Monthly Archives: January 2016

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A Parent’s Guide to Some Common Tooth Conditions

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As parents we are on constant alert when it comes to our child’s overall development.  We may consciously or subconsciously compare our child to other children who are the same age.  This occurs even when considering our child’s dental development.  This article addresses several relatively common observations that parents have regarding their child’s overall dental development.

My child’s permanent teeth are coming in before the primary teeth have fallen out.  This situation is actually quite common, occurring in ~10% of children.  One day a parent will look into their child’s mouth and see another row of teeth coming in behind the primary teeth.  Normally, as the permanent teeth push up through the gums, the roots of the primary teeth are dissolved, causing them to fall out and make room for the erupting permanent tooth.  Typically, this issue will be resolved all on its own with the primary teeth loosening and falling out.  The permanent teeth will then slowly move forward into the space left by the primary teeth.  This may happen fairly soon after the permanent teeth coming in, or it may take some time.

My child has an extra tooth.  The extra primary tooth is called a supernumerary tooth.  Children typically have 20 primary teeth, which are followed by 32 permanent teeth.  Supernumerary primary teeth occur in ~3% of children.  The occurrence of extra teeth can sometimes be associated with certain syndromes, but they can also occur in healthy children.  The extra tooth may appear as a normal tooth, or it may be shaped differently.  If the extra tooth has erupted abnormally or may prevent future permanent teeth from erupting, it may be best to remove the extra tooth.  This condition is best evaluated by a pediatric dentist, as they can best advise if treatment is necessary.

My child is missing a tooth.  There is a broad range of occurrence of missing teeth in children, depending on the tooth location.  Permanent teeth are more commonly found to be missing than primary teeth.  Absence of primary teeth occurs in <1% of the population, while absence of certain permanent teeth occurs in up to 20% of the population.  When a primary tooth is missing, the permanent tooth behind it will also be missing.  This condition can be genetically linked or may be associated with any number of syndromes.  Treatment can vary depending on the individual situation.  Orthodontics can be used to close gaps left by missing teeth.  Also, bridges or implants can be used to fill the gaps when the patient reaches adulthood.

The bottom line is that when you as a parent notice something out of the ordinary with your child’s teeth, don’t panic.  Take the time to address your concerns with a pediatric dentist and go from there!

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Check out our New Patient Specials!

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Sat & Evening appointments

  1. 6 Years and Under: $60.00 (Exam, X-rays, Cleaning)
  2. 7 Years and Older: $149.00 (Exam, X-rays, Cleaning)
  3. Free second opinions
  4. We accept Medicaid

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Call now to reserve your child’s appointment! We have flexible hours including after school appointments and Saturday’s too!

Canton Pediatric Dentistry
Kidshappyteeth.com
3395 Sixes rd.
Canton, GA 30014
Office: 770-720-0079

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New Year’s Resolutions – Dental Edition

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Ahhh….it’s that time of year again.  The start of the New Year brings with it a clean slate.  It’s time to hit the reset button and start things fresh.  Many of us will make New Year’s resolutions regarding our health and wellness.  When you examine where you are from a health standpoint, don’t forget your oral health status.  There are lots of ways to reinvigorate your oral health wellness, here are a few ideas!

Beginning this month, make a resolution to understand your dental insurance benefits!  Understanding your dental insurance plan empowers you to use the benefits appropriately.   Realize that you are paying for these benefits through your monthly premium, so resolve to use your dollars wisely by taking some time to fully understand your plan.  Being proactive about understanding your plan can make life simpler if you or your child has a need for dental treatment later in the year.

If you or your children are not on a twice yearly schedule for dental hygiene visits, start today!  Call your dentist to make appointments, for you and your children.  If you would prefer to avoid scheduling your child’s appointment during school time, call now to schedule a summertime appointment.  For many offices, these appointment times fill up fast, so calling now can help to ensure that you get your choice of appointment times.

Change your toothbrush!  This might seem like a simple action, but it is an important one.  As a general rule, you should change your toothbrush or brush head every 3 months.  The bristles begin to wear down over time and become less effective at adequately cleaning your teeth.  An important thing to remember, especially this time of year, is that you should change your toothbrush after you have suffered from a cold, flu, a mouth infection or a cold sore.  This is because germs that cause these ailments can linger on your toothbrush and cause reinfection.  Be sure to change your child’s toothbrush if they have experienced any of these symptoms as well.

Last but not least, pep up the daily oral hygiene routine in your house!  Something as simple as changing your child’s toothpaste can add freshness to a mundane task.  Or maybe you could try a different type of toothbrush, or add mouth rinse to your child’s routine.  It is so important to solidify your child’s daily oral care maintenance.  Thoroughly brushing and flossing teeth daily can lead to great oral health all year long!