- Humans have two kinds of teeth in their lifetime, namely milk tooth (primary tooth) and permanent teeth / permanent. Children have 20 milk teeth, which will be replaced by permanent teeth / permanent at the age of about 13 years. Adults normally have 32 teeth fixed / permanent. (2)

- Classification of types of gear can be seen as follows:

Based on the growth period:

* Baby teeth are teeth that grow from the age of 6 months. Number of Top 20 pieces.
* Teeth fixed / permanent replacement teeth that is gradual date. At most amounted to 32 pieces. (1)

a. Milk Teeth (primary)

Most children are born without teeth which can be seen (the teeth are in the gums). 20 milk teeth grow (eruption) gradually begins when babies aged 6 months to 1 year



b. Teeth fixed / permanent

All the milk teeth will be loose and will be replaced by 32 permanent teeth / permanent, this happens to survive in the children aged 6 years to 14 years. Last teeth (molars 3) will bererupsi at the age of 17 to 21 years.



Based on the form:

* Incisor (incisors) serves bite or cut food.
* Canine teeth (canines) serves rip or tear food.
* Wisdom front (premolars) and molars back (molar) serves chew or crush food. (1)

Tips for Keeping Teeth Start Children Grow

Here are some tips to maintain your child's teeth began to grow.

◦ Make brushing atmosphere is an atmosphere that menyebabgkan. You can use a toothbrush with shapes and colors vary. Also, choose a small toothbrush in accordance with the child's mouth shape and a soft bristle brush.
◦ Remind children to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Accompany and teach the child if necessary.
◦ Help the child to brush his teeth before bed. The easiest position to help children brush their teeth is by standing behind or beside the child. Parents hand wrapped around the neck of children. Hold your toothbrush with the most comfortable position. Finished brushing your teeth, do not forget to give appreciation to the children by way of praise.
◦ Limit foods and soft drinks, especially sweet like candy and soft drinks.
◦ Check the health of your teeth regularly to the dentist.

Dental treatment of milk requires only a short time, will affect the development of permanent teeth later in life. Oral hygiene habits and dental, which began early in the home, a healthy mouth can improve the life chances of children to adults. Dental care is needed milk for children from an early age to look neat and beautiful teeth. In addition, to help prevent problems in permanent teeth, such as crowded teeth, or cavities, and get children to maintain hygiene and oral health early. Children can smile beautifully until she grew up in the future.

Mother Behavior Determine Child Dental Health

Mother plays an important role in the family, as a wife and mother of his children. It matters more that the greatest importance, namely the role of mother. The first figure known child was born so she is his mother. Therefore, behaviors and habits can be emulated by the mother of the child. Maternal knowledge about dental health will determine his future status of dental health. But 'know' just is not enough, to be followed by 'caring' and 'acting'.

Dental health and child need to be considered as early as possible. Tooth formation in children has been started since he was still in the womb. Factors determine the nutrition of pregnant women fetal growth and development, not to mention the teeth and mouth.

Holt RD, et al conducted a study on the effects of dental health education given by mothers to their children aged five years in London. The results reveal that 69% of children whose mothers provided oral health education at home shows free of caries, gingivitis and numbers (gingivitis) which is lower than the children who are not educated about dental health by his mother.

Dental caries can occur very early, so the teeth have grown and exposed to the oral environment so he has the potential to experience caries. Mother can help clean teeth toddler son who is still using gauze or a clean cotton disapukan to the tooth surface. To determine whether there are plaques on the tooth surface, can be applied to disclosing solution which will give the red color on the surface covered with plaque. So whether your teeth could get caught it is completely clean or not.


Fig: Dental given plaque disclosing solution to check.

Sometimes children who are aged under five years is very difficult to told to brush her teeth. Well, herein lies the role of mother. Command may not work just to make kids want to brush my teeth. But if the mother took the child brushing teeth together, as a bath for example, then the child can pay attention and imitate the habit of the mother.

Entering the school age children experience caries risk higher. Number of snacks at school, by type of food and sweet drinks, threatening the health of your child's teeth. Mothers need to watch the pattern of children in school snacks. If possible, children are not accustomed to eating snacks in schools altogether. Food from home so much better, because it can not be denied that most of the snacks the kids at school are vulnerable to problems of hygiene and nutritional content is also questionable. Even if children insist for snacks at school, better directed not to choose a sweet and sticky foods. With the consistency of sticky sweet foods is much more dangerous, because it is more difficult to remove from the tooth surface.

Baby Bottle caries

Many women complained, the front upper jaw teeth brownish son, the crown of his teeth broken, sometimes even just a little crown left. However, most mothers do not realize what the cause. What actually happens is that dental caries experience, and this event is often referred to as a bottle caries, early childhood caries, or baby bottle caries. Pattern of dental caries is closely related to the provision of milk or other sweet liquids using a prolonged bottle. Even more so when children are accustomed or conditioned to drink a bottle of milk before bedtime, and not infrequently there are bottles of milk in the child's mouth when he fell asleep.


Caries in deciduous teeth caused by administration of milk or other sweet drinks milk by the prolonged use of bottle has a distinctive characteristic. Involved tooth is usually the upper front teeth, usually the four front teeth and lower jaw free of caries.

Fig. Baby bottle caries

Factors parents' behavior as to support the occurrence of this problem, especially because of lack of knowledge of parents about proper dental health. Fairly high percentage of these events, from a study reported 3-6% of children under the age of four years of bottle caries.

From several studies revealed that the contents of the bottle is more significant in increasing the risk of caries in the bottle, rather than the duration or length of use of these bottles. For example syrup, infant formula that added sugar, or honey water to be drunk with milk bottles, has high potential to cause bottle caries, especially when drunk at bedtime. Saliva flow is decreased during sleep, whereas saliva has a self-cleansing effect of flushing leftover food or beverages out of the oral cavity during swallowing movements. When liquid or sweet drinks to be drunk until the child is asleep, then the liquid is still flooded the surface of the tooth during the night. Lactose contained in milk can stimulate the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that is very important as a cause of caries.

TIPS FOR THE MOTHER

1. Help and teach children while brushing teeth. When the mother of the child jointly carry out the cleaning gear, children will be more motivated and imitate the example of her mother. Besides the mother also may consider whether the child how to brush teeth correctly. Do not leave children alone or only accompanied by a nanny.

Toothpaste with various flavors and colors are attractive to children, and the formula has been designed in such a way that is safe if swallowed. However, toothpaste containing fluoride is good for the teeth should be given after a child aged four years where he has been able to gargle.

