Tooth decay

Read more about the article Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby drinking from a babybottle

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, or Early Childhood Caries. It happens when the child’s teeth come into contact with sugary foods and drinks often and for long periods of time. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas and other sweetened drinks. The sugars in these liquids pool around the infant’s teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria in plaque. Every time a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid produced by these bacteria attack the teeth and gums. After numerous attacks, tooth decay can begin.

The condition also is associated with breast-fed infants who have prolonged feeding habits or with children whose pacifiers are frequently dipped in honey, sugar or syrup. The sweet fluids left in the mouth while the infant is sleeping increase the chances of cavities.

Giving an infant a sugary drink at nap or night time is harmful because during sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids to linger on the child’s teeth for an extended period of time. If left untreated, decay can result, which can cause pain and infection. Severely decayed teeth may need to be extracted. If teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, your child may develop poor eating habits, speech problems, crooked teeth and damaged adult teeth. Healthy baby teeth will usually result in healthy permanent teeth.

If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk for tooth decay. The good news is that decay is preventable.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Infants should finish their bedtime or naptime bottle before going to bed. A bottle should not be used as a pacifier. Frequent sips of sugary liquids can cause tooth decay. Clean and massage the baby’s gums to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Wrap a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues. This should be done after every feeding.

Plaque removal activities should begin upon eruption of the first baby tooth. When brushing a child’s teeth, use a soft toothbrush and water. If you are considering using toothpaste before your child’s second birthday, ask your general dentist first. Parents should first bring their child to the dentist when the child is between 6 and 12 months old.

Remember that healthy baby teeth will lead to healthy permanent teeth.

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Read more about the article Prevent Tooth Decay with Vitamin D

Prevent Tooth Decay with Vitamin D

The risk for developing cavities can be reduced through proper oral hygiene, nutrition, and twice a year examinations and cleanings. Calcium is important for strong and healthy teeth but it is important to get enough Vitamin D in the diet as well.
Vitamin D can help teeth become better mineralized and can better defend against decay. A deficiency in this vitamin may weaken teeth and lead to the increased risk of developing cavities or other problems. Vitamin D comes hand in hand with Calcium. Vitamin D is essential for Calcium to work and be effective in maintaining and sustaining healthy teeth and bones. Having Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weak teeth and bones. It can also lead to high risk of developing cavities and tooth decays. Vitamin D may also play a role in attacking the oral bacteria that cause cavities.
Gingivitis can also develop due to a lack of Vitamin D. Pregnant mothers need enough Vitamin D so that their infants have a good start with proper tooth development. Children need enough nutrition to grow healthy permanent teeth and adults need to maintain healthy teeth to prevent decay and disease.
You can get more vitamin D in your diet by spending a little bit of time outdoors every day. Your body makes vitamin D in response to sun exposure. You can also eat more egg yolks, fish liver oils and fatty fish. Supplementation may be an option for those who are unable to get enough vitamin D through their diet or for those who have a serious deficiency. Call us to schedule your appointment with our general dentist at Expressions Dental.

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Read more about the article Diabetes and Periodontitis

Diabetes and Periodontitis

Diabetes and Oral Hygiene

When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body — including your teeth and gums. Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of following dental problems:

  • Tooth decay (cavities) – Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When starches and sugars in food and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the surfaces of your teeth (enamel and dentin). This can lead to cavities. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches and the more acid wearing away at your teeth.
  • Gum disease – Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. If you don’t remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it will harden under your gum line into a substance called tartar. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the part of your gums around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is gingivitis.
  • Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) – Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth, which in turn causes your teeth to loosen and possibly fall out. Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which in turn makes your diabetes more difficult to control. Preventing and treating periodontitis can help improve blood sugar control.

To help prevent damage to your teeth and gums, take diabetes and dental care seriously:

  • Make a commitment to manage your diabetes.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Floss your teeth at least once a day.
  • Schedule regular dental visits.
  • Make sure your dentist knows you have diabetes.
  • Look for early signs of gum disease.
  • Don’t smoke.

Ref: American Diabetes Association, Diabetic Forecast Mar 2016

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Emergency Dental Care In Calgary NW
http://www.expressionsdental.ca
Call: +1 (403) 252 7733

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