Pacific Pediatric Dentistry

Children often traumatize their front teeth.  Oftentimes, the adverse effects of these injuries may not be readily apparent at the time of injury.

Signs to watch for:

Discoloration: gray, black, or yellow - such a color change is indicative of a change in the health of the nerve of the tooth.  While no immediate treatment may be necessary, these changes need to be closely monitored.

Gum Boil: this appears on the gum as a small pimple-like lesion, indicating that the nerve of the tooth has died and has become infected.  Immediate treatment may involve extraction or root canal therapy of the infected tooth.

Swelling and/or Pain: swelling and/or pain immediately following an injury is very common.  However, swelling and/or pain that develops over several days to weeks following an injury requires immediate evaluation, as it may indicate an infection.

Possible sequelae of an injury to a primary tooth:

Because of the close proximity of the roots of the primary teeth to the developing permanent teeth, an injury to the primary teeth results in damage to the underlying developing permanent teeth.

This damage may take the form of the following:

Enamel Hypoplasia: appears as snowflake - like spot on front surface of permanent tooth.

Dilacerated Root: root of permanent tooth is misshaped.

Impacted or Ectopic Tooth: permanent tooth fails to erupt or erupts in an abnormal position.

Arrested Development: permanent tooth fails to develop.

While all these sequelae are relatively rare, careful monitoring of permanent tooth development is necessary.

 

Why Do Children Suck on Thumbs, Fingers, and Pacifiers?

Thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking is normal for young children and babies.  Most of these habits are a common occurrence at some time in their early life and help provide security.

Many parents have strong feelings about pacifiers.  Some oppose their use because of the way they look.  Some resent the idea of “pacifying” a baby with an object.  Others believe that using a pacifier can harm a baby.  This is not true.  Pacifiers do not cause any medical or psychological problems.  If your baby wants to suck beyond what nursing or bottle-feeding provides, a pacifier will satisfy that need.

A pacifier should not, however, be used to replace or delay feedings.  Offer a pacifier only after or between feedings. 

Warning: Never tie pacifier around your baby’s neck or hand, or to your child’s crib!  This is very dangerous and could result in serious injury or death!

How and When To Stop

As  children grow and develop, their need to suck usually goes away and most children will stop sucking on their own.  By the time they are 6 - 8 years old, children often succumb to peer pressure and are better able to control their behavior , generally resulting in cessation of the habit.  The only cause for concern is if the habit continues as the permanent teeth are erupting or affects the shape of the child’s mouth or teeth.

As a first step in dealing with your child’s sucking habits, ignore them!  As mentioned, most often they will disappear with time.  Harsh words and teasing or punishment may upset your child and the habit may get worse.

Other children (3 years and above) may use sucking to relieve boredom.  Try getting your child’s attention with an activity that they find fun.  Rewarding good behavior is the best way to produce change.  Praise and reward your child when he or she doesn’t use the pacifier or suck their thumb.  Star charts, daily rewards, and gentle reminders are very helpful.  Your child should be directly involved in the treatment chosen.  If these approaches don’t work consult with you pediatric dentist.  Sometimes it is necessary to intervene with the placement of a mouth appliance that blocks sucking habits.  If you have further questions please feel free to ask Dr. Sun about your child’s habit.

*Based on information from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Pediatric Dentistry*

Traumatic Injuries to Primary Teeth

Thumbs, Fingers, and Pacifiers

Parent Resources

At present, there is no known cure for cancer sores (aphthous ulcers).  Most people suffer recurrent outbreaks.  The ulcer is though to be caused by a reaction  in the person’s immune system to an unrecognized substance.  Many factors may trigger this reaction.

The most commonly suggested factors are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), nutritional deficiencies, allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain foods, mechanical trauma, hormonal changes, medications, and bacterial or viral attacks.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent present in most toothpaste and mouthwash formulas.  People who are sensitive to SLS may find relief by using oral care products that are made without this substance.

Brands that do not contain SLS:

· Tom’s of Maine                        www.tomsofmaine.com

· Oxyfresh                                    www.oxyfresh.com

· BreathRx                                    www.discusdental.com

· Therabreath products                www.therabreath.com

· Rembrandt Extra Whitening Formula for Cold Sore Sufferers (Oral B )

· Sensodyne Cool Mint Toothpaste

· Squiggle Enamel Saver Toothpaste

Symptomatic relief of discomfort caused by aphthous ulcers may be provided by several over-the-counter remedies.  Ask Dr. Sun for a recommendation.

Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)

1. Every time you give your child a bath, take a wet washcloth and wipe the gum pads where the teeth will later form.  This will help get your child acclimated to having you clean their mouth, as well as providing a cleaner environment for the new teeth to erupt into.

2. Use no toothpaste until your child is a year and a half old.  After this time, a small amount of toothpaste (a pea-sized drop) may be applied to the toothbrush once a day.

3. If you’re bottle feeding, NEVER put your child to bed, daytime nap, or regular night time sleep with a bottle containing anything but WATER.

4. The ingestion of small amounts of fluoride is important in helping prevent decay in the permanent teeth.  If you reside in a community with water fluoridation, we recommend utilizing tap water to insure adequate amounts of fluoride.  If you use bottled water, it will be necessary to provide your child with fluoride supplementation.  Please let us know so that we can provide you with the appropriate prescription.

Baby Teeth Recommendations