Frequently Asked Questions:
At what age should I start bringing my child for regular dental checkups?
You should start bringing your child in for regular checkups by the age of three. Depending on the child, we may not get all the regular checkup procedures done right away. Rather, we build up slowly to a full check over the first few dental appointments. However, some children are so at ease that a full checkup is easily achieved at the very first appointment. The key reminder for parents is not to speak to the child about the coming appointment. Such phrases such as “Don’t be afraid”, “It won’t hurt” and “It won’t taste bad for long” could lead to the opposite reaction from your child.
Appointments for tots and pre-schoolers are important for a number of reasons. We check for signs of early childhood tooth decay, go over tips on cleaning your child’s teeth, discuss any concerns that you may have on their development, and talk about good eating habits. It is also a good idea to bring your children with you when you come for your regular checkup and cleanings. This will allow the child to get accustomed to the many sights and sounds of the office. Children should generally see the dentist every six months. Particularly in a growing child, there are a lot of changes within that period of time and we want to avoid problems later on.
Some important information for parents:
Primary teeth are used to develop speech patterns, aid in chewing food, form facial structures and provide a guide for the permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost too soon, the space could be lost to the surrounding teeth. A space maintainer can be placed to keep the space open for the erupting adult tooth.
Young children are not able to properly clean their teeth on their own. Parents can brush their teeth for them when they are very young and do it with them as they get older. During infant care, you can clean their gums with a clean, damp washcloth to remove any plaque or food.
To prevent cavities, make sure the toothpaste has fluoride in it. Use only a pea sized amount for older children and always keep it out of reach. Fluoridated toothpaste is not recommended for children under three or if they are not able to expectorate (spit out) the toothpaste properly.
If your child has closed spaces between the teeth, it is essential to remove the plaque and food debris where the toothbrush doesn’t. This is when flossing comes in handy. The perfect aid to help in flossing is a kid’s flossing wand. It is easy to fit between the teeth and allows the parent easy access.
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How do I care for my dentures?
Dentures are like natural teeth: They must be cared for just as much as your own teeth. Regular checkups are essential to test the fit and repair any ill-fitting dentures. Whether you wear a complete denture or a partial denture with metal clasps, we check the gums and tissues under the dentures to make sure there is no redness or developing sores. During the checkup, the hygienist can give your dentures a professional cleaning with our sonic bath.
Tips on Cleaning Your Complete or Partial Dentures:
It is important to keep them free of plaque, tartar and staining. Take them out as much as you can and rinse them after every meal. Use a denture brush to thoroughly clean all of the surfaces of your dentures as much as you can.
Use a different soft bristled toothbrush to brush the remaining teeth so you don’t carry bacteria from your toothbrush to you denture or likewise. You can also brush the gums in a massaging motion. This will stimulate the circulation, keeping the tissues healthy.
Your gums need a period of rest in order to remain healthy, so you should not wear your dentures to bed!
Before going to bed, you can soak your dentures in a cup full of water and add a cleaning tablet such as Polident. The bubbling action removes the plaque and food debris. After a half hour of the bubbling action, put the denture into a newly changed cup of fresh water.
Always let us know right away if you notice any changes in your bite, fit or gums!
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Is it safe to use over-the-counter whitening kits?
Many people are concerned about the brightness of their teeth. They’re dissatisfied when they look in the mirror, because their teeth are stained and have discoloured over the years. Increasingly, a procedure known as bleaching or whitening is used to lighten the shade of teeth.
This is done by using hydrogen peroxide. Many over-the-counter kits, found in pharmacies, claim to whiten teeth and use hydrogen peroxide, although in weaker concentrations. Frequently I encounter patients who have used these products and find that there is still stain left on their teeth. This can happen when the tray or strips do not adapt well to the teeth.
After all, people’s teeth come in all different shapes and sizes. When the peroxide touches the enamel, only that part is whitened. The area where the peroxide did not touch will stay stained. As a result, a yellow halo can be left around the tooth. Other products on the market cause gum sores and irritations when not properly fitted on the tooth.
At our office, we do a professional whitening procedure in a controlled environment. We make sure the peroxide does not come in contact with the tissues and we also ensure you are happy with your new, whiter smile.
