Complete Guide to Children’s Dental Health: Tips for Every Stage of Development

June 30, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Caring for children’s dental health is crucial for their overall well-being. From infancy to adolescence, establishing good oral hygiene practices lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. In this article, Credence Dental provides valuable tips and guidelines to ensure optimal dental care at different stages of your child’s development.

Infancy (0-2 years):

It may surprise you, but dental care actually begins before a baby’s first tooth erupts. Starting with gentle oral care habits during infancy can promote good oral health as they grow. Here are some tips for caring for your baby’s dental health during this stage:

Clean gums: Before teeth erupt, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings to remove any residual milk or formula.
Start brushing when teeth appear: Once the first tooth emerges, start brushing it gently with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle: Prolonged exposure to sugary liquids can lead to tooth decay, so avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice.

Toddlerhood (2-5 years):

During this stage, Children’s teeth continue to develop and baby teeth start to fall out. It is crucial to establish good oral hygiene practices to prevent cavities and promote healthy oral habits. Here are some tips for dental care during toddlerhood:

Brush twice daily: Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day using a small amount (pea-sized) of fluoride toothpaste. Assist them until they can brush effectively on their own, usually around age 6 or 7.
Supervise brushing: Monitor your child while they brush to ensure they reach all areas of their mouth and brush for the recommended two minutes.
Introduce flossing: When two teeth are touching, start flossing between them to remove food particles and prevent cavities.

Limit sugary snacks and drinks: Minimize your child’s intake of sugary snacks and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Encourage water as the primary beverage.

Childhood (6-12 years):

As children enter the school-age years, they start to gain independence in their daily routines. Reinforcing good dental habits during this stage is crucial as they continue to develop their permanent teeth. Here are some tips for dental care during childhood:

Maintain regular dental check-ups: Schedule dental check-ups every six months to monitor tooth development, identify any potential issues, and receive professional cleanings.
Encourage a balanced diet: Provide a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods. Limit sugary snacks and drinks to prevent cavities.
Monitor oral habits: Keep an eye on any thumb-sucking, lip-biting, or tongue-thrusting habits that may impact dental health. Consult your dentist if any of these habits persist beyond age 5.

Adolescence (12-18 years):

Teenagers experience significant changes in their bodies, including their oral health. Oral hygiene practices should be reinforced, along with the identification and management of potential orthodontic issues. Here are some tips for dental care during adolescence:

Emphasize oral hygiene: Encourage your teenager to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Proper oral hygiene is crucial during this stage as permanent teeth continue to develop.
Watch for orthodontic concerns: Monitor your teenager’s dental alignment and growth. Consult an orthodontist for an evaluation if you notice any orthodontic concerns like misalignment or overcrowding.
Promote healthy habits: Encourage your teenager to make healthy lifestyle choices, including avoiding tobacco, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and staying properly hydrated.

In conclusion, caring for children’s dental health from infancy to adolescence is a continuous process that requires age-appropriate practices and guidance. By establishing good oral hygiene habits early on, parents can help their children maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups, a healthy diet, and avoidance of harmful oral habits contribute to optimal dental care throughout childhood and into adolescence.

Book an appointment today if you are facing an issue with your children’s dental health

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Pediatric Dentistry

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and How Do I Prevent it?

June 15, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Often heard of a term called baby bottle tooth decay by your dentist? Yes it’s a very common form of tooth decay which occurs in children. This develops when baby teeth have frequent and prolonged contact with lots of sugar. This is commonly seen in babies who are put to bed with a milk bottle, when a bottle is used as a pacifier or if the baby is using a bottle or sippy cup for an extended period of time. Milk also contains natural sweetness and if this stays on teeth for long period of time, bacteria start to grow , multiply and produce acid leading to cavitation in teeth

Signs and Symptoms of baby bottle tooth decay

Decay caused by baby bottle tooth decay can generally form in any of baby teeth, but they might commonly occur on upper front teeth. These can be seen as uncharacteristic white, brown or dark brown spots on teeth. Teeth are prone to breakage and they chip off easily leading to unpleasing smile

Detriments Of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Decay in infants can become a point of concern as if it’s left untreated, there can occur pain and infection. There can occur tooth loss or irregular space between teeth as teeth are brittle and easily chip off. This can lead to deficient eating habits, speech problems and can also harm the permanent tooth bud present inside. Overall dental pain, misaligned teeth, pain on chewing, serious infections are all the potential complications which can occur because of baby bottle tooth decay. If the infection is severe enough, there are high chances dentist might have to remove baby teeth prematurely which is generally not recommended

Can Sippy Cups Hurt My Child’s Teeth?