2. Watch the type of street children. Candy and chocolate or other sweet foods can still be given, but it should be emphasized on the importance of brushing and cleaning your teeth before bed.

3. Take time to look at and examine your child's teeth. When this is often done, the child will not feel too strange time to be brought to the dentist. If there are abnormalities in the child's oral cavity can be found as early as possible.

CAUTION:

Check with your child to the dentist regularly. Many of the mothers who did not deem it necessary to patch the holes in their children's milk teeth. Because after all will be replaced by permanent teeth. But that left holes in teeth can cause several problems.

Milk tooth cavities (as in adults) can cause discomfort or pain. As a result, children may be fussy and difficult to eat.

Can cause interference with mastication functions, because dental cavities are not comfortable to use chewing. As a result, do not chew food properly, and may affect the nutrition for children.

Milk teeth can cause dental cavities are rocking and the date of premature or had revoked prematurely. Ideally in this condition made space maintainer. Milk teeth functioned as a guide for the growth of their permanent teeth. When premature tooth loss, tooth growth continues to be irregular.

The composition of irregular teeth can lead to malfunctioning of talk (especially irregular front teeth), facial profile are not in harmony, interference with mastication, and can lower the child's confidence.

Milk teeth must remain filled, so that the teeth are already holes in it can survive as long as possible in the mouth and on or off in accordance with its normal time.

Parents Need to Maintain Child Dental Health

A UK study reveals, gum disease and tooth increases the risk of heart disease.

"This should never happen," said Director of Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Dr Steve Ryan, as quoted from the page of the Daily Mail.

He said that dental disease that triggers premature death in children is a problem that can be prevented. That is why, he always warned parents to always maintain the health of their child's teeth.

Ryan explained, the number of pediatric patients at his hospital, who experience health problems caused by the wrong kind of lifestyle toothache and obesity continues to rise. Achieve at least 200 thousand children per year.

Most were pediatric patients with dental complaints. Over half of the 1000 patients who had dental surgery at a hospital dental clinic for a year are children under the age of six years.

"No child should experience this problem, and (if they have a healthy lifestyle) they should not be here," he said. "These conditions make people start seeing the possibility of them as a generation of children will die before their parents."

The research also reveals, approximately 500 to 1,000 children per year have to undergo treatment in the hospital due to exposure to cigarette smoke parents. In 2020, also predicted eight of the 10 men and seven and 10 women will be obese. Thus, the need to change lifestyles in order to have longevity.

Child Dental Health Care

image. 1
Who would not love to see her sweet smile with white teeth, clean and healthy? And where the parents stand to see her son crying in agony because her teeth holes? Dental care in infancy and child determine their oral and dental health in the next age level. Some of the teeth and mouth disease could they experienced when treatment is not done properly. Among caries (holes on the surface of the tooth), ginggivitis (inflammation of the gums), and canker sores. Preventing tooth decay is more important than forced to go to the dentist after a tooth is damaged or perforated. Preventive action is the best thing, besides do not feel pain, can become not need to spend money in large quantities to treat toothache.

To maintain healthy teeth in infants and children, there are some things that can be done by parents, namely:

Prepare a calcium-rich foods (fish & milk), fluoride (tea, green vegetables), phosphorus, and vitamin A (carrots), vitamin C (fruits), vitamin D (milk), and vitamin E (sprouts). Minerals and vitamins are necessary for the growth of their teeth.
Reduce consumption of sweet foods and easily attached to the teeth, such as candy or chocolate. Sugar in sweet foods can damage your child's teeth, but do not necessarily prohibited at all to eat sweet foods, because it can cause psychological effects. To maintain the cleanliness of teeth, familiarize them rinsed her mouth after eating these sweets.
Teach children brushing teeth regularly and correctly, at least two times a day, the morning after breakfast and at night before bed. Better yet if they were done after each meal. For infants aged 6-11 months, after feeding or eating out his teeth cleaned with sterile cotton or gauze soaked in water, slowly diusapkan to each tooth surface. In children aged 1-2 years was introduced with a toothbrush, for the introduction stage is better not to use toothpaste, because not all children can feel comfortable with the taste of toothpaste, toothpaste-can be considered strange by the children. So, just use a toothbrush soaked in warm boiled water only. Then the children were trained holding a toothbrush and slowly learning menggosokannya to every surface of her teeth. After walking a few weeks and the kids are used to brush my teeth, should be given little by little the child's special toothpaste.
Strive to introduce children to visit the dentist at an early stage since the age of one year. This can be useful in the habit and overcome their fear of foreigners or at the dentist. In addition, it is also important that your doctor know early on about any dental problems that can be experienced by the child. Further Engage children for health check his teeth regularly six months. Especially for children aged 6-11 years essential for healthy teeth and mouth checked regularly, because their teeth are experiencing change from milk teeth to permanent teeth.
If the child complains toothache, give salt water to rinse out his mouth, then immediately take it to the dentist, because if left too long, will cause dental disease that continues, the more severe.

image. 2
In brushing your teeth, there are three factors to be considered, namely:

Toothbrush Selection: For children choose either a small toothbrush or brush head stem, making it easy to handle and does not damage the gums. Brush hairs do not be too hard / too soft too seldom. Choose a hair brush gently but strong enough to remove the dirt in my teeth. Tip of the brush head narrows to easily reach all parts of the mouth is relatively small tip toothbrush and hair brush tip as close as possible, if not the end of a toothbrush was stuck to the back but not subject to fur brush your teeth, so there are parts that are not tersikat teeth. This is usually on wisdom teeth.

Mode / motion toothbrush: a child on your lap in front of a mirror, with our backs to the position. With so children will see their own original teeth after brushing so much yellow and white. Brush teeth on the outer surface and the surface of the tooth, do the vertical movement and direction of the gums to the tooth surface (see Fig. 1 and pictures. 3). For the upper jaw motion brush from top to bottom, to the lower jaw from the ground up. While to the chewing surfaces, both top and bottom teeth, tooth brushing technique is penyikatannya with horizontal movement of the teeth back toward the front teeth (pulling the brush to the outside mouth, see figure. 2 above). If this technique is done properly, the results can be maximal while gum health was maintained. Every surface of the teeth brushed with careful, do not worry too hard, but steady. Gums should tersikat so soft food remnants in the neck missing teeth and besides it also serves to perform massage (massage) on the gums, so that the gums healthy, supple and not easily bleed. Do not forget, the surface of the tongue also need to be brushed slowly, because the uneven surface of the tongue so easily tucked away leftover food (gambar.2 see below).

