Preventative Dentistry

Bad Breath

Halitosis, the medical name for bad breath, can affect kids just as easily as adults. It happens when food particles remaining in the mouth break down. While everyone has bad breath occasionally, consistent bad breath could suggest the presence of gum disease or other health conditions. Allergy and sinus issues are some of the more common causes of bad breath in kids.

Canker Sores

You can identify a canker sore by its red border and gray or white color around the base. The best way to prevent a recurrence is to have your child use topical agents or a mouthwash with antimicrobial properties.

Gum Disease

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease can damage bone, cause painful inflammation, and even tooth loss. Children are more likely to develop gingivitis, which is an early form of gum disease, from excess plaque on the teeth. Plaque consists of a sticky film made from bacteria. Bleeding and swollen gums are often the first indication of gum disease. Fortunately, it’s preventable with a daily routine of brushing and flossing.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay forms from frequent consumption of sugary and starchy foods, which forms acid.  This acid can erode tooth enamel. Foods and snacks with a high carbohydrate content, such as candy, cookies, soda, and fruit drinks, cause the most tooth decay in children. Deposits from starches and sugars combine with bacteria to form plaque. This eventually causes damage to the mineral structure of your child’s teeth. Limiting these types of snacks and ensuring your child brushes and flosses daily is the best protection against tooth decay.

At Upper East Side Kids Dentist, we recommend that children come in for a checkup once every six months. You can schedule the first appointment as early as age one or when your child has had teeth for at least six months. We make visits as pleasant and educational as possible for kids so they learn to make a positive association with visiting the dentist early in life. It has been our experience that early trauma or anxiety can be difficult to overcome.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Cleaning Appointment

We first take the time to gain your child’s trust and cooperation before getting started with the following:

• Polishing of teeth: We clean your child’s teeth with polishing cream and special dental instruments to remove stains and plaque that he or she may not be able to clean with regular tooth brushing.

• Plaque removal: When food remains on the teeth too long, bacteria invade and turn into plaque. This is a sticky film that coats the teeth and causes inflammation of your child’s gums. If it turns into gum disease, your child can experience infection, tooth loss, and other serious problems.

• Tartar removal: Plaque can harden and turn into tartar when it remains on teeth too long. Tartar can appear both above and below your child’s gum line and requires special instruments to remove.

Avoid These Dental Problems with Bi-Annual Preventive Care Appointments

Poor oral hygiene and an unhealthy diet early in life can cause the following problems:

• Bad breath

• Bone damage

• Gum disease

• Stained teeth

• Tooth decay requiring fillings

• Tooth loss

In addition to cleaning your child’s teeth and removing plaque and tartar, our dentists perform an examination to look for signs of problems like oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, or issues with alignment. If your child’s dentist spots a problem, the next step is to complete a diagnostic X-ray to confirm a diagnosis. From there, a custom treatment plan is developed and shared with you to confirm your understanding, answer all questions, and address any concerns.

What is Fluoride and Why Do We Supplement It?

Food such as eggs, fish, and meat contain fluoride, as does drinking water. Some manufacturers also add it to toothpaste and mouthwash. Unfortunately, the amount of fluoride naturally present in food, water, and certain products doesn’t provide your child with an adequate benefit. Teeth that are still developing need extra protection to guard against tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities.

Factors to Consider in Administering a Fluoride Treatment

Certain lifestyle habits and health conditions make some children better candidates for fluoride treatments than others. These include:

• Presence of cavities, or cavities in the beginning stages

• Defects of tooth enamel

• Inadequate oral hygiene habits

• Lack of nutritious diet

• White spots on teeth after wearing braces

What to Expect When Your Child Receives a Fluoride Treatment

Dr. Rachel uses a type of varnish, foam, or gel that she either paints on your child’s teeth directly, or places in a tray, and then inserts the tray in his or her mouth. Your child should avoid eating or drinking immediately after the procedure so the fluoride doesn’t immediately wash off. She may also send you home with fluoride supplements that your child can take daily if you don’t feel there is enough natural fluoride in your water supply. Another option is to write a prescription for a fluoride gel.

We can provide your child with a fluoride treatment annually, bi-annually, or every three months, at your discretion. Dr. Rachel normally delivers the procedure at your child’s regular preventive care exam, but you may schedule a separate appointment if desired.