Yes, similar to baby bottles, sippy cups are also responsible for tooth decay. This is to be noted when your child is making a switch from bottle to sippy cup around 1 year of age. Always try for a spill proof cup with a spout which resembles a bottle which can be easily used by the little ones. If this doesn’t work try an alternative, but never give up.

Consequences of baby bottle tooth decay

If you see any sign of tooth decay in your child, contact your nearest dentist soon. If these decay are left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, poor eating habits, speech problems, crowding in teeth and even damage to the permanent teeth. The worst and the last resort in such cases is to remove these teeth at an early age

Ways to prevent baby bottle tooth decay

Never share saliva with your baby by sharing feeding spoons or licking the pacifiers
If you are giving a bottle to the child, fill it with only breast milk or formula milk.
Never put your child to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. The sugar present in the liquid will remain on the child’s teeth for hours.
If your child is using a pacifier, provide a clean pacifier. Also don’t dip it in honey or sugar
Wipe the child’s teeth with clean gauze or wash the child’s mouth after feeding. The gum pads need to be clean always
Avoid filling of bottle with any form of sugary drinks or soft drinks
Never let the child walk around with bottle of juice or milk
Begin brushing a child’s teeth as soon as they grow. Initially use a child size toothbrush and small amount of fluoride toothpaste until age of 3 years
Encourage children on healthy eating habits and limit the sugar intake
The bottle can be filled with water or the milk can be diluted and lately the dosage of milk can be tapered
Schedule regular dental visit by your child’s first birthday

How do I know when to take my child to the dentist?

Regular dental visits are generally recommended by a child’s first birthday or when the first tooth can be seen in the oral cavity. If your child’s teeth begin to appear uncharacteristically white, yellow or brown or your child is experiencing pain, they may be facing symptoms of baby bottle tooth decay. Your pediatric dentist can provide you a definite treatment depending on the severity.

Book an appointment today if you are suffering from Tooth Decay and How Do I Prevent!

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General and Preventive Dentistry

Choose the Correct Toothbrush For Your Teeth !

May 31, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Good oral health has a major role in maintaining overall health. When we talk about oral hygiene, a toothbrush is of course an essential part , but the question arises which toothbrush to use? When choosing the right toothbrush, it’s always important to consider various aspects of a brush, like brush size, bristle type, overall shape, comfort and quality of a toothbrush.

Also the selection of toothbrushes is dependent on every person’s dental needs. Some people have dental issues like sensitive teeth, or some are facing problems with plaque retention on teeth or on tongue. Although all brushes have universally beneficial features, there are some brushes which are to be used for specific dental concerns. Here is a description which can help you find the correct toothbrush

What should I look for in a toothbrush?

Head size: There are various head sizes in a brush available, but if a small head brush is used, there will be a better access to the last teeth in your mouth which are at times difficult to reach. So small round headed brush are always advisable

Bristle design: More than having the same size of bristles, these days brushes are being manufactured with varying sizes of bristles in a criss cross pattern. This is very useful in getting to deeper gaps between teeth and the locations which are hard to reach.

Bristle firmness: There is always a confusion whether to go for hard bristles or the soft ones. Also there is belief that if we use hard bristles, the brushing efficacy will be more. But that’s not true. Firm bristles can damage your teeth and gums. You should always opt for soft bristles which is effective at cleaning teeth without irritating gums or leading to recession in gum line

Handle grip: Handles with a comfortable and secure grip are recommended as you have to hold the brush for two minutes in a band and move it in mouth in all directions which is possible only with a firm grip. There is variety of brushes available, so just pick the brush which can fit well in your hand

Electronic Vs Manual Toothbrushes

While many manufacturers come up with recommendations about the cleaning power of powered toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes also work equally well. It’s just about our preference, but the effectiveness is the same for both toothbrushes. Powered toothbrushes work well for people who dont brush for as long as thoroughly as they should, especially children. Also people with disabilities, special children may find it helpful using a powered toothbrush as it makes brushing easier and helps remove all the debris and plaque.

