Dental Education
WHEN BABY TEETH ERUPT
PERMANENT TEETH DIAGRAMS
X-RAYS
The use of X-rays in dentistry is considered a necessary component of a thorough dental examination. Many diseases of the mouth cannot be seen with the naked eye. If X-rays are not used, small cavities between the teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors and other diseases may be impossible to detect until obvious signs and symptoms have developed and the progression of oral disease is quite severe. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, cost and discomfort.
Radiation Damage:
Scientists have known for some time that exposure to large amounts of radiation can be harmful to your body. With the modern techniques and equipment used in the dental offices of today, the amount of radiation received in a routine dental examination is extremely small. Therefore, the risk of harmful effects from dental X-rays is negligible.
How we limit your radiation exposure:
There are many precautions we follow to help limit your radiation exposure:
- A lead shield, impenetrable by X-rays, covers your body and throat.
- High speed film is used, so that the picture can be exposed with the smallest amount of X-ray dosage possible.
- The X-ray tube is designed to filter out and restrict the size of the X-ray beam.
- Employees wear radiation monitoring badges to detect radiation exposure. Since the beginning of our practice we have never had a report indicating unacceptable radiation levels!
- State of the art digital X-rays.
Problems cannot be treated without first being diagnosed. One of the most valuable diagnostic tool ever developed in medicine is the X-ray machine. By using X-rays carefully and prudently, we are able to offer our patients the excellent care they deserve.
HABITS
When should I worry about a sucking habit?
Our dentists will carefully watch the way your child's teeth come in and jaws develop, keeping the sucking habit in mind at all times. For most children there is no reason to worry about a sucking habit until the permanent front teeth are ready to come in, but it should be discouraged by the age of four!.
What can I do to stop my child's habit? Most children stop sucking habits on their own, but some children need the help of their parents. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, our dentists can encourage your child to stop, as well as talk about what happens to the teeth if your child doesn't stop. This advice, coupled with the support from parents, helps most children quit. If needed, a retainer can be placed in the child’s mouth to discourage the habit.
Are pacifiers a safer habit for the teeth than thumbs or fingers? Thumb, finger and pacifier sucking all affect the teeth essentially the same way. However, a pacifier habit is often easier to break.
Are these habits bad for the teeth and jaws?
Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and three years of age. No harm is done to their teeth or jaws. However, some children repeatedly suck on a finger, pacifier or other object over long periods of time. In these children, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly.
IMPORTANCE OF PRIMARY TEETH
(Baby Teeth)
It is very important that primary teeth are kept in place until they are lost naturally. These teeth serve a number of critical functions.
Primary teeth:
- Maintain good nutrition by permitting your child to chew properly.
- Are involved in speech development.
- Help the permanent teeth by saving space for them.
A healthy smile can help children feel good about the way they look to others.