Click here to read the press release  from the American Dental Association in response to this study.  Click here to read the press release on from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Click here to see examples of radiation we are exposed to in our everday life!  Here at the pediatric dental center we use low dose digital x-rays to ensure the lowest radiation exposure to our patients.

How much radiation am i getting? (in micro-sieverts)

Eating a banana  0.1

Single dental x-ray 0.2

One day visit to the Grand Canyon 10.0

Panoramic X-ray  10.0

Airplane flight from NY to LA  40.0

Chest X-ray  50.0

Living in a brick house for 1 year  70.0

Mammogram 3,000

Medical radiation worker allowed per year  50,000

Pacifiers

Research suggests there is little or no advantage in using orthodontic pacifiers.  Children using orthodontic pacifiers are more prone to protruding teeth while conventional pacifiers are more likely to develop open bites.  NEVER sweeten the pacifier by putting honey or sugar on the nipple.  This can cause tooth decay.

Thumb/Finger Sucking Habits
These sucking habits are often connected to some other attachment, like fondness for a favorite blanket or toy.  Some other reason s children suck their thumb or fingers include:  boredom, tiredness, nervousness, worry, or stress.  Children find it soothing and it helps them cope with these different situations and emotions.  To call undue attention to these habits at this early stage may do more harm than good.  However, it is important to understand that these habits may become excessive as time goes by.  Three factors used to determine if the habit is excessive are:

1. Intensity:  How hard the thumb/finger is being sucked.
2. Frequency: How often this sucking act occurs.
3. Duration: How many years the habit persists.  If the permanent teeth become affected, there is greater concern.

Most children do outgrow these habits.  Many children will stop due to peer pressure, or even a suggestion to stop by their pediatric dentist.  If your child continues the habit as the permanent incisors (front teeth) erupt, or has stopped the habit but the overbite remains, an appliance may be placed to bot stop the thumbsucking habit and/or retrain the tongue.

We advocate:

• Offering an incentive, like a star on a chart for not sucking on pacifier or thumb for short periods of time. 
• Offering a larger incentive when a certain number of stars are achieved or when your child stops this behavior for good.
• Providing a warm, supportive environment at home.
• Seeking professional help for any serious emotional problems you may suspect.

We do not advocate:

• Nagging and scolding
• Wrapping fingers with bandages
• Painting a substance on the thumb or pacifier to deter the habit
• Restricting privileges

A thin, sticky, colorless film of bacteria called plaque forms on your teeth.  The bacteria in the plaque produce acid that can attack tooth enamel.  When sugary food or drinks remain in the mouth after eating or drinking, the bacteria have more time to produce decay-causing acid.

What is baby bottle tooth decay or Early childhood caries (cavities)?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a condition that can destroy primary teeth of an infant or young child.  It occurs when the child’s teeth are frequently exposed to sugary drinks for long periods of time.  These drinks include milk (even breast milk), formula, fruit juice, and other sweetened liquids.  Tooth decay can begin as soon as a tooth erupts.  Decay in the primary teeth can cause pain and can harm the erupting teeth if not treated.

What can I do to keep my baby’s teeth healthy?

• Parents or caregivers need to take an active role in caring for their baby’s teeth.  Brush your baby’s teeth in the morning and before bedtime.  After you brush your baby’s teeth, he or she should have nothing to eat or drink except water. 
• Never allow your baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle that contains milk, formula, juice, sweetend liquids, or a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.  Even diluted drinks can be damaging.
• Start oral care early.  Wipe baby’s gums with guaze or a clean cloths after each feeding.  Begin brushing your child’s teeth with water as soon as it appears.  We do not recommend using a fluoride toothpaste until you can be sure your child is not swallowing the toothpaste.
• To reduce the chances of tooth decay, children should be encouraged to drink from a cup and off of the bottle by their first birthday.
• Schedule your child’s first dental exam by the age of 1. 
• Be sure to share information with caregivers to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.

Source: American Dental Association

Click here to read about the link between gum disease, heart problems, and stroke.

• Healthy gum tissue is pink and firm and does not bleed. 
• Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. The gum tissue is tender, reddish, may bleed when you brush or floss.  This is the only stage of gum disease that can be reversed.
• Early/Moderate periodontitis is when your gum tissue starts to pull away from your teeth, leaving a gap or pocket.  Harmful bacteria build up in these pockets and the gum tissue gets more irritated, infected, and may bleed.  Your teeth can get sensitive because the root is exposed.
• Advanced periodontitis is when the bacteria spreads, you lose gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth.  The gum tissue pulls farther away and pockets get deeper.  Your teeth get loose, shift, and may fall out.

What causes Gum disease?

• If you are not brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily
• Dry mouth (saliva helps wash away bacteria)
• Foods and drinks with too much sugar
• Using any form of tobacco
• Changes in the body during pregnancy
• A history of gum disease in your family increases your chances of getting it
• Diabetic patients are prone to more infections (like gum disease)
• Missing appointments with your dentist.  You should have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year.

In the picture above the top illustration shows an explorer not being able to detect the decay in the tear drop shaped fissure.  The bottom illustration shows the DIAGNOdent laser detecting the decay by measuring the laser fluorescence within the tooth.  For more information on the DIAGNOdent please click here.