Some people don’t like the feel of powered toothbrushes on their teeth. Also cost is another factor to be considered. In Spite of the powered toothbrush being costly, it needs to be replaced every 3 months. If you are not prepared to spend the extra money or you doubt like the feel of brush, just stick to your manual toothbrush

Overall points to remember while choosing a toothbrush

It’s important to choose a brush from a reputable brand. The local toothbrush can at times be tempting, but a proper toothbrush is an investment for maintenance of your good oral hygiene. Low quality toothbrushes may be unsafe, might harm your gums, make teeth rough and not help in effective cleaning. If you are unsure of which toothbrush to buy, your nearest dentist can make a recommendation for you at your next dental visit.

As for the shape of a toothbrush, no standard shape works the best. Whether you choose oval or rectangular, the best choice for you is a brush which fits in your mouth and reaches the back teeth. Same is applicable with the handle of the toothbrush. Make sure you pick a toothbrush that is comfortable to hold and has a firm grip.

Ultimately the best toothbrush for you is the one that you will use regularly and properly. Pick the toothbrush which best suits you using the above recommendations. Just make sure you replace your toothbrush every 3 months as within 3 months the bristles tend to lose their stiffness, might flare out and break.

Along with choosing the right toothbrush, a good brushing technique and Dental Hygiene is equally important which can guide your brush to clean all teeth including the back teeth and especially your tongue.

If you are facing a problem to choose the right Toothbrush, talk to your dentist. Book an appointment today for a dental health check.

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General and Preventive Dentistry

How To Deal With Tooth Sensitivity?

May 15, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Do you wince in pain every time you eat something hot, cold, sweet, or sour? Are you hesitant to bite into your favourite ice cream, drink coffee, or eat your favourite candy because of tooth sensitivity? If so, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth can be a frustrating and painful problem to deal with, but fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort and protect your teeth from further damage. In this article, we will explore the causes of sensitive teeth and provide some helpful tips on how to deal with them.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

The causes of tooth sensitivity can vary from person to person, but some of the most common factors include:

Enamel erosion: The enamel is the thin, hard outer layer of your teeth that protects the more sensitive inner layers. When the enamel begins to erode, the sensitive areas of your teeth become exposed, leading to pain and discomfort. Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of factors, including acidic foods and drinks, certain medications, and brushing your teeth too hard.
Gum recession: The gums serve as a protective barrier for the roots of your teeth, which are much more sensitive than the top of your teeth. When your gums recede, the roots become exposed and can cause sensitivity. Gum recession can be caused by factors such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and brushing too hard.
Cavities and dental work: Cavities and dental work such as fillings, crowns, and root canals can cause sensitivity if the dental work is not done properly or if there is decay or infection.
Grinding your teeth: Grinding your teeth can cause enamel erosion and eventually lead to sensitivity.
Diet: Consuming acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits, soda, and coffee can wear away the enamel on your teeth and cause sensitivity.

How to Deal With Sensitive Teeth

Fortunately, there are things you can do to deal with sensitive teeth and alleviate the discomfort. Here are some helpful tips:

Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth: There are many toothpaste options available that are specifically designed for people with sensitive teeth. These toothpastes work by blocking the channels in your teeth that transmit pain signals. Look for toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which are effective in reducing sensitivity.
Brush gently: Brushing your teeth too hard can cause enamel erosion, which can lead to sensitivity. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in a circular motion.
Use fluoride mouthwash: Fluoride mouthwash can help to strengthen your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Swish the mouthwash in your mouth for one minute, then spit it out.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Consuming acidic foods and drinks can wear away the enamel on your teeth, leading to sensitivity. If you must consume acidic foods or drinks, drink them through a straw to reduce contact with your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
Wear a mouth guard: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouth guard can help to protect your teeth and prevent enamel erosion.
Seek professional treatment: If your sensitivity is severe or persistent, seek professional treatment from a dentist or dental hygienist. They can evaluate your teeth and recommend treatments such as fluoride gel, desensitizing agents, or a dental procedure to treat the underlying cause.

In conclusion, dealing with sensitive teeth can be a frustrating and painful problem, but there are ways to alleviate the discomfort and protect your teeth from further damage. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can reduce the sensitivity in your teeth and enjoy your favorite foods and drinks once again. Remember to practice good oral hygiene and seek professional treatment if your sensitivity is severe or persistent.

