Que: When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist?
Ans: You should schedule your child’s first as soon as your child gets his first tooth, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child is seen by 6 months after his/her first tooth erupts or by the 1 yr old, which ever is first.
Que: What happens during my child’s first visit to the dentist?
Ans: The first visit is usually short and simple. Dentist focus on getting to know the child and give some basic information about dental care. Doctor will check teeth for health and answer your Quetions.
Que: How can I prepare child for his first dental appointment?
Ans: By maintaining positive attitude, children pick up adult’s apprehensions. Show your child pictures of the office and staff on the website, if possible. It familiarizes and help achieve a comfort level.
Que: How often should my child visit the dentist?
Ans: Usually check ups should be done every six months. Depending on circumstances dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
Que: Baby teeth are not permanent; Why do they need special care?
Ans: Although they don’t last as long as permanent teeth, your child’s first teeth plays an important role in his development. These milk teeth help your little one speak, smile and chew. They hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If your child looses tooth too early due to decay, near by teeth may encroach on that space which can result in misplaced permanent teeth.
Que: What’s the best way to clean my baby’s teeth?
Ans: Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, clean his gums after feedings with a damp soft wash cloth.
As soon as his first tooth appears start using tooth brush with soft bristles and a small head.
Que: At what age it is appropriate to use tooth paste to clean the child’s teeth?
Ans: When your child has few teeth, start using tooth paste on brush. Choose tooth paste without fluoride for children under the age of two. At age two, fluoride tooth paste should be used. Fluoride help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Use only a “pea size” amount so that if ingested there will be no harm. You should brush child’s teeth for him until he is ready to take on that responsibility by himself, which usually happens by the age of six.
Que: Are cavities caused by worms?
Ans: No, they are caused by bacteria. Bacteria when come in contact with sugary foods left behind after eating, acids are produced. Acids attack enamel and create holes in the teeth which we call cavities.
Que: How can I help my child avoid cavities?
Ans:
Que: Can thumb sucking be normal?
Ans: Yes, it is normal up to the age of four.
Que: What is normal thumb sucking behaviour?
Ans: Majority of children suck thumb or a finger from a very young age; most even start inside the womb. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant. It serves an important purpose. Sucking provides a sense of security and contentment for a young child. It can be relaxing, which is why many children suck their thumbs as they fall asleep.
Most children stop thumb sucking on their own between the ages 2 and 4. They simply grow out of habit that is no longer useful to them.
Que: What should I do if my child sucks his thumb?
Ans: Large majority of children suck their thumbs or fingers as infants and mostly grow out of it by the age of four, without causing any damage to their teeth. If child continues sucking after permanent teeth erupts, see your dentist for breaking thumb sucking habit.
Que: How can I help my child quit thumb sucking?
Ans: Always be supportive and positive, instead of punishing your child for thumb sucking, give praise when he doesn’t suck.
Que: Does my child need dental sealants?
Ans: Sealants cover pits and fissures on the showing surface of the teeth that are difficult to brush and therefore susceptible to decay. Sealants are recommended as a safe & simple way to help your child avoid cavities, especially molars.
Que: What is Root Canal treatment?
Ans: Root Canal or Endodontic treatment deals with the diseases of the pulp. The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels and other soft tissues. Root Canal is made up of a pulp chamber and one or more Root Canals. When the pulp is irreversibly damaged, it has to be removed so that the source of pain and / or infection can be eliminated after which the hollow pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, filled and sealed.
Que: Why is Root Canal Treatment called Endodontic treatment?
Ans: Endodontic is a word composed of two Greek words, “endo” meaning “inside,” and “odont” meaning “tooth.” Endodontics is that branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases that arise from the soft tissues inside the tooth. These tissues are referred to as the dental pulp and they occupy the root canal space. Thus, endodontic treatment is also called root canal treatment.
Que: When is Root Canal treatment required?