image. 3
Toothbrush Frequency: At least two times a day, the morning after breakfast and at night before bed. Ideally, brush your teeth after every meal, but the most important night before bed. We recommend that you brush your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride which can strengthen an email. To provide children with fruit-flavored toothpaste, so that the children liked to brush his teeth.
On the role of children aged under five require parents to assist the learning process of brushing your teeth regularly and properly, because with the guidance and the planting of teeth brushing habits, would be beneficial to maintain healthy white teeth like pearls. It takes the patience of parents in this learning process, sometimes at first child's mouth shut every time the teeth will be cleaned. This rejection of the fair because the child thinks he's going to hurt. Innovative steps needed when the child brush his teeth. Encourage your child to see a brother, father, or mother brush his teeth. With so children will see first hand an example / model of how to brush his teeth. In addition toothbrush can also be done while playing, no need to always be in the bathroom. For example with a mirror, or while dancing and singing with joy. Make brushing teeth a fun event so that they enjoy it and not lazy to do it. Make a toothbrush event as one that needs to be done at least twice a day. As I build this habit, convey to the child's understanding about the benefits of tooth brushing, teeth become the most concrete is clean, white and healthy.

The Importance of Dental and Oral Health Children

Do not take for granted oral and dental health of children. Many people never imagined that the child's mouth and dental problems can affect a child's development. Therefore, the importance of parental attention to the dental health of children, particularly children who are toddlers. Therefore, the condition of milk teeth will determine the permanent dentition of the child.

Moreover, when children have teeth that are not healthy, he will be hard to digest foods so that the child's growth process will be disrupted. As a result, the child will be susceptible to disease. Every parent should instill in him a principle that children should be free from dental pain and give them a good life early so they can compete in the future.

Dentition in children is marked by the appearance of the gums and teeth on the surface followed by a change of position in the bone supporting the teeth from tooth to its functional position in the oral cavity. Early clinical appearance of the teeth is a sign of the growth of a child. The first stage dentition is very clear during the sixth week of embryonic life.

Start teething is an important process of growth of a child. Parents need to know how to care for their children teeth. Parents should also teach their children how to care for your teeth properly, ie by giving examples of the correct way of brushing. Function talk

One function of milk teeth is considered important is the development of speaking function. The ability to use tooth-teeth to get the pronunciation entirely with the aid of a milk tooth. Milk teeth also plays a role in the function with the cosmetic appearance of the development of children. In an indirect way of speaking children can be affected if there is consciousness in itself will damage the teeth, and this will embarrass him when he opened his mouth as he spoke.

Early dental care is very important to prevent tooth decay process, such as cavities, porous, and swelling of the gums. Children also should be encouraged or introduced early to the dentist. This is very useful in the familiar routine dental examination and overcoming fear the child to the dentist.

Parents can try a way to introduce dentists to the children, to participate by inviting the children when mom or dad check your teeth. It also introduces children to the dentist room atmosphere, the sounds of machinery, and equipment used by doctors. Children can also see how the mother or father to remain calm during dental treatment.

No less important is choosing a pediatric dentist who understand and have an education how to make the children comfortable as a dentist. For example, a doctor who provides a waiting room filled with books and toys, as well as filling the walls with pictures of an attractive and well liked children.

In addition, parents must pay attention to eating patterns of children. Do not be too often give children a sweet and sticky foods. Therefore, these foods easily left behind and attached to the teeth, and when used too often and long will result in not good. Sweet and sticky foods will react in the mouth and form acids that damage tooth enamel. This will result in the emergence of disturbances, such as tooth decay or what is known as caries. "Nursing-bottle caries"

Nursing-bottle caries (NBC) or also called baby bottle tooth decay-bottle syndrome baby who becomes number one cause extensive damage to the teeth of children under the age of three years-is a condition in which children's milk teeth have been damaged, often become rotten, to the surface of the gums. NBC is a lot happening in children due to frequent consumption of sugar-containing beverages, like milk, juices, and other soft drinks, which is given to children at bedtime.

Sugar contained in these drinks by bacteria contained in dental plaque that eventually turned into acid causes tooth decay and damage.

There are several ways to avoid the case of NBC:

1. Avoid or reduce sweet foods. Fructose (table sugar), dextrose, and corn syrup containing sugar acids that can cause spoilage in greater numbers than the non-sugar foods other.

2. Do not give food or drink to children before bed without brushing their teeth or cleaning your teeth afterwards. When children are accustomed to drinking milk in the bottle before bed to sleep, clean the teeth with cotton or cloth that has been dampened.

3. When children have or used to hold the bottle while going to sleep, fill bottles with water. Indicators of oral health can be seen from oral hygiene and the presence or absence of gingivitis (gum inflammation). Gingivitis is an inflammation involving the gingival tissue (gums) around the teeth. Gingivitis in children caused by the presence of plaque (soft mass attached to the tooth surface and contain colonies of bacteria) and calculus (hardened plaque), which is associated with oral hygiene is not good. This gingivitis disease if left will become destructive forms of periodontal tissue (tissue surrounding the teeth).

The health care of children under five years old are still dependent on parents. Parents, especially mothers, have a very dominant role in the effort pecegahan disease gingivitis or other oral diseases. The role of mothers in an effort to improve child dental health can be seen from the attitude and concern for her child dental care.

Efforts to prevent tooth decay must not be done by reducing the provision of milk to children. Considering the cause of dental caries and gingivitis is plaque, an effort that can be done is to clean the plaque from the tooth surface.

Such measures may be brushing my teeth, gargle, mouthwash, and cleaning the teeth with cotton or cloth soaked in infants. When children are a bit older, parents should help children to start a routine of brushing your teeth. How to teach and give examples of how to hold a toothbrush and brush your teeth properly. Oral hygiene can only be achieved by brushing your teeth properly, regularly, and regularly every day, especially before bed, so that the surface of the teeth free of plaque.

Caring for Children Dental Health Tips

Care and maintenance of dental health should begin early, and childhood is the perfect time for it. Parents play an important role here because the parents are directly interacting with children every day and take full responsibility for the health of children, particularly dental health. Here are tips and things that deserve the attention of parents:

Provide adequate calcium intake for your child's teeth strong. The recommended amount of calcium intake for children aged 4-8 years is as much as 800mg. Milk is a good source of calcium for children.

Avoid giving drinks of sugar in a bottle (milk bottle) to your baby or child. Why? as this can cause damage (caries / hole) tooth, especially dental caries at the front of your child. Type of tooth decay is very rapid development.

Brush your child's teeth, if they have not been able to brush their own teeth. Then teaching them brushing their teeth, until they can do it yourself. Keep an eye, tooth brushing their way, whether is right or not.

