Dental Health for Life

Health habits are established by age three. Read these tips to ensure your child's lifelong dental health...

1. Never put a child to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. Water is OK if a child needs a bottle to fall asleep, but it is better to avoid the habit of taking a bottle to bed.
2. Thumb and finger sucking does no permanent damage until the permanent teeth come in, usually from ages 5-7. The need to suck is very strong in some children, however, most children will begin to stop on their own as they develop social relationships. Positive reinforcement when children don't suck their thumb or fingers is more effective than negative punishment when they do. If thumb or finger sucking is a problem, please talk to us. We can suggest techniques that have been effective with other children.
3. Children cannot brush and floss effectively until their eye-hand coordination is sufficiently developed, usually when they can print neatly on a line or write in cursive. Children need to begin brushing and flossing as soon as they can hold a toothbrush to develop the habit, but parents need to check and help with brushing and flossing until children have the necessary coordination. Don't let children swallow fluoride toothpaste.
4. Teeth that touch need to be flossed. Along with brushing, floss children's teeth from a very early age so they come to regard it as routine as brushing or washing the hair, hands and face.
5. Sugarless gum can cause cavities, just as much as sugar. The bacteria that cause decay combines with the alcohols in sugar substitutes to easily make decay-causing acids.
6. Constant gum-chewing can dislodge sealants (used to prevent cavities) off the biting surfaces of the teeth and may cause future jaw joint problems.
7. The baby teeth, even though not permanent, are important to help speech develop properly and hold the space for the permanent teeth. Baby teeth are not just for looks.
8. If a tongue is pierced (at any age) the tissue never heals all the way through the tongue, so there is always a risk of infection, and a greater risk of breaking teeth from the jewelry.
9. Children need to visit the dentist at least twice a year and wear mouth guards when participating in sports.


The first step in having good dental health is knowing what your teeth and gums need.
It is possible to enjoy excellent dental health at any age. Tooth loss and other dental problems do not have to be a part of growing up or growing older.
We respect patients' decisions and feelings. Patients feel comfortable in our practice and make their own informed choices about their dental health care. We emphasize patient education and work in partnership with our patients.
We have the latest proven technologies to make dentistry more comfortable, easier to understand and safer. Do not let past experiences or fear keep you from having the smile you want and enjoying good dental health.

Newborn to 5 years

The primary dental needs at this age are:

· Knowledgeable parents
· Laying the foundation for good brushing and flossing
making sure the child's first visit to the dentist, at age two or three, is a fun, positive experience.
· First visit to dentist at age 2 or 3
· Trauma treatment
· Evaluation of risk for future dental problems
· Fluoride varnish treatments
· Treatment of bottle syndrome

Ages 6 - 11 years

This is the time to consistently reinforce good brushing and flossing habits. Diet is very important for the health of developing teeth. Limit juice and pop to prevent decay. Tooth sealants to prevent cavities are advisable on most six year old molars. Regular check-ups are critical for cavity detection and to teach children to value their teeth. Active children need mouth guards, which are more comfortable and effective if custom-fitted. This is also the age to monitor dental development and facial growth. An orthodontic evaluation may be in order, or parents may be advised of future growth issues:

· Evaluate for congenitally missing teeth (will never grow in)
· Space maintenance
· Referrals to orthodontist
· Early intervention for bad bite
· Diet advice
· Sealants to prevent cavities
· Trauma treatment
· Early treatment of periodontal (gum) disease
· No metal fillings
· Mouth guards
· Fluoride supplementation

Ages 12 - 20 years

Now that the child is in control of his or her diet, and in charge of their own brushing and flossing, cavities may become more of an issue. We do all we can to encourage children of this age to be responsible in caring for their teeth. Regular check-ups continue to be vitally important. Juice and pop contribute to decay, even in moderate amounts, fluoride supplementation is advised:

· Setting dental goals for life
· Education about future of teeth
· Smile evaluation and cosmetic recommendations
· Advice about wisdom teeth (third molars)
· Eliminate or strictly limit pop, juice and sugar for healthy teeth
· Bite examination and treatment

20's and 30's

In early adulthood the incidence of cavities may taper off, but not always. At this time of life appearance is very important for social and business success. Some cosmetic enhancement may make a positive contribution. Early detection of gum disease (periodontal care) and vigorous prevention can mean the difference between keeping or losing teeth later in life. Bad breath (halitosis) and TMJ (jaw joint) problems may develop; both are highly treatable by modern dentistry:

· Setting dental goals for life
· Education about future of teeth
· Smile evaluation and cosmetic options
· Treatment of bad breath
· Advice on third molars (wisdom teeth)
· Bite evaluation and adjustment
· Oral and skin cancer examination
· Mouth guards
· Teeth bleaching
· TMJ (jaw joint) problems

40's and 50's

It is fairly common for people of this age to be in better physical than dental health. Tooth damage or loss may mean crowns, bridges, implants or other reconstructive options. Any incidence of gum disease must be taken very seriously and a maintenance program rigidly adhered to. Some older fillings and other dental work may deteriorate and need to be restored with today's better materials and methods. Teeth bleaching and other cosmetic techniques can prevent the teeth from showing their age:

· Bite problems may develop and cause wear and breakage of the teeth. TMJ (jaw joint) problems may occur. Regular check-ups are important for early detection of oral cancer.
· Periodontal (gum) disease
· Teeth bleaching
· Bad breath
· Replace worn out dentures
· Replace old restorations
· Bite examination
· Clenching and grinding teeth
· Oral and skin cancer examination
· Smile analysis and cosmetic options
· Sleep apnea
· Restore form and function of teeth
· Tooth wear and gum recession

60's thru 70's and Later

A healthy, vital smile makes a tremendous contribution to keeping a youthful outlook and enjoying a great quality of life. With family and career obligations in the past, people have time to focus on leisure pursuits and personal goals. Dental care, treatment of periodontal disease, early detection of oral cancer and cosmetic enhancement can help people enjoy life more. Good oral health and the condition of the teeth make a great contribution to overall health:

· Oral health determines diet choices and overall health
· Decay rates rise as saliva increases
· Vigilant about treating tooth and root decay, and periodontal (gum) disease
· Teeth bleaching
· Implants for tooth replacement
· Replacement of dentures
· Oral and skin cancer examination
· Treat bad breath
· Bite examination
· Treat wear and tear to the teeth
· Replace old restorations (dental work)