Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics- Oral Health

It's very important to start good habits at a young age to prevent tooth decay and other dental conditions.

Happier Smiles!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 20 percent of children have untreated cavities and more than 4 in 10 children show decay in baby teeth.

Children in underserved communities suffer twice the tooth decay and pain compared to their peers, but are only half as likely to visit a dentist, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Research also shows dental problems impact a child’s ability to concentrate and learn, causing children to miss an estimated 52 million hours of school and about 12.5 million days of restricted activity every year.

COMMON PROBLEMS

CAVITITES

Cavities are caused by gradual tooth decay from the build-up of plaque and the breakdown of protective enamel, or coating. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tarter and can result in inflammation of the gums or gingivitis.

CAVITIES

TOOTH DECAY

Tooth decay is preventable. Significant amounts of starches and sugars can form acids that eat away the tooth coating. Foods with lots of carbohydrates, like candy, cookies and soft drinks, can leave residues on your teeth that bond with the normal bacteria found in your mouth to form plaque. Plaque and residues on your teeth combine to form acids that decay your teeth.

TOOTH DECAY

GUM DISEASE

Gum disease occurs because bacteria accumulate on the teeth – plaque. In the early stages of the disease, called gingivitis, gums can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses, teeth may fall out or need to be removed. Good oral hygiene like frequent brushing and flossing can help you avoid this disease.

GUM DISEASE

BAD BREATH

When food particles remain in the mouth and break down, they can cause bad breath. Although some foods, like garlic or onions, cause temporary bad breath, ongoing and long-term bad breath may indicate additional problems. But preventing bad breath is easier than you think. You can remove food particles, plaque and bacteria by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day.

BAD BREATH

PREVENTION

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

Brushing and flossing twice a day are a good start to prevent dental problems because they remove food particles, plaque and bacteria.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

DENTAL CHECK-UPS

Regular dental checkups – at least twice a year – help keep your teeth and gums in good condition and avoid unnecessary treatments. A good diet and fluoride treatments also are important and effective in preventing tooth decay

DENTAL CHECK-UPS

FLUORIDE

Drinking water treated with fluoride, which helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay, can reduce cavities. Your dentist can evaluate the level and effectiveness of the fluoride in your drinking water and, if necessary, recommend fluoride supplements that usually come in tablets or drops.

FLUORIDE

SEALANTS

Tooth sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves that form on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. This happens when bacteria in your mouth reacts with food to create acids that break down the tooth coating. Tooth sealants, which can last for several years, keep germs and food particles out of these grooves.

SEALANTS

During our life, we’ll have 2 sets of teeth: baby or primary teeth (20), and permanent or secondary teeth (32). Baby teeth first appear between 6 and 8 months and all 20 are generally in place by the age of 3. As soon as a child has their first tooth, is when they should have their first dental visit.

Most of our 32 permanent teeth begin growing around age 6 and are in place between 12 and 14. Molars and wisdom teeth begin growing later; molars at around 12 years and wisdom teeth starting at age 17. Not everyone gets wisdom teeth and quite often they cause problems anyway and need to be removed.