Tips And Tricks Keeping Child Dental Health

Never underestimate the use of toothpaste on the child. The reason, researchers in the UK revealed the use of regular toothpaste does not prevent damage to teeth and gums toddler. The researchers instead suggested that a small provided the basic ingredients of toothpaste with floride.

Research was initiated by the Cochrane Oral Health Group and the University of Manchester was also revealed in the use of fluoride toothpaste can reduce damage to teeth and gums by 24%.

In addition, the use of fluoride in toothpaste in children before the age of 12 years hence allows flurosis teeth. This conclusion is based on the findings of 79 trials involving 73 000 children worldwide.

Dr. Anne-Marie Glenny, one of the researchers explain very important for parents to know balance related to the fact each company has different fluoride content in each product.

"From a public health standpoint, the risk of tooth decay and will surely give effects like pain and tooth extraction substantial than fluorosis," he said as quoted from Dailymail.co.uk, last week.

Anne-Marie also explained that children tend to use excessive toothpaste in the long term result in dots of color instead of white shiny teeth.

"In this case, how to brush teeth correctly and properly accompanied by a parent with a little toothpaste berflouride use far more useful," he concluded.

Queensland gum is usually consumed by people if you're feeling nervous or during sports. But chewing gum on a regular basis can also be useful to prevent tooth decay.

"Chewing gum is good for preventing tooth decay is that does not contain sugar. Chewing sugar free gum will have a positive impact on dental health," said Professor Laurence Walsh, chairman of the Dental School at the University of Queensland.

Professor Walsh said the other benefits that can be obtained by chewing gum is to increase the production of saliva, it is useful to help protect the teeth, keeping your teeth to keep them clean and can strengthen tooth enamel.

"Chewing gum could also train the facial muscles and teeth and also create cells saliva glands to work better and more efficient. As well as affecting the types of bacteria that grows in the mouth of someone," said Professor Walsh.

People who have a high risk of experiencing tooth decay are people who do not correct diet, often consume soft drinks or sports drinks, unhealthy lifestyle and taking certain medications can affect saliva production.

Chewing gum that could provide positive benefits for the teeth is the sugar-free candies and milk protein that can release minerals to help improve your teeth and prevent decay.

"Decay is the beginning of the emergence of a large cavity which can cause damage over time. This is important because keusakan teeth is very difficult to cure and can cause other infections," said Professor Walsh.

Nothing wrong to chew sugar free gum as part of healthy living habits. But do not abandon healthy habits such as brushing teeth at least two times a day and teeth checked every six months

What is a Gummi Crib Rail

What is a Gummi Crib Rail

Baby furniture is expensive and teeth marks don't add to their visual appeal ;-) Apart of this, the chewed wood or other material might be also unhealthy for your child or hurting its gums. For protecting your child and its crib rails you might consider applying a form of crib rail protection or cover, a gummi crib rail. I have added some videos on the right that show how a gummi crib rail works.

Why do babies chew?

Babies chew on everything that they can lay hands teeth on to alleviate the problems that come with teething. Everything hard and in reach will do and the crib rail is therefor a favorite chewing object.
By biting and chewing its crib rail your baby tries to counteract the feeling of discomfort and pain when the first teeth start to push through is tender and sensible gums. Chewing on crib rails and other objects provokes a counter pressure on those gums that the baby experiences as helpful.

Why to use a Gummi Crib Rail

When do babies start to teeth?

Babies can start to teeth as early as with four months and as late as one year and the teething goes on until they are approximately two years old. Around the age of five your child will loose its first teeth as they are replaced by the second and hopefully final edition.

How does a gummi crib rail work?

Basically by turning the crib rail into a big soft teether that helps relieving those teething pains, giving your child an nearly always at hand tooth teething relief. The chewy gummi crib rail covers it and protects so the crib from teeth marks and your baby from being affected negatively by the chewed material. Make sure the crib rail cover you select is safe, non-toxic, non-viny and medical grade and that it is wide enough to cover the whole rail and all other areas you want to protect.

How to apply the gummi crib rail

I have added a video on the right to show how one particular brand is applied but most crib rail guards will follow the same system. Just read the instruction on the package carefully and stick to them.

12 Questions When Selecting A Dental Insurance Plan Online

Oftentimes many people will get ripped off online simply because they simply don’t plan well enough, do enough research or ask questions. If you are considering on signing up with an online dental company, consider the following tips to help you select the best coverage for you with the most qualified company.

1. Determine what your needs are: individual and family coverage, business and/or group coverage? You will want to know this before you visit any website, because you may have a set budget and will not want to go over it.

2. Do you have the freedom to choose from many discount dental plans? Some sites are only advertising one company and you may want to compare rates with other companies.

3. Are customer care representatives available through an online contact form or by phone 24 hours a day? In the event that you have questions, you will want to be able to get a hold of someone quickly without being ignored or playing phone tag.

4. Does the website have clear policies and are they easily accessible? Companies will not post all the details on the front page of the website, so be sure to click around the site to find out where the policies are and read them.

5. What is the website’s refund and cancellation policy? If you aren’t impressed with the service or found another site less expensive, know how to get out of the membership before you sign up.

6. Does the site have a privacy policy and will your personal information be made available to company partners? Too often we become members of sites that will share our information with other companies and later find our inboxes flooded with email.

7. What is the difference between a discount dental plan and dental insurance? Unlike dental insurance, discount dental plans have no annual limits, no health restrictions and no tedious paperwork hassles. Once you join a discount dental plan, you can start saving right away and some plans even offer savings on cosmetic dentistry, orthodontia and other dental specialties.

8. How soon will service be activated and when will you be able to begin service? Most service should be effective within one to three business days, if you find that it is taking longer contact the company.

9. How old must a member be to purchase an individual plan? There maybe some restrictions or benefits depending on the age.

10. Is there a membership fee? You don’t want any surprises so ask and find out if it will be taking out monthly.

11. Will you be covered if you should visit a dentist out of the network? Most companies will not cover you. If you know of a dentist that you would want to take care of your teeth, be sure he is in the network before you become a member.

12. What are the benefits and savings offered for cosmetic dentistry? Some plans will not cover this kind of work so find out before you schedule any appointments.

Career Talk, The Dental Practice And What's With All The Smiley Faces?