If you are facing a problem with sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist about the best treatment options for you. Book an appointment today if you are suffering from Sensitivity!

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General and Preventive Dentistry

Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth

May 3, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Having missing teeth can be a cause of embarrassment and discomfort, especially when it affects the way you look, speak or eat. While many people consider it a cosmetic issue, missing teeth can have significant impacts on your oral health and overall wellbeing. Replacing missing teeth is therefore crucial to maintaining your oral health, bite, and self-esteem.

Here are some of the reasons why you should replace missing teeth:

Restore Your Smile and Confidence

One of the primary reasons why people replace missing teeth is to improve their appearance. Missing teeth can be unsightly, causing people to feel insecure and self-conscious about their smile. Replacing your missing teeth, whether with dental implants, dentures, or bridges, can help restore your natural smile and your confidence, giving you a more youthful, attractive appearance.

Prevent Jawbone Loss

When a tooth is missing, the jawbone below it no longer receives stimulation from that tooth’s roots. This lack of stimulation causes the bone to lose density and resorb, which can weaken your jaw and cause changes in your facial structure over time. Replacing missing teeth through dental implantation, for example, can help stimulate bone growth, preventing bone loss and maintaining your facial structure.

Maintain Proper Bite Alignment

Missing teeth can also disrupt the alignment of your bite, causing adjacent teeth to shift and tilt out of position. This shift can lead to improper bite alignment, creating problems with your jaw joint, as well as increased pressure on remaining teeth that can lead to further damage or decay over time. Replacing missing teeth with bridges, implants, or dentures can help restore proper bite alignment, preventing future damage to your teeth and jaw.

Improve Your Ability to Speak and Eat

Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak and eat, particularly if they are located in the front of your mouth. Replacing missing teeth can help improve speech clarity by providing support for the lips, tongue, and cheeks, as well as improving your ability to chew and eat foods that may have been difficult to consume.

Prevent Further Dental Complications

Untreated missing teeth can lead to other dental complications, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. It can also increase the risk of bite misalignment, TMJ problems, and additional tooth loss. Replacing missing teeth can help prevent these complications from arising, keeping your oral health and smile in top condition.

In conclusion, replacing missing teeth is essential to maintaining good oral health, enhancing your smile, and preventing future complications. If you are missing teeth, talk to your dentist about the best treatment options for you. Book an appointment today so you can restore your natural smile and enjoy a happier, healthier life.

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Pediatric Dentistry

Is Thumb Sucking Harmful For Your Child?

April 15, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

What is Thumb Sucking?

Thumb sucking is the placement of the thumb or finger at various depths into the mouth. This habit is usually not considered abnormal during the first 2 years of life. But if it extends beyond 4 years, then there is some psychological or habitual bearing to it. In both cases, the habit is considered to be harmful for the child.

What causes your child to start thumb sucking?

Babies have natural sucking or rooting reflexes. The mouth is a source of gratification for the infant. An infant associates sucking with pleasurable feelings like hunger, satiety and being held. Hence it is a normal comforting behaviour in young children. It helps self-soothe, feel secure and help them go to sleep. But if this habit persists as the child grows it calls for concern or visit Credence Dental for an expert’s advice.

It can be due to many reasons like inadequate breast-feeding, insecurity of child due to working parents, greater number of siblings, peer pressure, stress, difficulty in social adjustment. It is seen that the younger sibling, the more the frequency of thumb sucking. In the newborn the habit is due to hunger, in the first few weeks of life due to feeding problems, as a tooth during eruption of back teeth and at a later age due to emotional problems.

How will thumb sucking harm the child?

Because of thumb sucking, the child, when he puts his thumb in mouth, along with just placing it inside the mouth he tries to suck on it and applies a tremendous amount of force against his upper teeth. Due to this, his front teeth become flared and get pushed forward, and gaps start forming in between the teeth causing an unesthetic appearance. Also, because of this force, the back teeth get pushed inwards causing problems in bite which causes orthodontic problems at a later stage.

The effects of thumb sucking mainly depends on three factors – the duration, frequency and intensity with which the habit is performed. A rise in any of these factors is harmful for the teeth. Thumb sucking can also give rise to other oral habits like mouth breathing and tongue Thursting.

