Dental Emergencies
Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth.
Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge
any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child's dentist. Do
not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is
swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist immediately.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek:
Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there
is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding
cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital
emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth:
If possible, find the tooth. Handle it
by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean
with soap, scrub or handle the
tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it
in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze. If you
cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s
saliva or milk. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth
(beside the cheek). The patient
must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
Knocked Out Baby Tooth: Contact your
pediatric dentist during business hours. This is not usually an
emergency, and in most cases, no treatment is necessary.
Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth:
Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth,
prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse
the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If
possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you
to the dentist.
Chipped or Fractured Baby Tooth: Contact your
pediatric dentist.
Severe Blow to the Head: Take your child to the nearest hospital
emergency room immediately.
Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Keep
the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency
room.
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Dental
Radiographs (X-Rays)
Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s
dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and
will be missed.
Radiographs detect much more than cavities. For example, radiographs may be
needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the
results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. Radiographs allow dentists
to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a
clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental
care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay.
On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs approximately once a
year. Approximately every 3 years, it is a good idea to obtain a complete set
of radiographs, either a panoramic and bitewings or periapicals and
bitewings.
Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of
their patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of
radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. The
risk is negligible. In fact, the dental radiographs represent a far smaller risk
than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and
shields will protect your child. Today’s equipment filters out unnecessary
x-rays and restricts the x-ray beam to the area of interest. High-speed film
and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount of
radiation exposure.
What’s
the Best Toothpaste for my Child?
Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health.
Many toothpastes, and/or tooth polishes, however, can damage young smiles.
They contain harsh abrasives, which can wear away young tooth enamel. When
looking for a toothpaste for your child, make sure to pick one that is
recommended by the American Dental Association as shown on the box and tube. These toothpastes have
undergone testing to insure they are safe to use.
Remember, children should spit out toothpaste after brushing to avoid
getting too much fluoride. If too much fluoride is ingested, a condition
known as fluorosis can occur. If your child is too young or unable to spit
out toothpaste, consider providing them with a fluoride free toothpaste,
using no toothpaste, or using only a "pea size" amount of
toothpaste.
Does Your Child Grind His Teeth
At Night? (Bruxism)
Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth
(bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding on their
teeth during sleep. Or, the parent may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the
dentition. One theory as to the cause involves a psychological component. Stress due to a
new environment, divorce, changes at school; etc. can influence a child to grind their
teeth. Another theory relates to pressure in the inner ear at night. If there are pressure
changes (like in an airplane during take-off and landing, when people are chewing gum, etc.
to equalize pressure) the child will grind by moving his jaw to relieve this pressure.
The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any
treatment. If excessive wear of the teeth (attrition) is present, then a mouth guard
(night guard) may be indicated. The negatives to a mouth guard are the possibility of
choking if the appliance becomes dislodged during sleep and it may interfere with growth
of the jaws. The positive is obvious by preventing wear to the primary dentition.
The good news is most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding
decreases between the ages 6-9 and children tend to stop grinding between ages 9-12. If you
suspect bruxism, discuss this with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
Thumb
Sucking
Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use
thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel
secure and happy, or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since
thumb sucking
is relaxing, it may induce sleep.
Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent
teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How
intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems
may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to
have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.
Children should cease thumb sucking by the time their permanent front
teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Peer
pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.
Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the
teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use
of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit.
If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult your pediatric
dentist.
A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb
sucking:
-
Instead of scolding children for thumb sucking, praise them when they
are not.
-
Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on
correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking.
-
Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when
their parents provide comfort.
-
Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult
periods, such as when being separated from their parents.
-
Your pediatric dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and
explain what could happen if they continue.
-
If these approaches don’t work, remind the children of their
habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your pediatric
dentist may recommend the use of a mouth appliance.
What
is Pulp Therapy?
The pulp of a tooth is the inner, central core
of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, connective
tissue and reparative cells. The purpose of pulp therapy in Pediatric
Dentistry is to maintain the vitality of the affected tooth (so the tooth is
not lost).
Dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury
are the main reasons for a tooth to require pulp therapy. Pulp therapy
is often referred to as a "nerve treatment", "children's root canal", "pulpectomy"
or "pulpotomy". The two common forms of pulp therapy in children's
teeth are the pulpotomy and pulpectomy.
A pulpotomy removes the diseased pulp tissue
within the crown portion of the tooth. Next, an agent is placed to
prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue. This
is followed by a final restoration (usually a stainless steel crown).
A pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp
is involved (into the root canal(s) of the tooth). During this
treatment, the diseased pulp tissue is completely removed from both the
crown and root. The canals are cleansed, disinfected and, in the case
of primary teeth, filled with a resorbable material. Then, a final
restoration is placed. A permanent tooth would be filled with a non-resorbing
material.
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What
is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?
Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be
recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to
reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age.
Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment
encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, we are concerned with
underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and
harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment initiated in this
stage of development is often very successful and many times, though not
always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic treatment.
Stage II – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the
ages of 6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front)
teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships
and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to start
treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are
usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces.
Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals
with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.
EARLY INFANT ORAL CARE
Perinatal
& Infant Oral Health
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all
pregnant women receive oral healthcare and counseling during pregnancy.
Research has shown evidence that periodontal disease can increase the risk
of preterm birth and low birth weight. Talk to your doctor or dentist about
ways you can prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy.
Additionally, mothers with poor oral health may
be at a greater risk of passing the bacteria which causes cavities to their
young children. Mother's should follow these simple steps to decrease
the risk of spreading cavity-causing bacteria:
-
Visit your dentist regularly.
-
Brush and floss on a daily basis to reduce
bacterial plaque.
-
Proper diet, with the reduction of beverages
and foods high in sugar & starch.
-
Use a fluoridated toothpaste recommended by
the ADA and rinse every night with an alcohol-free, over-the-counter
mouth rinse with .05 % sodium fluoride in order to reduce plaque levels.
-
Don't share utensils, cups or food which can
cause the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to your children.
-
Use of xylitol chewing gum (4 pieces per day
by the mother) can decrease a child’s caries rate.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
- Establishing a "Dental Home"
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP),
the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric
Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a "Dental
Home" for your child by one year of age. Children who have a
dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine
oral health care.
The
Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the
Emergency Room for parents.
You can make the first visit to the
dentist enjoyable and positive. If old enough, your child should be informed
of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all
procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit,
the better.
It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that
might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Pediatric dental
offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and
non-frightening to the child.
When
Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?
Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums
into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their
teeth early and some get them late. In general, the first baby teeth to
appear are
usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and they usually begin erupting between
the age of 6-8 months. See "Eruption
of Your Child’s Teeth" for
more details.
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Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Early
Childhood Caries)
One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth
decay, also referred to by dentists as early childhood caries (ECC). ECC can
be caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth
to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk),
formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks.
Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than
water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child’s
teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If
you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain only water.
If your child won't fall asleep without the bottle and its usual beverage,
gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a period of two to
three weeks.
After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp
washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place
the child’s head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor.
Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child’s mouth easily.
PREVENTION
Care of Your Child’s Teeth & Gums
Good Diet = Healthy Teeth
Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the
body, the teeth, bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet.
Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. Most snacks that
children eat can lead to cavity formation. The more frequently a child snacks, the greater
the chance for tooth decay. How long food remains in the mouth also plays a role. For
example, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth a long time, which cause longer
acid attacks on tooth enamel. If your child must snack, choose nutritious foods such as
vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese, which are healthier and better for
children’s teeth.
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How
Do I Prevent Cavities?
Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles that
combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth
to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with
a bottle filled with anything other than water. See "Baby
Bottle Tooth Decay" for more information.
For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also,
watch the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your children.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visits every six
months
to the pediatric dentist, beginning at your child’s first birthday. Routine
visits will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health.