If you’re considering a career in the dental field this article is for you. (:-)

To begin we'll give a quick overview of dental tasks, then mention some of the specialties you can pursue and finally we'll look at the actions a person in the dental field takes within a typical day of working in other peoples mouths. (:-)

A dentist is a specialist who can diagnose, prevent and treat all disorders related to your teeth and gums. Dental care involves the restoration and preservation of your natural teeth, filling cavities, removing rotten teeth if necessary and providing artificial teeth replacement. Some dentists are general practitioners who work with preventative dentistry and use diagnostic procedures, X-rays and instruments to evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums. Dentists perform checkups, take impressions for dentures, fill cavities and fit bridges. They use a variety of dental appliances, hand instruments, and surgical implements to perform their work accurately. Giving anesthetics called numbing or freezing is also done by a dentist or a dental hygienist for those visits that will be quite painful. (:-)

The American Dental Association recognizes the following Dental specialties:
1) Oral surgeons
2) Periodontics (related with treating the gums)
3) Prosthodontics (making teeth or dentures)
4) Oral pathologist (treating diseases of the mouth)
5) Endodontics (root canal therapy)
6) Orthodontists (related with structure of teeth)
7) Dental hygienists (work with hygiene of oral cavity)
8) Maxillofacial surgeon

Phew! There's allot of areas to study there, better have a (:-).

What Does a Dentist Do?
• Diagnose and treat malformations, injuries and diseases of the teeth and oral cavity.
• Dentists improve patient's appearance by using various cosmetic dental processes and sometimes the help of surgical interventions.
• Dentists perform surgical procedures like tissue grafts, implants and extractions.
• Educate patients, mostly children on how to take care of their teeth and prevent cavities and oral diseases by showing how to floss and brush correctly and eat healthy foods. (:-)
• Dentists related with teaching field, teach dental hygienists and future dentists.
• Dentists perform research directed to developing new treatment methods and improving oral health.
• Dental hygienists work with patients alongside the dentist to perform allot of the routine and simpler tasks.

If you go to any dental practice, quite often the first person you'll encounter is a dental hygienist. Make sure you give them a (:-).

Dental hygienists are specialists who take care of your teeth, gums and oral cavity. A dental hygienist will clean and polish your teeth using tiny dental tools such as the mirror, tooth scrapper for plaque removal and special toothbrush. They also perform flossing to remove very tiny food particles from your teeth. They'll check your dental cavities by taking x-rays of your teeth. After checking your teeth for cavities, they'll recommend the needed treatment to you and your dentist and may refer to a specialist if necessary.

I hope you've enjoyed my smiling dental care article! Maybe you won't pursue the dental field, that's okay with me. I'll just be glad to know you smiled a pile (pun intended) and didn't waste your time while reading. Have a Great (:-) day!!

Mouth and Teeth

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of your mouth is probably eating — or kissing! But your mouth's a lot more than an input slot for food or a tool for smooching your sweetie.

Where Would We Be Without Them?

Your mouth and teeth form your smile, which is often the first thing people notice when they look at you. The mouth is also essential for speech: The tongue (which also allows us to taste) enables us to form words with the help of our lips and teeth. The tongue hits the teeth to make certain sounds — the th sound, for example, is produced when the tongue brushes against the upper row of teeth. If a person has a lisp, that means the tongue touches the teeth instead of directly behind them when saying words with the s sound.

Without our teeth, we'd have to live on a liquid diet or a diet of soft, mashed food. The hardest substances in the body, the teeth are necessary for mastication — a fancy way of saying chewing — the process by which we tear, cut, and grind food in preparation for swallowing. Chewing allows enzymes and lubricants released in the mouth to further digest, or break down, food. This makes the mouth one of the first steps in the digestive process. Read on to find out how each aspect of the mouth and teeth plays a role in our daily lives.

Basic Anatomy of the Mouth and Teeth

The mouth is lined with mucous membranes (pronounced: myoo-kus mem-branes). Just as skin lines and protects the outside of the body, mucous membranes line and protect the inside. Mucous membranes make mucus, which keeps them moist.

The membrane-covered roof of the mouth is called the palate. The front part consists of a bony portion called the hard palate, with a fleshy rear part called the soft palate. The hard palate divides the mouth from the nose above. The soft palate forms a curtain between the mouth and the throat (or pharynx — pronounced: fa-rinks) to the rear. The soft palate contains the uvula (pronounced: yoo-vyoo-luh), the dangling fleshy object at the back of the mouth. The tonsils are located on either side of the uvula and look like twin pillars holding up the opening to the pharynx.

A bundle of muscles extends from the floor of the mouth to form the tongue. The upper surface of the tongue is covered with tiny projections called papillae. Our taste buds are located here. The four main types of taste buds — sweet, salty, sour, and bitter — are found on the tongue.

Three pairs of salivary glands in the walls and floor of the mouth secrete saliva, which contains a digestive enzyme called amylase that starts the breakdown of carbohydrates even before food enters the stomach.

The lips are covered with skin on the outside and with slippery mucous membranes on the inside of the mouth. The major lip muscle, called the orbicularis oris (pronounced: or-bik-yoo-lar-iss or-iss), allows for the lips' mobility. The reddish tint of the lips comes from underlying blood vessels, which is why the lips can bleed so easily with injury. The inside part of the lips connects to the gums.

What Is Gum Disease?

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is also known as periodontal (pronounced: per-ee-oh-don-tul) disease.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or fall out.

Gum disease is usually caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums.

Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, so keeping plaque at bay is a constant battle. That's why brushing and flossing every day — and regular trips to the dentist — are so important.

Who Is at Risk?

Certain things can make teens more likely to develop gum disease. Some may inherit this tendency from their parents. The snacks you eat also can put you at risk of developing gum disease — especially if you grab fries and a soda in the mall after school and aren't able to brush immediately after eating them. You probably know that sugar is bad for your teeth, but you may not know that starchy foods like fries also feed the acids that eat into your tooth enamel.

If you have braces, fending off plaque can be tougher. Plus, some medical conditions (including diabetes and Down syndrome) and certain medicines increase the risk of gum disease.

Running yourself down with a lousy diet, too little sleep, and too much stress leaves you more vulnerable to infection anywhere in the body, including your gums.

Girls have a higher risk of gum disease than guys. Increases in female sex hormones during puberty can make girls' gums more sensitive to irritation. Some girls may notice that their gums bleed a bit in the days before their periods.

For severe — and early — gum problems, though, the real bad guy is tobacco. Not only does smoking lead to bad breath and stained, yellowed teeth but recent research also shows that smoking is a leading cause of gum disease.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), people who smoke cigarettes and chew tobacco are more likely to have plaque and tartar buildup and to show signs of advanced gum disease. They are also more likely to develop mouth cancer in the future.

How It Progresses

Gum disease progresses in stages. Believe it or not, more than half of teens have some form of gum disease.

