Dr. Ronald Care is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Oral Health.
Q. What Causes Tooth Loss?
A. In children, tooth loss normally comes from the permanent tooth growing in below the baby or primary tooth. The new permanent tooth uses the root of the primary tooth as nutrition for its growth and development. As the root of the primary tooth dissolves, the primary tooth becomes loose and falls out. Sometimes, a permanent tooth will not have room to develop right below the root of the baby tooth and it will not dissolve. In this case it is a big help to have a dentist remove the baby tooth when a busy mom sees a permanent tooth erupting in front or behind the existing baby tooth.
Q. What Causes Periodontal Diseases?
A. Periodontal Disease is typically caused by improper brushing and flossing. A clean mouth is a healthy mouth. Busy Moms and children alike can find time for proper brushing and flossing. It becomes routine after a while, and it feels good to have a clean healthy mouth. With all the things out of the control of a busy mom, this is one thing a busy mom can do something about. The good oral habits developed in childhood will last a lifetime so it is definitely worth the effort.
Q. Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented?
A. With routine visits to the dentist for teeth cleanings and proper brushing and flossing at home, Periodontal Disease can be prevented. If there is any sign of disease, a dentist can prescribe a prescription strength medicated mouthwash to kill the extra bacteria to get you healthy again. It will still be necessary to brush and floss at home.
Q. How Does Plaque Attack the Gums?
A. Plaque attacks the gums by giving bacteria the food and housing to multiply. This is why it is important to keep mouths clean. Many children and busy moms alike will miss the gum line when they are brushing. It is important to wriggle the bristles of the tooth brush up under the gum while brushing the teeth. Cleaning part of the window may help you to see out of it, but it is not clean until the entire window is washed. It is the same with brushing teeth. The gums and tongue need to be cleaned also. Brushing alone is not enough. Teeth need to be flossed also for a mouth to be clean.
Q. How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks?
A. To stop a plaque attack I like to set a rule. Brush teeth within 10 minutes of having any sugar. I call this my ten minute rule. If a busy mom has a rule it gives her the support she needs to keep going. Rules work. Most kids like structure. It gives them security. They learn how to keep their mouth clean just like they learn how to tie their shoes. Traditionally, Children do not want gum disease or cavities in their mouths. Unfortunately, the accountability of tooth decay and gum disease is up to the individuals own nutrition and brushing and flossing habits. If a child eats a sugary cereal and goes to school without brushing, that child is likely to get decay. Hence the 10 minute rule. Decay and gum disease is preventable. It is time for the busy moms to prevent trouble and keep their mouths and the mouths of their children clean. If you are in a place like McDonalds and can’t brush, at least have the children swish the sugary cola out of their mouth when they are finished. Get that sugar off the teeth.
Q. How many times a day should I brush my teeth?
A. Brushing teeth 3 times a day is recommended. However, as I said earlier, you should brush when you eat sugar. A busy mom can adapt a policy of the family brushing before bedtime at night. Before leaving the house in the morning, and the third time could be when they return home from school or after eating a snack or meal.
Q. What kind of toothpaste should I use?
A. Toothpaste comes in all shapes sizes and flavors now. Fluoride toothpaste is helpful in preventing tooth decay but should not be used if a child is swallowing toothpaste. Most people use too much toothpaste because they see a commercial on TV with someone covering their brush with toothpaste. Just a slight dab is enough. The size of a lentil is enough for a one year old. This will save a busy mom lots of money on toothpaste and time cleaning up the sink afterwards.
Q. How to contact Dr. Care if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
9909 Kenworthy St.
El Paso, TX 79924-4404
Phone: 915-755-7639
Fax: 915-755-0060
Email: stephanie@caredds.com
Website: www.caredds.com