Your pediatric dentist may also recommend protective sealants or home
fluoride treatments for your child. Sealants can be applied to your child’s
molars to prevent decay on hard to clean surfaces.
Seal Out Decay
A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to
the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of
five cavities in children are found. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and
acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.
Before Sealant Applied |
After Sealant Applied |
Fluoride
Fluoride is an element, which has been shown to be beneficial to
teeth. However, too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. Little or
no fluoride will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride
ingestion by preschool-aged children can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white
to even brown discoloration of the permanent teeth. Many children often get more fluoride
than their parents realize. Being aware of a child’s potential sources of fluoride
can help parents prevent the possibility of dental fluorosis.
Some of these sources are:
-
Too much fluoridated toothpaste at an early age.
-
The inappropriate use of fluoride supplements.
-
Hidden sources of fluoride in the child’s diet.
Two and three year olds may not be able to expectorate (spit out)
fluoride-containing toothpaste when brushing. As a result, these youngsters may ingest an
excessive amount of fluoride during tooth brushing. Toothpaste ingestion during this
critical period of permanent tooth development is the greatest risk factor in the
development of fluorosis.
Excessive and inappropriate intake of fluoride supplements may also
contribute to fluorosis. Fluoride drops and tablets, as well as fluoride fortified
vitamins should not be given to infants younger than six months of age. After that time,
fluoride supplements should only be given to children after all of the sources of ingested
fluoride have been accounted for and upon the recommendation of your pediatrician or
pediatric dentist.
Certain foods contain high levels of fluoride,
especially powdered
concentrate infant formula, soy-based infant formula, infant dry cereals, creamed spinach,
and infant chicken products. Please read the label or contact the manufacturer. Some
beverages also contain high levels of fluoride, especially decaffeinated teas, white
grape juices, and juice drinks manufactured in fluoridated cities.
Parents can take the following steps to decrease the risk of
fluorosis in their children’s teeth:
-
Use baby tooth cleanser on the toothbrush of the very young child.
-
Place only a pea sized drop of children’s toothpaste on the
brush when brushing.
-
Account for all of the sources of ingested fluoride before requesting
fluoride supplements from your child’s physician or pediatric dentist.
-
Avoid giving any fluoride-containing supplements to infants until
they are at least 6 months old.
-
Obtain fluoride level test results for your drinking water before
giving fluoride supplements to your child (check with local water utilities).
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Mouth
Guards
When a child begins to participate in recreational
activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth
guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can
help protect your child’s smile, and should be used during any activity
that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.
Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries
to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in
place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and
breathe.
Ask your pediatric dentist about custom and
store-bought mouth protectors.
Xylitol - Reducing Cavities
The
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the benefits of
xylitol on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and persons
with special health care needs.
The
use of XYLITOL GUM by mothers (2-3 times per day) starting 3 months after
delivery and until the child was 2 years old, has proven to reduce cavities
up to 70% by the time the child was 5 years old.
Studies using xylitol as either a sugar
substitute or a small dietary addition have demonstrated a dramatic
reduction in new tooth decay, along with some reversal of existing dental
caries. Xylitol provides additional protection that enhances all existing
prevention methods. This xylitol effect is long-lasting and possibly
permanent. Low decay rates persist even years after the trials have been
completed.
Xylitol is widely distributed throughout
nature in small amounts. Some of the best sources are fruits, berries,
mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods, and corn cobs. One cup of raspberries contains
less than one gram of xylitol.
Studies suggest xylitol intake that consistently produces positive results
ranged from 4-20 grams per day, divided into 3-7 consumption periods. Higher
results did not result in greater reduction and may lead to diminishing
results. Similarly, consumption frequency of less than 3 times per day
showed no effect.
To find gum or other products containing
xylitol, try visiting your local health food store or search the Internet to
find products containing 100% xylitol.