When should I intervene?

Before 4 years of age, the child’s level of understanding complicates cooperation with any of the intervention options. Also, the habit does not cause much harmful effects during this age. But try keeping the child busy in doing anything so that he does not engage in the habit. Care should be taken in that enough time is given to breast-feeding to infants to decrease their urge in sucking habits and also bottle fed infants should be held by their mother and enough time should be given to this process.

After 4 years of age, intervention is needed. Use psychological plays and a reward system for the child. Discuss the problem and its effect on the teeth. Keep a daily record of episodes of digit sucking and check on the child’s progress in stopping the habit. A decrease in the number of times the habit is practiced is evidence of progress and indicates that the child will likely discontinue the habit.

Do not get over anxious regarding the habit and punish the child. This can create greater tension and may even intensify the habit. You should disregard the habit and not mention it to the child.

Use positive reinforcement. A timed reward system may also help. For each day the child refrains from the habit for a set period of time, a star is placed on a calendar. In week 1, the child receives some reward or prize predetermined by the parent if the child refrains from thumb sucking for say, 10 minutes. With each day of success during this time period, the child is praised individually and also through positive comments to family friends and relatives.

In successive weeks, increasing the time challenge, the child refrains from sucking.

The prizes are progressively enhanced in value for the child. The goal is to help the child control the urge to suck. If the child continues to successfully control the habit for 3 months, the long-term chances of stopping the habit are good.

When you are at home, try spending ample amount of time with your child, so that he does not have a feeling of insecurity. After 6 years of age, the psychological approach becomes difficult to implement as the habit has become deeply ingrained in the child, as this the child who has tried to stop but cannot get it done. This requires the use of reminder therapy and dental habit-breaking appliances to stop the habit.

Reminder therapy employs the use of some distasteful or bitter tasting agents on the finger, tying of ace-bandage on the elbow, use of long-sleeve night-gown or mittens. There are various intraoral appliances which prevents the child to put his finger entirely into the mouth thereby robbing the pleasure of sucking.

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Dentures, Crowns and Bridges

Ceramic Crowns – Everything You Need To Know !

March 31, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

What are E-Max crowns: Everything you need to know about these Ceramic Crowns

Has your dentist ever recommended an E max crown for you? If yes, let’s visit Credence Dental to get to know what these crowns exactly are. E-Max crowns are Dental Crowns made entirely with special ceramic material which is durable as well as aesthetically appealing. These special crowns material is helpful for reinforcing the tooth structure of your teeth and thus protecting it from further damage. The brand is often known as E max or simply max crowns which are used as an add on treatment after a root canal procedure

Advantages of E-Max crowns

E-Max crowns are a type of all-ceramic crown that are favored for its durable, attractive characteristics. Ceramic composed of lithium disilicate is used to make E-Max crowns. It is made from a single block lithium disilicate which makes it a very high strength crown. It is a superior grade substance that is regarded for its toughness, durability, and opaque properties. As the crown is translucent, it is said to be the greatest option for blending in with your natural teeth.

This property makes it a popular choice for restoration in your front teeth. There is no metal inside the crown so there will not be any blackish-gray line around the gum line which is esthetically non-pleasing.E-max crowns can help fix discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, chipped or cracked teeth decayed teeth, shape or form of teeth

How is it different from a Zirconium Crown?

E-Max and Zirconia both are metal-free dental crowns. Both are used as esthetic restorative materials. However, each material has unique characteristics that make them suitable for use for different occasions. The choice depends upon the dental condition and dentists recommendation. Zirconium Dioxide is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium. It is ceramic, also a strong material, resistant to wear, and difficult to crack for its mechanical properties. It is a biocompatible material that is very similar to the qualities of a genuine tooth. Zirconium and porcelain are the two materials used to create zirconia crowns. On the interior of the crown, zirconium is used while the exterior is molded from porcelain

Zirconium is pale in color, which makes it blend in well with natural tooth and prevents it from exhibiting unsightly lines like PFM crowns do. Zirconia crowns are more opaque compared to E-Max crowns. Therefore, dentists recommend zirconium crowns for back teeth , that is where esthetics is not of concern and they require sturdy material that can survive a lot of biting and chewing. Zirconium is recommended for dark teeth underneath because the opaqueness helps in covering the dark shade.