Ans: Root Canal treatment is required at the stage of advanced tooth decay, when the pulp may be irreversibly damaged, leading to severe toothache. The removal of the pulp with the help of Root Canal treatment will eliminate the pain as well as the infection.
Que: What are the alternatives to Root Canal treatment?
Ans: Extraction with subsequent replacement with an artificial tooth is the only alternative root canal treatment. Root Canal Treatment saves teeth that otherwise would have to be extracted.
Que: How is root canal treatment done?
Ans: Generally, Root Canal Treatment is completed in single sitting. However in certain selected cases, it may require an additional sitting. In between visits, the opening of the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling material. X-rays are also taken often to aid the instrumentations and to monitor the progress of the treatment.
Que: In what case endodontic disease cause swelling?
Ans: When the pulp tissue becomes severely diseased and necrotic, the resultant infection can spread from inside the tooth into the adjacent bone and soft tissues. As a result, swelling may occur in the tissues immediately surrounding the tooth. If this situation is not treated and the disease process is not kept under control by the body’s defences, the infection can begin to spread into other tissue spaces, such as those around the eye or in the neck. In some situations, this can become a serious medical emergency.
Que: Can an Endodontically failing tooth be retreated?
Ans: Even when pain and/or swelling is present, the majority of failing endodontically-treated teeth can be successfully retreated in today’s world of clinical possibility. Additionally, there are now better-trained general dentists and specialists alike. All of these factors translate into improved care for patients with dental concerns
Que: What is surgical Root Canal treatment (SRCT)?
Ans: Surgical root canal treatment is a procedural effort in which it is necessary to elevate a small flap of tissue adjacent to the involved tooth in order to gain access to and treat root canal disease. Surgical root canal treatments are usually minor, in-office procedures performed under local anaesthesia. Once the pathological area is exposed, the doctor performs a “curettage” to remove the diseased tissue from around the root. This is usually followed by an “apicoectomy,” a procedure in which the diseased portion of the root is removed. A small filling is then usually placed to seal the remaining portion of the root. Surgical root canal treatment will oftentimes result in a good long-term prognosis
Que: What are the goals of Root Canal Treatment?
Ans: As an alternative to an extraction, the main goals of root canal treatment are to save the tooth and allow it to be retained in the mouth for many years in a state of health, function, and comfort. Root canal treatment is directed towards removing diseased tissue from the inside of the tooth and subsequently filling and sealing the root canal space in order to minimize the possibility of future reoccurrence of infection.
Que: If a Tooth has had Root Canal treatment, is it a dead tooth?
Ans: Root canal treatment does not kill a tooth. Even though root canal treatment removes the pulp tissue from inside the tooth, the tooth is by no means “dead.” Following successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to receive its blood supply and nourishment from the surrounding tissues and the supporting bone. The body’s immune system continues to recognize an endodontically treated tooth as viable and healthy, just as it recognizes any other normal non-treated tooth. An endodontically treated tooth generally requires a protective crown and, once this restoration has been completed, the tooth continues to function as an integral component of the dental arch. A tooth that has had root canal treatment and has been properly restored is no more susceptible to fracture, decay, or gum disease than any other tooth.
Que: Will there be pain during the Root Canal treatment?
Ans: Root Canal Treatment is generally done under local anesthesia. Hence, the patient is absolutely comfortable during the treatment. The patient may experience mild discomfort for a few days after the treatment. In 2% cases there might be severe pain and / or a swelling after the Root Canal Treatment, Which generally subsides within a day or two.
Que: Are there any problems associated with a Root Canal treated tooth?
Ans: Although the pulp has been removed, an endodontically treated tooth can still be used for biting and chewing just like any other normal tooth. However, a Root Canal Treated tooth may be slightly more brittle than a normal tooth. A proper restoration (Crown) and good oral care are essential to ensure that the tooth will be able to serve you
Que: What you should consider before undergoing teeth bleaching or whitening treatment?