SEDATION/TREATMENT OPTIONS
Nitrous Oxide
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you may know as laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax, but without putting them to sleep.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique to use for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, then with normal breathing; it is quickly eliminated from the body. It is non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.
Prior to your appointment:
- Please inform us of any change to your child’s health and/or medical condition.
- Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
- Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.
- Refrain from food or liquids 2 hours before the appointment.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatments. Your child may be quite drowsy, and may even fall asleep, but they will not become unconscious.
There are a variety of different medications, which can be used for conscious sedation. The doctor will prescribe the medication best suited for your child’s overall health and dental treatment recommendations. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the specific drugs we plan to give to your child.
Prior to your appointment:
-
Please notify us of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
-
You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
-
Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
-
Please arrive at the office early, so your child may use the restroom prior to his/her appointment time.
-
Your child should not have solid food for at least 6 hours prior to their sedation appointment and only clear liquids for up to 2 hours before the appointment.
-
The child's parent or legal guardian must remain at the office during the complete procedure.
-
Please watch your child closely while the medication is taking effect. Hold them in your lap or keep close to you. Do not let them "run around."
-
Your child will act drowsy and may become slightly excited at first.
After the sedation appointment:
-
Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
-
If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
-
If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
-
Because we use local anesthetic to numb your child’s mouth during the procedure, your child may have the tendency to bite or chew their lips, cheeks, and/or tongue and/or rub and scratch their face after treatment. Please observe your child carefully to prevent any injury to these areas.
-
Please call our office for any questions or concerns that you might have.
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Outpatient General Anesthesia
Outpatient General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not allow treatment using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and local anesthesia. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if your child were having their tonsils removed, ear tubes, or hernia repaired. This is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only. While the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options, if this is suggested for your child, the benefits of treatment this way have been deemed to outweigh the risks. Most pediatric medical literature places the risk of a serious reaction in the range of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 200,000, far better than the assumed risk of even driving a car daily. The inherent risks if this is not chosen are multiple appointments, potential for physical restraint to complete treatment and possible emotional and/or physical injury to your child in order to complete their dental treatment. The risks of NO treatment include tooth pain, infection, swelling, the spread of new decay, damage to their developing adult teeth and possible life threatening hospitalization from a dental infection.
Prior to your appointment:
-
Please notify us of any change in your child’s health. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
-
You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
-
Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
-
Your child should not have any food or drink after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure.
-
The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the hospital waiting room during the complete procedure.
After the appointment:
-
Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
-
If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
-
If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
-
Prior to leaving the hospital/outpatient center, you will be given a detailed list of "Post-Op Instructions" and an emergency contact number if needed.
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POST OP CARE
Care of the Mouth After Local Anesthetic
- If the procedure was in the lower jaw the tongue, teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep.
- If the procedure was in the upper jaw the teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep.
- Often, children do not understand the effects of local anesthesia, and may chew, scratch, suck, or play with the numb lip, tongue, or cheek. These actions can cause minor irritations or they can be severe enough to cause swelling and abrasions to the tissue.
- Monitor your child closely for approximately two hours following the appointment. It is often wise to keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off.
Please do not hesitate to call the office if there are any questions.
Care of the Mouth After Trauma
-
Please keep the traumatized area as-clean-as possible. A soft wash cloth often works well during healing to aid the process.
-
Watch for darkening of traumatized teeth. This could be an indication of a dying nerve (pulp).
-
If the swelling should re-occur, our office needs to see the patient as-soon-as possible. Ice should be administered during the first 24 hours to keep the swelling to a minimum.
-
Watch for infection (gum boils) in the area of trauma. If infection is noticed - call the office so the patient can be seen as-soon-as possible.
-
Maintain a soft diet for two to three days, or until the child feels comfortable eating normally again.
-
Avoid sweets or foods that are extremely hot or cold.
-
If antibiotics or pain medicines are prescribed, be sure to follow the prescription as directed.
Please do not hesitate to call the office if there are any questions.