Do your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth? Chances are you already have the mildest form of gum disease — bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis (pronounced: jin-juh-vy-tus). Other warning signs of gingivitis include gum tenderness, redness, or puffiness.

If plaque from teeth and gums isn't removed by good daily dental care, over time it will harden into a crust called calculus or tartar. Once tartar forms, it starts to destroy gum tissue, causing gums to bleed and pull away from the teeth. This is known as periodontitis (pronounced: per-ee-oh-don-ty-tus), a more advanced form of gum disease.

With periodontitis, gums become weakened and form pockets around the base of teeth. Bacteria pool in these pockets, causing further destruction of the gums. As periodontitis spreads, it damages deeper gum tissue and can eventually spread to areas of the jawbone that support the teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose and fall out. Though periodontitis is rare in teens, it can happen. If it's not treated, it can cause real trouble for your teeth.

What should you do to avoid these problems? See your dentist if you notice any of these signs of gum disease:

• bleeding of the gums that occurs regularly when brushing or flossing
• discoloration of gums (healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red, swollen, or tender)
• any sign of gums pulling away from teeth
• bad breath that won't go away
• loose teeth

Tracking It Down and Treating It

Gum disease can be sneaky, sometimes causing little or no pain or irritation before permanent damage is done to your teeth. That's why regular dentist visits are a must. With X-rays and a thorough examination, a dentist or dental hygienist can spot trouble before you know it's there.

The earlier that gum disease is caught, the better. Adopting better brushing and flossing habits can usually reverse gingivitis. Sometimes your dentist will also prescribe antibiotics or a special antibacterial mouth rinse to tackle the problem.

Once someone develops periodontitis, it isn't as easy to control. Usually there is widespread infection of the gums that needs to be treated. This may require several special treatments either by a dentist or a periodontist, an expert who specializes in the care of gum disease.

Some of the ways dentists and periodontists may treat periodontitis are:

• Scaling or root planing. These deep-cleaning measures involve scraping and removing plaque and tartar from teeth above and below the gum line.
• Antibiotics. These and other medications are often used together with scaling and root planing to stop the spread of infection and inflammation in the mouth. They come in several different forms that range from medicated mouthwashes to antibiotic-containing gels or fibers that are placed in gum pockets to slowly kill bacteria and help gums to heal.
• Surgery. Advanced cases of periodontitis may require a dentist to open and clean badly diseased gum pockets, then stitch the gums back into place to fit more snugly around the teeth.
• Gingival grafting. If gum tissue is too diseased to sew back together, a dentist removes healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and stitches it into place. The graft replaces the diseased tissue and helps to anchor the teeth, giving them an improved appearance.

While undergoing treatment for periodontitis, it's especially important to take special care of your teeth and gums to see lasting improvement. This includes flossing and brushing every day and quitting habits that mean bad news for the mouth, such as smoking or eating sugary snacks between meals.

Prevention Tips

Fortunately, there's good news: Gum disease is usually preventable. Just take care of your teeth, starting now. Don't wait!

• Brush twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time (about the length of your favorite song) and floss daily. If you're not sure whether you're brushing or flossing properly, your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the best techniques.
• Always brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride; some dentists also recommend daily mouth rinses containing fluoride.
• Use a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue. Be sure to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months — a worn-out toothbrush can injure your gums. (Some toothbrush brands contain color indicators on the bristles to remind you to replace them when they become worn.)
• Eat a healthy diet. Avoid snacks and junk foods packed with sugar that plaque-causing bacteria love to feed on.
• Don't smoke! Cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause mouth irritation and are very unhealthy for gums and teeth.
• Regular dental care is extremely important in helping to keep your mouth healthy. Visit your dentist for routine care — especially cleaning — at least twice a year. Your dentist can remove hardened plaque and any tartar that you're not getting to with brushing or flossing.

Reviewed by: Lisa A. Goss, RDH, BS and Charlie J. Inga, DDS
Date reviewed: October 2008

Brush Up On Your Dog's Dental Health

Many pet owners may be surprised to learn a dog's dental health is as important to overall well-being as a daily game of fetch.

Dental problems in pets go way beyond bad breath. Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in dogs today. At least 80 percent of dogs suffer from it by age 2. Left untreated, dental problems can be very painful and affect the quality of a pet's life.

Small-breed dogs under 20 pounds are at an even greater risk than larger breeds. First, small dogs have small mouths that crowd the teeth, and second, those teeth are excessively large for those small jaws.

Fortunately, small breeds don't need to suffer, says Dr. Daniel Carmichael, veterinary dental specialist with the Veterinary Medical Center in West Islip, N.Y. He recommends:

1. See your veterinarian for regular dental checkups. Work with your vet to schedule regular professional dental checkups and ask how you can maintain your pet's dental health. Monitor for bad breath, which can be a sign of a more serious dental problem.

2. Brush those canines. Daily tooth brushing is the best way to remove and prevent plaque build- up. You can try the new state-of-the-art Hartz® Dental™ Electric Tooth-brush to make brushing your dog's teeth easier. It features a vibrating brush head and, when used as directed, is clinically proven to reduce tartar by 85 percent and plaque by 28 percent after three weeks. Use toothpaste made for dogs (beef-flavored paste is appealing to pets) as it's designed to be swallowed and does not foam up in the mouth.

3. Choose smart snacks for your dog. Chewing rawhide has been proven in clinical studies to help reduce plaque and tartar. Tasty beef and chicken flavors encourage your pooch to chew longer, increasing the dental benefits. Another option is Hartz® Dental™ Nutri-Fresh Chew™ with OdorZap™ crystals to freshen breath, in addition to reducing tartar up to 61 percent.

4. Provide toys with dental benefits. Some newer chew toys have raised tips that help remove plaque and tartar. The Hartz® Dental™ Chew™ 'n Clean® Deli Cuts are one example and come in three yummy flavors. These toys provide chewing exercise to strengthen gums and help relieve anxiety and boredom.

A Guide To Dental Health

People begin to learn about dental health from a very young age, when teeth first begin to show up. But in spite of such early awareness, many people fail to maintain good dental health through their adult life. Good dental health comprises brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and regular visits to a dentist or dental hygienist as well. Besides, people supplement their dental care with the use of products like mouthwash or advanced mouth care systems. You should keep it in mind that the lack of adequate dental care practices will result in cavities and gum disease.

It is generally advised that you use a toothbrush with softer bristles so as to protect your gums. Some people, however, prefer power brush systems that help break up plaque and bacteria in your mouth. But it takes more than brushing to keep your teeth in good health. Some other steps need to be taken to ensure that people do not lose their teeth as they become old.

