When is my child’s first well-baby checkup?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit a pediatric dentist as soon as the first tooth comes in, usually between six and 12 months. Early examination and preventive care will foster a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Are my child’s baby teeth as important as permanent adult teeth?

A child's primary teeth (baby teeth) are just as important as permanent adult teeth. They help children chew and speak, while at the same time, they're holding space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are developing under the gums. Besides checking for tooth decay and other potential issues during a well-baby checkup, we will demonstrate how to clean your child's teeth properly and evaluate any adverse habits, such as thumbsucking. 

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth with toothpaste?

The sooner, the better! Starting at birth, clean your child's gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a clean, wet cloth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as soon as teeth begin to appear, start brushing them twice daily with a soft, child-sized toothbrush with fluoridated toothpaste.

At first, use a smear of toothpaste to brush children's teeth under the age of two, and then for children up to five years old, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Keep in mind that young children cannot brush their teeth thoroughly, so it's best to monitor their progress and brush any teeth they've missed until they've completely mastered the deed. Also, it's crucial that children spit out fluoridated toothpaste and not swallow any excess after brushing.

Why do I need dental x-rays?

X-ray machines are an invaluable tool in a dentist's office and only produce a small amount of radiation while they're in use. They detect a wide array of problems in the mouth, such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth, dental injuries (broken tooth roots), and teeth that are abnormally placed or aren't breaking through the gums properly. They evaluate the presence and location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw of children who still have baby teeth. And finally, they're a vital tool used to create treatment plans for large cavities, root canal surgery, dental implant placement, orthodontic treatment (braces), and complicated tooth extractions.

What are dental sealants, who should get them, and how long do they last?

A sealant is a temporary, thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent tooth decay. Acting as a protective shield over the enamel, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends applying sealants on permanent molars and premolars when children are cavity-prone from ages six to 14. They can be tremendous assets in protecting teeth from decay for up to 10 years while kids are most susceptible.

Are amalgam “silver” fillings safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) has deemed the use of mercury amalgam for dental fillings as safe, while at the same time reclassifying the material that was once a Class I (low risk) to a Class II (moderate risk) medical device. 

Amalgam is the cheapest filling material available—one that the American Dental Association has long warned about restricting, due to how its disappearance would deprive dentists of a valued restorative material. The ensuing risk is that much-needed dental work would then be too expensive for low-income patients. On the other hand, many people have raised concerns about mercury's potential to leak from fillings into the body and cause neurological damage or diseases like multiple sclerosis.

At this time, the FDA suggests that amalgam's packaging includes a warning about the risk of mercury allergy and a reminder to dental professionals about the danger of working with mercury amalgam without proper ventilation, enabling the inhalation of mercury vapor. The intention is to help dentists and patients make informed decisions about their personal use of dental amalgam.

What’s the difference between “silver” amalgam fillings and “white” composite ones?

Silver amalgam is a thoroughly researched and tested restorative material used in dental offices. It's durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear, and relatively inexpensive compared to other materials. For these reasons, it remains a valued filling material.

White composite fillings are glass or quartz mixed with a resin medium producing a tooth-colored restorative material. Composite fillings provide excellent durability and resistance to fracture in small to midsize restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. During tooth prep for composite fillings, less tooth structure is removed, and smaller fillings are placed, compared to cavities filled with amalgam. Also, composites are bonded into a cavity, often allowing for a more secure and conservative tooth repair.

What are the most common dental problems?

BAD BREATH

According to dental studies, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that's to blame. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, and bacteria on the tongue are a few underlying conditions that can cause bad breath. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, visit The Center for Smile Enhancement to rule out any of these problems.

 
TOOTH DECAY

The most prevalent disease in the U.S. is the common cold. Tooth decay (cavities) comes in as second. If plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with sugars and starches in the food we eat, acid appears. When not removed by regular brushing and flossing, the buildup of acid attacks tooth enamel and the result is decay. The best ways to prevent tooth decay require some diligence. However, they're quite simple:

- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day

- Flossing once a day

- Eating healthy foods

- Avoiding others that are high in sugar

- Having regular checkups

 
GUM/PERIODONTAL DISEASE

It starts with gingivitis, an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth, and advances to full-blown periodontitis (gum disease)—one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Studies have shown that heart attacks and strokes are linked to periodontal disease. It's easy to prevent, though: schedule regular dental checkups, brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss daily.

 
ORAL CANCER

The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that someone in the U.S. dies every hour of every day from oral cancer. Fortunately, this severe disease, which attacks the mouth, lips, or throat, is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

 
MOUTH SORES

They're pesky, bothersome, and painful. Canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores, ulcers, and thrush can last more than two weeks. They are usually nothing to worry about and will disappear on their own. 

 
TOOTH EROSION

When acid attacks tooth enamel, erosion begins, and tooth structure loss follows. Signs and symptoms can range from sensitivity to a more severe problem, such as cracking. Tooth erosion is more common than people might think, but it's easily preventable.

 
TOOTH SENSITIVITY

Having tooth pain or discomfort when eating sweets or being exposed to cold air, hot or cold drinks, or ice cream is a common problem for millions of people. Some with sensitive teeth even experience discomfort when brushing and flossing their teeth. The great news—it can be treated.

 
UNATTRACTIVE SMILE

While an unattractive smile is not technically a dental problem, it's a big reason why many patients seek dental treatment for aesthetic improvements. Whether you want teeth whitening, dental implants, orthodontics, or other cosmetic dental work, The Center for Smile Enhancement can give you the smile of your dreams. 

Should I be screened for oral cancer?

- People 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking and a history of cancer, are at very high risk.

- People 40 and older who use tobacco are at high risk.

- More than 27% of people with oral cancer have no lifestyle risk factors at all.

Oral cancer sometimes lurks quietly without symptoms, so early detection is the best option to save lives and prevent the disfiguring aftermath of treatment. At The Center for Smile Enhancement, we do oral cancer screening during every one of our patients' routine checkups. It's a quick and painless examination. And with the help of the ViziLite Pro Oral Lesion Screening System, there's a dramatic improvement in identifying, evaluating, and monitoring suspicious areas, especially when they aren't visible with the naked eye.