Zirconia vs E-Max crowns

Zirconia and E-Max crowns can be used to restore teeth that are severely decaying, missing, crooked, or otherwise damaged. Compared to earlier PFM crowns with metal lines, both materials are much better. Both materials are biocompatible with soft and hard tissues. E-Max crowns are more translucent. Patients who want their front teeth replaced may prefer E- max for its translucency. E-Max crowns can be used to replace back teeth as well contrary to the misconception that only zirconia crowns can be used to replace back teeth.

Despite the fact that E-Max crowns are translucent, the material can be shaped to be strong enough to replace back molars. Hence, both zirconia and E-Max crowns can be used for both front teeth and back teeth. Depending on the patient’s bite, if a patient has bruxism, it is better to go for zirconia. If not, E-Max may be the more aesthetic choice. Whether you use E-Max or zirconia crowns

It depends on how many teeth need to be replaced. While both are highly suited for replacing a single tooth, multiple usage in dental bridges or for adjacent teeth depends on dental consideration. Since it cannot provide the resistance needed by lengthy bridges, E-Max crowns are recommended on short bridges.

Ways to keep your E-Max prosthesis in good condition and trouble-free

Do not bite on your fingernails
Do not use your teeth to unclog any container
Use splints in ase, If you are a person who clenches teeth at night
Have relaxation habit and de stress before sleeping
Have perfect dental hygiene that meets the need of your teeth
Keep you dental follow up on time

If you need to replace a crown, E-Max is one of the best options. The benefits are easily appreciable. If you are desiring for the best esthetic appearance , Schedule an Appointment with us today!!!

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Pediatric Dentistry

Dental Crown – Does your child need it?

March 15, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Has your pediatric dentist suggested a Dental Crown? Then read on to know more about Dental crowns and if your Child needs it or not.

Why does your child need a dental crown?

Every parent desires that their children should be free of any decay in their teeth which will help them in being healthy. Yet it doesn’t stop the initial thought by parents when they hear the word Dental crown. Thoughts keep coming to mind, is there really a need for a crown? They are just baby teeth which are eventually going to be replaced by permanent teeth. But the facts are different. Pediatric Dentistry says that baby teeth can help your child to speak properly, eat comfortably and serve as a space maintainer for their permanent teeth

If decayed teeth are not treated, it compromises other surrounding teeth too. Dental decay in children’s teeth is a significant health problem and affects 60% to 90% of school children. When teeth have decay, the dentist does a filling if the cavity is small. But if the cavity is large and involves multiple surfaces of the tooth, then doing just a filling does not suffice because the filling will lack support of the tooth structure. In such cases the dentist will recommend that tooth should be reinforced with a crown. Also, after doing a root canal treatment the placement of crowns is recommended to prevent fracture of the tooth and to avoid further ingress of bacteria

Types of Pediatric Crowns

Crowns used for children for repair and restoration of primary teeth differ slightly in terms of material used, but function in a similar manner to the adult crowns. These crowns are usually pre formed in the form of tooth shaped caps which cover vulnerable teeth , and thus store their strength

The selection of which type of crown to be placed is mainly dependent on the location where it is required in the oral cavity. Like if it’s a back tooth where esthetics is not very important metal crowns are preferred, whereas for front teeth, esthetic crowns are suggested as it will give more of a natural look.

These crowns are ready crowns and hence the treatment can be completed in a single visit itself, unlike adults where they have to visit 2 or 3 times for crown placement. If these decayed teeth or root canal completed teeth are not covered by a crown, there are high chances of breakage with the tooth, which will further complicate the case. The layers of baby teeth are very thin compared to the adult teeth and this makes them vulnerable to easy breakage. On other hand if a tooth is lost prematurely, neighboring teeth will want to fill in the space and thus create crowning of all teeth. This might be a clear indication of orthodontic treatment in future.

Stainless Steel crowns

One type of pediatric crowns is the stainless steel crowns which have been used for more than 80 years now. They are known as the gold standard in pediatric dentistry, the crown is a preformed metal shell that can be easily placed and customized to fit on any tooth. The durability, strength and resistance to moisture is 1000% compared to other crowns.

