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May 29, 2014

More than 35 million children participate in some type of sport each year. Whether it’s football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, etc., playing sports is a fun and rewarding experience that helps children develop social skills while keeping them physically fit. However, certain types of sports can leave children vulnerable to tooth loss, gum damage, and tongue injury when precautions are not taken.

A mouthguard is simple piece of plastic that plays an important role in protecting young athletes from tooth loss and mouth injury. Also referred to as mouth protectors, they are designed to fit in between the upper and bottom teeth. When the child bites down on the mouthguard, it offers greater stability and protection against blows to the mouth. (more…)

May 16, 2014

Baby bottle tooth decay is the term used to describe dental decay in young children. The term itself is somewhat of a misnomer since the use of a bottle alone does not lead to tooth decay.

Regardless, tooth decay in young children is serious problem that parents should be aware of. Even though a child’s baby teeth will be replaced by permanent ones when he or she is older, they still play a role in the child’s ability to eat solid foods, talk, and smile.

Common Causes of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay:

  • Exposure to sugary drinks for long periods of time
  • Mother cleans a pacifier by placing it her mouth before giving it to her child (the mother’s germs are passed on to the child)
  • Lack of fluoride
  • Fruit juice
  • Child falls asleep with bottle

It’s not uncommon for parents to dip their child’s pacifier in fruit juice or some other sweet substance before giving it their child. Yes, this will typically encourage the child to take it, which in turn may cause them to go to sleep, but it also increases the risk of baby bottle tooth decay. As the baby sucks on the pacifier, their teeth are exposed to abrasive, cavity-causing sugars. (more…)

May 12, 2014

Do you frequently experience sudden, sharp pain in your teeth when drinking hot beverages such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate, or when eating ice cream, chilled fruit, frozen yogurt or other cold foods?

Tooth sensitivity (known medically as dentin hypersensitivity) is an all-too-common condition that affects upwards of 15% of the general population to some degree. Although it doesn’t pose any direct threat to a person’s health, it may cause noticeable discomfort and even pain depending on the severity of the condition.

Tooth sensitivity pain is typically triggered by one of the following:

  • Hot or cold foods
  • Hot or cold beverages
  • Electric pulp test
  • Dental probing during examinations or treatments
  • Sugar
  • Acids

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

The leading cause of tooth sensitivity is gum recession. As the gums recede towards the jawbone, root surfaces of the teeth are left exposed and vulnerable to the elements. The protective enamel is thinner around the roots; thus creating greater sensitivity when this area is exposed. (more…)