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Care of the Mouth After Extractions
-
Do not scratch, chew, suck, or rub the lips, tongue, or cheek while they feel numb or asleep. The child should be watched closely so he/she does not injure his/her lip, tongue, or cheek before the anesthesia wears off.
-
Do not rinse the mouth for several hours.
-
Do not spit excessively.
-
Do not drink a carbonated beverage (Coke, Sprite, etc.) for the remainder of the day.
-
Do not drink through a straw.
-
Keep fingers and tongue away from the extraction area.
Bleeding - Some bleeding is to be expected. If unusual or sustained bleeding occurs, place cotton gauze firmly over the extraction area and bite down or hold in place for fifteen minutes. This can also be accomplished with a tea bag. Repeat if necessary.
-
Maintain a soft diet for a day or two, or until the child feels comfortable eating normally again.
-
Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity for several hours after the extraction.
Pain - For discomfort use Children's Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed for the age of the child. If a medicine was prescribed, then follow the directions on the bottle.
Please do not hesitate to call the office if there are any questions.
Care of Sealants
By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures, sealants keep out plaque and food, thus decreasing the risk of decay. Since, the covering is only over the biting surface of the tooth, areas on the side and between teeth cannot be coated with the sealant. Good oral hygiene and nutrition are still very important in preventing decay next to these sealants or in areas unable to be covered.
Your child should refrain from eating ice or hard candy, which tend to fracture the sealant. Regular dental appointments are recommended in order for your child's dentist to be certain the sealants remain in place.
The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. When properly applied and maintained, they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth. A total prevention program includes regular visits to the dentist, the use of fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and limiting the number of times sugar-rich foods are eaten. If these measures are followed and sealants are used on the child's teeth, the risk of decay can be reduced or may even be eliminated!
Oral Discomfort After a Cleaning
A thorough cleaning unavoidably produces some bleeding and swelling and may cause some tenderness or discomfort. This is not due to a "rough cleaning" but, to tender and inflamed gums from insufficient oral hygiene. We recommend the following for 2-3 days after cleaning was performed:
- A warm salt water rinse 2-3 times per day. (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water)
- For discomfort use Children's Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed by the age of the child.
Please do not hesitate to contact the office if the discomfort persists for more than 7 days or if there are any questions.
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ADOLESCENT DENTISTRY
Tongue
Piercing – Is it Really Cool?
You might not be surprised anymore to see people with
pierced tongues, lips or cheeks, but you might be surprised to know just how
dangerous these piercings can be.
There are many risks involved with oral piercings,
including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, blood poisoning, heart
infections, brain abscess, nerve disorders (trigeminal neuralgia), receding
gums or scar tissue. Your
mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication
of oral piercing. Your tongue could swell large enough to close off your
airway!
Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling,
infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue.
Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood vessel
or nerve bundle is in the path of the needle.
So follow the advice of the American Dental
Association and give your mouth a break – skip the mouth jewelry.
Tobacco
– Bad News in Any Form
Tobacco in any form can jeopardize your child’s
health and cause incurable damage. Teach your child about the dangers of
tobacco.
Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is
often used by teens who believe that it is a safe alternative to smoking
cigarettes. This is an unfortunate misconception. Studies show that spit
tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes and may be more
difficult to quit. Teens who use it may be interested to know that one can
of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. In as little as
three to four months, smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease
and produce pre-cancerous lesions called leukoplakias.
If your child is a tobacco user you should watch for
the following that could be early signs of oral cancer:
-
A sore that won’t heal.
-
White or red leathery patches on the lips, and on
or under the tongue.
-
Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth
or lips.
-
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving
the jaw or tongue; or a change in the way the teeth fit together.
Because the early signs of oral cancer usually are not
painful, people often ignore them. If it’s not caught in the early stages,
oral cancer can require extensive, sometimes disfiguring, surgery. Even
worse, it can kill.
Help your child avoid tobacco in any form. By doing
so, they will avoid bringing cancer-causing chemicals in direct contact with
their tongue, gums and cheek.
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