To begin with, you should understand your own oral health needs, as your oral health depends on your diet, the type and amount of saliva in your mouth, your overall health and your oral hygiene routine. Try to follow a daily routine in consultation with your dentist.

As fluoride strengthens developing teeth in kids and prevents decay in adults, toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride should be used. You should brush at least twice a day, if possible three times or after every meal. You should also floss at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing will remove plaque, a complex mass of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.

Limit the consumption of snacks and follow a balanced diet plan. Tobacco in any form will enhance the risk of oral cancer and cause stains on your teeth. Visit your dentist regularly and get your mouth examined.

5 Things To Look For When Buying Dental Insurance

When it comes to taking care of your teeth, purchasing the proper dental insurance is essential. Dental insurance really comes in handy for those who cannot deal with the increasing costs of seeing a dentist. The decision to select dental insurance that is right for individuals or families (depending on the situation) becomes an important task to conclude.

Whether you are buying dental insurance through your place of business or looking for independent options, it is vital to analyze a variety of plans to ensure you are getting the best deal. Many different factors listed below may come into play when making a final selection.

Affordability

When selecting dental insurance, it is important to compare yearly maximum coverage on a regular basis. The amount in benefits that a plan will pay in one full year is one of the most important aspects to choosing the best dental insurance plan. Yearly maximums also renew on an automatic basis every year. It is also important to know that anything not used within a year will not roll over into the next. Many dental insurance companies only allow an average yearly max of $1000.

Dentists

In the case of independent dental insurance, most plans will only cover your dental services if they are administered from a dentist that is contracted or participating in their network. It is important to find out if you are required to receive your dental work from a participating dentist. Some plans may allow individuals to stay with their current dentists, but checking the policy for these allowances is essential.

Major Coverage

Dental insurance companies separate their dental procedures into three different categories. When comparing plans, you should ask about their policies regarding preventative, major, and restorative work. Varying dental companies will view different dental procedures in many different ways. For example, one dentist may consider root canals and crowns a major procedure while another will not. This is important to know before choosing a dental insurance plan.

Waiting Periods

The length of time that an insurance company will make you wait before you can enjoy coverage is called the waiting period. For example, some plans hold policies that make you wait 12 months or longer before you are covered for a crown.

Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are interested in seeing your dentist for any cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening or bleaching, you should know dental insurance companies rarely cover cosmetic dentistry. For the few that do, prepare for high rates.

Baby Teeth Growth Process

Milk teeth usually begin to appear between the ages of five to seven months. However, this tooth might have started looking at children aged three months, or a new will appear after the age of more than one year. The first milk teeth out is lower incisors, and incisors above, followed by the first molars, canines, and finally the second molars. If it is complete
out, the child will have a series of four teeth, 4 bottom incisors, two canine teeth on the fruit, two lower canine teeth, four teeth and four molars on the lower molar teeth. Pieces totaling 20-tooth cog.

This process lasts from infancy until the child is three years. At the time of the teeth will come out, generally the child will be irritable, restless, loss of appetite, often biting objects. If this happens, you should not panic.

Actually, this problem can be solved by giving him a bottle of milk or rubber toys, round and dull the surface, so safe for children. When children are fever, can be given febrifuge. To cope with pain when the teeth start to come out, clean your baby's gums. This should have been started since the newborn.

According to experts, the main cause of tooth decay is an acid created by bacteria that exist in the oral cavity. Germs will produce acid when there are leftovers, which rnengandung sugar and flour, which is sticky on the teeth in a long time. Acids can cause damage to the hard layer of teeth (enamel), so there is a hole in the tooth. When this layer is damaged, the inside of teeth is not as hard as email, will be destroyed faster and painless.

In children under five, the biggest cause of tooth decay is to drink milk or other sweet liquids through a bottle. Given this, should be completed each time a child
drink milk or other sweet liquids (such as lemon juice or fruit juice), give him one or two tablespoons of water to 'wash' mouth. Nor should familiarize
children fall asleep with a bottle nipple still in rnulut, because such a sweet liquid will inundate the incisors.

If this habit lasts long enough, will be damaged incisors. Even not only the incisors are broken, but the whole surface of the tooth. Ideally, your child's teeth checked every six months, so that if an interruption occurs can be detected and handled.

Create a Healthy Dental Craft and Snack

This healthy dental craft and snack let's your kids create their own healthy mouth, that is edible too!

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 30 minutes to one hour

Here's How:

1. Select a large, Red Delicious apple of your choice. Using a red apple will help to create pretty lips for your mouth, but if a red apple is not available, any color will do. Depending on the number of people creating their healthy snack, one apple generally will yield enough segments for four people. Give each person one disposable plate or napkin.
2. With the assistance of an adult, use the apple corer, and remove the apple's core. Using a sharp knife, slice the apple in half. Then continue to slice the apple into segments that are approximately a 1/2 inch wide.
3. Once you have the apple divided into segments, give each person that is creating their own mouth two segments of apple.
4. Check with all participants to see if anyone has a peanut allergy or treenut allergy, then select the appropriate spread for the apple -- which can be either peanut butter, or a peanut butter alternative. If an alternative is not available, apricot jam or marmalade will work just fine as well. Using the small serving cups, give each person 1 Tbsp. of spread.
5. Using the butter knife or Popsicle stick, evenly spread the peanut butter, or the alternative, on one side of each apple segment. Place each segment next to each other, with he spread side up.
6. Each person should then be given five to six mini white marshmallows each. Using one apple segment, place the marshmallows along the edge of the apple, where the skin and flesh meet. The marshmallows should appear to curve with the shape of the segment.
7. Once all of the marshmallows have been placed on the spread, take your other apple segment, and carefully place it on top of the marshmallows. Make sure you try to align the apple as evenly as possible. Then, press down on the fleshy part of the apple that is opposite of the skin.
8. Voila! You have now created a healthy dental craft and snack of your own.

Tips:

1. As you are creating your healthy dental craft and snack, discuss with the children how making healthy food choices, that are low in sugar, helps to prevent cavities and gum disease.
2. Ask the children questions regarding dental hygiene as you create the craft. "How often should you brush and floss your teeth?" and "Is soda good or bad for your teeth?"
3. Talk about how cavities are formed. As they create their craft and snack, explain to them how the tooth decay process works.
4. While they place each marshmallow "tooth" on the apple segment, ask the children if they would like to have white teeth, like their new apple mouth. Discuss how regular brushing and flossing will help them achieve a white and bright smile, similar to their newly created mouth.