They require minimal preparation, are cost effective and the most affordable option to go for. The only concern with these crowns is of esthetics and they are metal crowns and hence cannot be given in front teeth. But when you want high strength durable crowns for back teeth, stainless steel crowns are the best.

Zirconia crowns

Today due to various technological advancements, many esthetic crowns are available in the market. Unlike stainless steel crowns, they are made up of tooth coloured material and have the same strength as stainless steel crowns. These crowns are more durable than natural tooth layers and are resistant to plaque accumulation or any decay. Also these crowns are not capable of producing an allergic response when placed in the mouth.

These crowns are known as zirconia crowns. They are the same color as that of milk teeth. Zirconia means basically it’s made up of ceramic and is the same material which is used in adult teeth. So if your child has decay in front teeth or is being treated with root canal treatment, pediatric zirconia crown can provide excellent esthetics.

Resin crowns

These are also esthetic crowns which are prepared by your dentist. These crowns demand high skills and require more time to perform. They are highly esthetic but cannot be used for uncooperative children because of the sensitive skills required. They are a good way to be used in treatment for general anesthesia and are much more affordable than zirconia crowns. But the choice of crown to be used is mainly decided by your pediatric dentist. Dental crowns seem unnecessary for baby teeth but they help restore strength and functionality.

Visit Credence Dental today to get more information on types of dental crowns and what’s best for your child.

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General and Preventive Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry

How often should children brush their teeth?

February 19, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Children are in active mode from the moment they wake till the time they go back to their
pillows at night. With all of the activity they have going on routinely, often at times they start
cutting corners on certain parts of their health and wellness like brushing their teeth. The daily
bargain by kids of not brushing or only brushing once is usual in every household.

Here are some of the reason why kids don’t prefer to brush or just brush once a day

I am too busy in the morning – Mornings are never a very happy moment for kids as they
are sleepy, have a blur of activity, are busy finishing their breakfast or homework. For
other children just waking them up and getting them to reach school is itself a big chore.
But both these kinds of kids have 1 thing in common : they don’t make time to brush their
teeth.
After children get home from school they get busy with their friends, extra curricular
activities or their school work. Because of this they at times forget to brush their teeth.
For some kids, brushing their teeth is a chore. For some reason they just don’t like
brushing their teeth even a single time.
The next category of kids is the ones who say they forgot to brush their teeth. These are
the kids who don’t mind brushing their teeth but simply need prompting to make
brushing part of their routine

How Often Should Kids Brush Their Teeth?

When it comes to brushing , the general rule for children is the same as for adults. Twice a day,
first thing in the morning and just before going to bed at night. It is also recommended that every
child brushes their teeth for 2 to 3 minutes every time. Toothpaste is not like soap which will
lather by just applying it. It requires a technique to brush all teeth and remove the debris.

However we understand that it can be quite difficult to get your kids to brush their teeth twice a
day for that long. This is why it is important to make brushing a fun activity for kids. There are
many ways you can encourage your kids to brush their teeth.

Few activities which can be done for children include making a game out of brushing, or giving
them star stickers every time they brush their teeth. Children can also be shown educational
videos on phone or tv to make best use of the time.

The important point here is to start encouraging kids to practice good oral health early so that
these habits last for the rest of their lives. These regular brushing habits prevent children from
dental issues like tooth pain, cavities and plaque accumulation.

It has come to a conclusion that brushing teeth once a day is a poor choice for the health of the
child. So here are the ways in which you can reinforce the habit of brushing twice a day when
your child is hesitant.

When the child makes an excuse of being too busy in the morning, assist your child in
creating a new morning routine which gives them proper time to brush. At the end what
we need is just an extra 2 minutes for brushing properly. if your child takes those extra 5
minutes to just snooze the alarm and sleep , give the child some incentive to wake up on
time which in a way will give them time for brushing too.
If the child says they are too busy at night, just before the child goes to bed , make a habit
of checking their teeth, and you can get involved with the child by crushing them. This
way children get motivation to complete the task. Just stand in front of the mirror, play
some songs and do brushing with your child.
If the child says they don’t like brushing, allow the child to choose their own toothbrush
and toothpaste. This gives them ownership of small decisions which will make them
exciting for brushing.
If the child says i frog, help them make a new routine for themselves. Make a visual chart
and allow them to put stickers on it when they brush their teeth. After they have gained a
certain number of stars on their chart, give them a fun gift , which itself can reinforce the
habit and make it a daily routine.