Ans: Before every teeth whitening you should go to your dentist for a routine checkup. The teeth have to be perfectly clean, free of tartar and plaque, because the bleaching agent will not work on those spots. In most such cases, it is recommended that you get a professional preliminary cleaning.
Very important to avoid misunderstandings: all bleaching methods (White Strips, Home Bleaching, BriteSmile, Skysmile, etc) can only whiten natural tooth material. This means that all tooth-colored dental prostheses such as: ceramic crowns, ceramic inlays, ceramic fillings, dressed bridges, etc. will maintain their color and will not get any whiter.
Que: Why do teeth darken with time?
Ans: Teeth can be covered with plaque or tartar that change color from the use of tobacco, coffee, tea, or red wine. By removing the tartar and polishing the teeth during a dental cleaning, these stains disappear.
The stains can be lodged inside the enamel and the dentin of the teeth. This can be caused by a cavity, tobacco, certain medications taken at a young age like tetracycline, or too much consumption of fluoride.
Que: How do certain food items cause bad breath?
Ans: Everyone knows that certain foods have a reputation for causing bad breath. Two of the most notorious ones are garlic and onions. When we eat our digestive system breaks the food we have consumed down in to its component molecules, some of which have very unpleasant and characteristic odors. As these molecules are created they are absorbed into our circulatory system so they can subsequently be distributed throughout the remainder of our body as nourishment.
As our blood travels through our lungs some of these molecules will be released into them. As a result, as we exhale our breath will contain some of these offending molecules, thus producing breath malodor. You can control this type of breath problem simply by avoiding or minimizing your consumption of these foods.
Que: Why is smoking a risk factor for halitosis?
Ans: You are probably familiar with people who have “smoker’s breath.” While even though the precise odor associated with smoking depends on a number of factors, a great part of it is directly related to the tar, nicotine, and other foul smelling substances derived from tobacco’s smoke that accumulates on a person’s teeth and oral soft tissues (tongue, cheeks, gums).
As a contributing risk factor, the act of smoking does have a drying effect on oral tissues. Decreased moisture in the mouth limits the washing and buffering effect of saliva on oral bacteria and their waste products, thus aggravating a person’s problems with bad breath. It is also known that people who smoke are at greater risk for having problems with periodontal disease (“gum disease”) than people who do not smoke. Gum disease, as it relates to bad breath, is discussed in more detail below.
Que: Why is having a dry mouth (xerostomia) a risk factor for bad breath?
Ans: Even if you don’t have much of a problem with bad breath you have probably noticed that your breath is least pleasant in the morning when you first wake up. This is because during the night a person’s mouth dries up somewhat, due to the human body’s natural tendency to reduce salivary flow when a person sleeps. This same souring effect is sometimes noticed by teachers, lawyers, and anyone else whose mouth has become dry after having to speak for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, people who breathe through their mouth, are fasting, or else are under stress can find that they have comparatively dry mouths and therefore persistent problems with breath odors.
One explanation for this phenomenon is that the moisture found in our mouth helps to cleanse it. The presence of oral fluids encourages us to swallow. With each swallow we take we wash away bacteria, as well as the food and debris on which they feed. This same moisture also dilutes and washes away the waste products that oral bacteria produce.
Some people have chronically dry mouths. This condition is termed “xerostomia.” Xerostomia can be a side effect of the medication a person is taking. Antihistamines (allergy and cold medications), antidepressants, blood pressure agents, diuretics, narcotics, or anti-anxiety medications are each known to produce xerostomia. Another contributing factor associated with xerostomia is a person’s age. It is commonplace that as people age they find that chronic mouth dryness becomes more and more of a problem.
Que: How does periodontal disease (gum disease) cause bad breath?
Ans: Periodontal disease, often just called “gum disease,” can be the source of a person’s breath problems. Usually, the odor coming from the mouth of a person with active gum disease can be so distinctive that a dentist will often correctly anticipate the presence of gum problems even before they begin their examination of the patient.