What You Need:

• One large Red Delicious Apple per every four people
• One disposable plate or napkin per person
• One bag of mini white marshmallows
• One jar of smooth peanut butter
• People with nut allergies may use a nut-free alternative to peanut butter
• One small serving cup per person
• One apple corer
• One sharp knife
• one butter knife or Popsicle stick per person
• Adult supervision

By Shawn Watson, About.com Guide

Your teeth are an important part of your smile

Q: What part of your body helps you to digest your favorite foods, say "cheese," and look great in pictures?
A: Your teeth!

It's true. Your teeth are an important part of your smile, and they also help you chew foods like crunchy apples or yummy pizza. Brushing and flossing are important, but you also need to visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Read this article to learn more about what happens at the dentist's office.

What Does the Dentist Do?

The dentist is a doctor who is specially trained to care for teeth. When you visit for a checkup, your dentist will look at your teeth and gums to check for any problems. The dentist also wants to make sure your teeth are developing properly as you grow. It's important to visit your dentist every 6 months to make sure you're taking good care of your teeth and that your teeth and gums are healthy.

What Happens at the Dentist's Office?

After your name is called in the waiting room, you'll go into an exam room and sit down in a big, comfortable chair that is like a huge recliner. The chair will have a place to rest your head and lots of room for you to stretch out your legs. Next to the chair may be a little sink with a cup that you can use to rinse out your mouth as your teeth are being cleaned.

During the exam, your teeth will be cleaned, flossed, and checked for cavities.

Cleaning and Flossing

One of the first people you'll meet at the dentist's office is the dental hygienist (say: hi-jeh-nist). A dental hygienist is a person who knows all about keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy.

The dental hygienist will look inside your mouth to make sure your teeth are growing properly and your gums are healthy. A bright, overhead light will shine down into your mouth like a giant flashlight so the dental hygienist can get a good look inside your mouth.

The dental hygienist will clean and polish your teeth, using tiny dental tools like a tooth scraper, mirror, and special toothbrush. The tooth scraper removes plaque (say: plak) from your teeth. Plaque is a thin, sticky layer that coats your teeth and contains bacteria (say: bak-teer-ee-uh) that grow on your teeth over time. Plaque that isn't removed from your teeth can cause decay, or a cavity (say: kah-vuh-tee).

Next comes brushing and flossing. The dental hygienist will brush your teeth with a special toothbrush and toothpaste. The toothbrush has a small, round tip that moves around and around to clean your teeth. The toothpaste might taste like your own toothpaste at home, but it will feel a little grittier — almost like sand.

Then the dental hygienist will floss your teeth and show you the proper way to brush and floss your teeth at home. Flossing involves using a piece of waxy string called dental floss to get in between your teeth and remove food particles that your brush

Checking for Cavities

During your visit, the dental hygienist will take X-rays, or pictures, of your teeth. X-rays are like superhuman vision. They can show cavities hiding between your teeth and problems beneath your gums. A cavity is a decayed, or rotted, part of a tooth.

It does not hurt to get an X-ray and it takes only a few seconds. The dental hygienist will place a thick blanket over your chest (to protect your body from the high-energy waves) and put a piece of plastic (that holds the X-ray film) into your mouth. As you gently bite down on the plastic, you'll have to be very still for a few seconds while the dental hygienist snaps the picture.

Fluoride Treatments

Next it's time for your fluoride (say: floor-ide) treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that makes your teeth strong and helps prevent cavities. At the dentist's office, a fluoride gel or foam will be applied to your teeth. Most dental offices offer fluoride treatments with flavoring, like bubble gum or grape.

The fluoride treatment will take about 1 to 4 minutes. The dental hygienist will probably tell you not to eat or drink anything (including water) for 30 minutes after the fluoride treatment.

Meeting the Dentist

The dentist will look at all of your teeth and check your gums to make sure they're strong and healthy. The dentist will also check the way your top and bottom teeth work together. This is called your bite. If he or she thinks you have a problem with your bite, you may be referred to an orthodontist (say: or-tho-don-tist). This is a doctor who specializes in correcting the shape or positions of all your teeth through orthodontia, or braces.

The dentist will study your X-rays (looking for cavities or other problems) and ask if you have any questions about your teeth. Your dentist may also prescribe fluoride drops or tablets for you to take every day at home.

Presents From the Dentist!

When your checkup is over, the dentist usually will have a present for you! The gift is often a free toothbrush or dental floss to use at home or some sugar-free gum.

What Happens If I Have a Cavity?

If you have a cavity, you'll probably have to come back to the dentist's office for another visit. At that time, the dentist will remove the decayed part from your tooth with special dental tools. Then the decayed area will be filled with materials that will keep your tooth strong and healthy, like tooth-colored or silver fillings.

As soon as you sit down in the dental chair, the dentist will give you a tiny shot of an anesthetic (say: ah-nus-theh-tik), a medicine that numbs the area around the tooth. Your mouth may be numb for a little while after you leave the dentist's office, but the anesthestic will soon wear off and you'll be left with a beautiful smile!

Dental Words

Some words used at the dentist's office might be new to you. Here are a few and what they mean:

• bacteria — tiny organisms that live on your teeth and are found in plaque
• cavity — the decayed, or rotten, part of a tooth
• dental hygienist — a person with special training about the proper way to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy
• dental X-rays — pictures of your teeth and gums that will show a dentist whether there are any cavities
• flossing — involves using a piece of waxy string called dental floss to get in between your teeth and remove food particles that your toothbrush can't reach
• fluoride treatment — a gel or foam applied to teeth that makes them strong and helps prevent cavities
• orthodontist — a doctor who specializes in correcting the shape or positions of your teeth
• plaque — a thin, sticky layer containing bacteria that grow on your teeth

Reviewed by: Lisa A. Goss, RDH, BS, and Garrett B. Lyons Sr., DDS
Date reviewed: April 2007

The first dental visit

Many children are unsure about their first dental visit, but they don’t have to be. Our KidsDental facilities are custom-designed to spark excitement about the dentist’s office. Follow the hints below to make your child’s first visit with us more enjoyable.

HINT: Your child should visit a pediatric dentist by his/her first birthday.

HINT: The less buildup to any dental visit, the better. Inform your child about the visit and let him/her know the dentist and his staff will explain the routine and answer any questions.

HINT: Refrain from using words that might create unnecessary anxiety, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. The office makes a practice of using more kid-friendly terms that convey the same message.

HINT: If your child is over the age of 3, we ask that you allow him/her to accompany our staff through the dental experience so that we may have his/her undivided attention. Studies and experience have shown that most children over the age of 3 react more positively when allowed to experience the visit on their own and in an environment designed especially for children.