  • Sugar and Sweeteners
  • Toothbrushing
  • Toothbrushing Cannot Damage Teeth or Gums
  • Total Joint Replacement, Antibiotics Before Dental Visits
  • Waterpik
  • Xylitol, Cavity-Free Sweetener
• DENTAL TREATMENT
  • Bite, Bite Guards, Bite Adjustment
  • Care of Your Mouth After An Extraction
  • Crowns and Bridges
  • Dental Implants 
  • Laser Cavity Detection (DIAGNodent) 
  • Low Income Dental Services
  • Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Root Canal Treatment
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings
  • Specialists
  • Wisdom Teeth
  • X-Rays: Types, Intervals, Etc.
• ABOUT KIDS
  • Children’s Dentistry
  • National Childrens Dental Health Month
  • Tooth Eruption Chart
  • Tooth Fairy

Please check back regularly for updates and more topics.