Brushing ideally should take place in the morning after breakfast and in evening after dinner.
Morning brushing habits ensure that their breath is fresh and teeth are properly cleaned. Brushing
at night removes any sugar, acid or excess food from teeth and gums, aiding in good oral health
throughout the night. Pediatric dentists often use the phrase 2 by 2 during preventive visits to
remind children of the number of times they have to brush and for how long brushing is
mandatory.

Click here to know about the Different Brushing Techiniques for Children and how these would help you as parent to ensure your Child’s Dental hygiene is upto mark.

Root Canal Treatment and Endodontics

What to expect from a root canal procedure?

January 31, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Whose eyes don’t pop up by just listening to these words “You need a root canal treatment” Root canal treatment has earned such a bad reputation over the years, that they are used as a comparison tool by which a given situation is deemed more or less terrible. But gone are the days when this fear and pain were actually troublesome for patients. Thanks to modern advances in dentistry, these procedures are now fairly straightforward, painless, and undeserving of the terror associated with their name.

Root canal treatment is a treatment meant to repair and save a severely decayed or infected tooth. The process involves the removal of the tooth nerve and pulpal tissue, followed by which cleaning and sealing of the tooth inside is done. When the process is complete, the tooth and its surrounding tissue have to be protected from infection.

What is root canal treatment?

A root canal is part of the tooth. It is the hollow section of a tooth that contains the nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells known as the pulp. basically, a tooth has two parts – the part seen in the mouth is the crown part and the part inside the gums is the root part. Inside the tooth is the canal which has pulp. Pulp is the tissue that gives the sensation of hot or cold or pain when there is inflammation.

The name of the dental procedure commonly referred to as a root canal is endodontic therapy which means inside the tooth. However, the term root canal is commonly used as a term of treatment modality.

How painful is root canal treatment?

One of the scariest fears anyone has about root canal treatment is the pain associated with it but if treatment is carried out by a trained dentist, it is not a painful treatment. The pain that is felt comes from the infection and not from the technique. Hence treatment does not cause pain. It helps to alleviate it. The dental surgeon will relieve the pain of the procedure by numbing the tooth and surrounding area. After the treatment some tenderness is normal. It is normal and goes away with a few medications prescribed by your dentist.

Who needs root canal treatment?

If the pulp present in the root canal becomes injured or diseased, it can be repaired on its own. And the tissue dies. Also if there is a big cavity, broken tooth, or fractured filling, the bacteria can enter the pulp. this will eventually destroy the pulp and cause infection. Also if the infection proceeds further beyond the root, the bone present below the root also will be infected. This will break the bone and infect the ligaments too thus making tooth loss.

This kind of pulp injury makes the tooth sensitive to high and low temperatures or pain while eating. Also, some patients might have continuous dull kinds of pain. Without treatment, the infection will spread and eventually the tooth cannot be saved and will need removal. Root canal treatment will help save the tooth and thus prevent any form of abrupt tooth movement.

Recovery and Aftercare:

IS there a long recovery time after a root canal?

No. Besides giving local anesthetic which needs a few hours to wear off, things are quite normal. It’s important to take a few post-treatment precautions like not chewing hard, sticky, or crunchy food from the same side where treatment is done. Eat soft food until the permanent filling is completed. If you are sore it will probably be from the injection site or keeping your mouth open for a long time. To help with the discomfort take over-the-counter medication. Apply a cold compress to the side for a few minutes.

After the final crown is placed on your teeth, it’s important to floss daily and keep the area clean. That’s because plaque can still accumulate around the edges of the crown and may cause cavities or gum disease. Hence oral hygiene maintenance is a must.

Is Root canal treatment safe?

Yes absolutely. Root canal treatment utilizes safe, high-quality materials that are biocompatible and gives long-lasting support. It’s always better and safer to do a root canal rather than to avoid it and go for complex treatments in the future. Especially if the tooth is left untreated it could potentially put you in the hospital making it an emergency situation.

So if a root canal treatment is in your future, don’t panic. Instead, take time to familiarize yourself with the procedure so you can keep your anxiety in check.

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today! or just drop into our Dental Clinic at RR Nagar in Bangalore

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