Periodontal disease is the second most common (fundamental) cause of bad breath. Since periodontal disease is typically more of a problem for people over the age of 35 or so, the older we get the more likely that the source of our bad breath is related to conditions associated with the health of our gums.
In many cases it is waste products coming from the bacteria that reside in these periodontal pockets, pockets which are often so deep that a person cannot effectively cleanse them, that is the cause of a person’s bad breath.
Que: How can sinus conditions promote bad breath?
Ans: Sinus conditions can have an effect on the quality of a person’s breath. Upper respiratory infections and allergies can create postnasal drip that deposits onto the back portion of a person’s tongue (by way of the oral-nasal pathway found in the area of a person’s soft palate). This discharge often has a foul taste and smell. What is worse, oral bacteria will feed upon this discharge and create their own smelly waste products thus adding to the problems the person is having with bad breath.
As a compounding factor, people with sinus conditions will often have stuffed up noses and therefore will have a need to breathe through their mouth. The drying effect of mouth breathing can create an environment that promotes bad breath. Additionally, sinus sufferers are likely to be taking antihistamines, a type of medicine that is known to create mouth dryness.
Que: How to prevent the different types of bad breath?
Ans: You need to stimulate saliva production (saliva is nature’s breath freshener). Sugar-free mints may help. They were designed by marketing people, not breath specialists. Also, make sure you drink lots of water – just the simple act of adding oxygen-rich water to your oral environment, may be enough to freshen your breath to a comfortable level for a short period of time.
Most likely you already have a decent amount of sulfur production, and you should be (GENTLY) scraping your tongue and applying an oxygenating toothpaste that doesn’t contain Sodium Lauryl sulfate to the surface of your tongue, especially at the very back. Preventing CHRONIC Bad Breath
Que: Why do teeth become irregular ?
Ans: There are numerous reasons for misaligned or irregular teeth. These are briefly:
Que: Why do some patients have to extract teeth and some not ?
Ans: In some cases a patient may need to get some teeth extracted in order to fix the braces. Teeth are only removed after serious consideration. However, if the patient is referred to a qualified orthodontist at a young age and the problem is not severe, then the entire treatment may be carried out without tooth removal. It is critical therefore to visit a dentist at the earliest sign of irregular teeth so that he may refer you to an orthodontist.
Que: Is the orthodontic treatment very painful ?
Ans: The treatment is certainly not painless, but the pain is mild and lasts from 3 to 7 days after a visit to the Orthodontist. After this, there is no pain. During subsequent adjustments or wire changes, there may be mild pain.Recent advances in Orthodontics have made treatment far more comfortable.
Que: After the tooth extraction can I continue to eat my favourite foods ? Do I have to modify my diet ?
Ans: You can continue to eat your favourite foods but they will have to be prepared specially. Your food will have to be softened, or cut into small pieces, or be well-cooked before eating. Ice creams and colas may be had as usual however hard fruits will need to be sliced, nuts and chikki ground and chocolate must not be eaten after refrigeration.
Dentist might suggest you to best avoid certain foods like popcorn, sticky chocolates, hard nuts and fruits, hard crusts and chewing gum. These foods can break or loosen your braces making you uncomfortable and can delay treatment.
Que: How should I clean my teeth with braces on ?
Ans: Brushing with braces on your teeth requires a little more effort than, if you didn’t have any. In case of braces use of a soft bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush.
Brush twice a day in gentle circular motions with special emphasis to dislodge food that is lodged between teeth and the braces. Use a mouthwash to rinse additionally.
Never allow plaque or food to accumulate on the teeth and braces.
Que: What else do I have to do during treatment involving braces?
Ans: You may have to wear small elastic bands which you change regularly. Some treatment requires a retractor or head gear, a lip bumper and other functional appliances which your orthodontist will show you how to use. Report the dentist about any untoward change or damage to the braces immediately.
Que: Does this treatment involving braces affect my performance at school/ work/ sports?
