We wanted to expand on the topic of fluoride that we discussed two weeks ago.

The photo to the left shows white spots caused by demineralization due too poor oral hygiene, primarily poor brushing.   What actually happens is that the acid produced by bacteria removes the minerals from the enamel, weakens the teeth thus allowing the process of tooth decay to begin.  Notice the cavity already forming in one of the front teeth.

The solution is to get ahead of this damaging process by properly brushing and adding topical fluoride such as that available in children mouthwash products.  Please read previous blogs on the use of toothpaste and mouthwashes or contact Enchanted Forest to get additional guidance.

“When do I get my braces off?” This is a great question and one that you should ask your orthodontist often, specially during the final or “bite phase” of the treatment.  At this point in time, the crowded, crooked teeth should be gone. It is during this final phase that the bite is corrected so that the results will be healthy and stable.

The following questions will help you understand how close you are to being done:
–  Are the teeth straight?
–  Are the spaces between the teeth closed completely?
–  Do the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth appropriately?
–  Are the upper teeth resting on the corresponding ones in the lower?
–  Is the overbite or underbite corrected?

Patience is critical as you don’t want to pressure the orthodontist to take them off until the treatment plan has been totally completed.  You will be throwing money away as the teeth will tend to return to their original position over time if the treatment is not fully complete.

There are times when the the braces are removed because the teeth “appear” to look good but they are really not and unlikely to stay straight after the braces are removed.  If you feel that is your case, ask the orthodontist to review the improvements that have been achieved by showing you a panoramic X-Ray before and after treatment.  If you notice crooked roots or the mid line not straight in the most recent one: you are not done.  If you have questions or want additional guidance, consult your pediatric dentist or call Dr. Rojas.

This blog for informational purposes.  If you have any questions please contact Dr. Rojas.

One of the questions that parents ask during their visits to Enchanted Forest has to do with the use of fluoride toothpaste.  Ingestion of toothpaste with fluoride in small children increases the risk of enamel fluorosis.  Don’t panic, enamel fluorosis in only a cosmetic problem which causes discoloration of permanent teeth once they come in (see photo).

Here is some general guidance to minimize fluoride ingestion:

•  Limit the amount of toothpaste placed on the brush and observe the child as they brush.

• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a “pea-sized” amount for children ages 2 to 5.

• • When deciding whether to use fluoridated toothpaste on children younger than 2 years of age, consider these factors.

–   The child’s risk of dental caries
–   The child’s risk of dental fluorosis
–   The benefit of the topical fluoride exposure via use of fluoridated toothpaste

• A 2007 Maternal and Child Health Bureau expert panel recommended that all children at high risk for dental caries should use fluoride toothpaste.

Please remember this is general, if you have additional or more in depth questions about topic please call Dr. Rojas or ask her during your child’s next appointment.

Many people require regular X-rays to keep track of their oral health. How often should X-rays be done on my child?

The answer depends on your child’s medical and dental history and the current condition of his/her mouth.  Some kids may need X-rays as often as every six months while others who visit the dentist regularly and have excellent oral health may need them less often.
The American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggest that children and teens who have a history of many cavities may need X-rays every six months or every year, depending on age.  So may those who have a high risk of decay for other reasons.  X-rays also help to keep track of tooth development.

Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry utilizes the latest X-Ray equipment that minimizes radiation and thus any potential issues.   As a comparison, 4-bitewing X-Rays (usual number taken) has an equivalent amount of radiation to 0.6 days of natural background radiation (Radiation from our environment including outer space, the ground, building materials, air, and water) while a panoramic X-Ray image is equivalent to 3 days of natural background radiation.