Ans: Not at all. You will only need to take reasonable care of your braces during contact sports like boxing, football, hockey, cricket, etc. to prevent damage to the braces and injury to the teeth and lips.
Que: Is the tooth whitening treatment safe?
Ans: Teeth whitening is a very safe procedure that simply involves using a peroxide-based solution and/or a special light to remove stains and discoloration. In some forms, the process can be accomplished in as little as an hour.
Que: Will teeth whitening procedure affect my previous dental work?
Ans: Teeth whitening is a non-invasive or on surface procedure that is safe for patients who have had previous dental work. Before teeth performing the teeth whitening procedure dentist will examine existing dental work and oral hygiene. In case of any indications of weakening of previous dental work dentist will probably suggest repairs before continuing with the teeth whitening procedure.
Que: Does the teeth whitening procedure hurt?
Ans: The teeth whitening procedure is not painful; however, some patients may experience minor sensitivity around the gum line after the procedure has taken place.
Que: What kind of results can I expect after teeth whitening procedure?
Ans: Depending on the teeth whitening method used, many individuals see results that are up to 10 shades whiter. For immediate results, in-office laser teeth whitening is the preferred treatment; however, with stronger peroxide gel solutions on the market, at-home results can also be dramatic with continued use.
Que: What if I have tetracycline staining, can I still expect good results with teeth whitening procedure?
Ans: Many individuals have been able to dramatically reduce tetracycline staining with professional teeth whitening. Depending on the severity of the discoloration, some patients schedule multiple teeth whitening sessions or use a combination of methods to achieve the desired change. Your dentist will be able to recommend the teeth whitening technique that will work best to combat tetracycline staining.
Que: What are the side effects of teeth whitening?
Ans: The side effects of teeth whitening are very minimal and vary from individual to individual. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, defective restorations, or severely receding gums, you should consult with your dentist before you begin any teeth whitening procedure. Many individuals who have sensitive teeth can still benefit from treatment as long as they use a milder version of the peroxide whitening formula. In specific case where individual are allergic to peroxide should not consider traditional teeth whitening methods.
Que: Is there a teeth whitening system for sensitive teeth?
Ans: Teeth whitening for people with sensitive teeth is still an option. Most dentists will recommend a milder version of the whitening gel if the patient chooses the take-home method. Many patients who have issues with sensitive teeth prefer the one-hour in-office teeth whitening method as it is much faster, produces immediate results, and requires the bleaching gel to stay on for a much shorter period of time.
Que: Is teeth whitening permanent?
Ans: Teeth whitening procedure can produce dramatic results. However, it is important to keep in mind that daily oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining teeth whitening results. Cigarette smoking, coffee, and tea will still stain the teeth after whitening.
Que: Can failed implants be replaced?
Ans: In very rare cases an implant fails it can usually be replaced by another. In fact, most patients wouldn’t have it any other way!
Que: Will others know I have dental implants?
Ans: Today’s implant treatment enables you to have your new teeth look, feel and function like your own. Even though others will be unaware you have dental implants, many individuals are so pleased they tell everyone they know. Dental implants offer some of the finest restorative results possible in modern dentistry.
Que: How long does complete dental implant treatment take?
Ans: Depending of the type of implant and replacement teeth selected, the total time can be as little as a few weeks to six or more months. If bone grafting is necessary, further time may be needed. Dentist can suggest the suitable procedure and time lines associated with it.
Que: Is there pain or discomfort during dental implant treatment?
Ans: Many patients report implant surgery less troublesome than having teeth removed. With modern anesthesia and close attention to post operative care you can expect minimal discomfort.
Que: Are dental implant supported teeth as strong as my natural teeth?
Ans: Yes. Research shows that in many cases implants are actually stronger then natural teeth. Compared to removable teeth, studies show implant supported teeth have better chewing efficiency. Dental implants can make it possible for you to enjoy your favorite foods, improve your nutrition and your appearance!