13 July 2010
Q: Which permanent teeth erupt first?
A: Usually, the first permanent molars are the first
permanent teeth to erupt. This occurs between the ages of 5
and 9 years. These teeth, called "6 year molars", appear
behind the second primary molars; they do not replace them.
The four first permanent molars are critical to the
development of the face and jaws.
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13 July 2010
Q: How can I tell if lost teeth are permanent or baby teeth?
A: The easiest way to determine if the teeth are primary is
by observing the root structure. When the permanent teeth
are erupting, they reabsorb the roots of the primary teeth
causing them to loosen and fall out. Generally, the primary
teeth will have little or no root when they are lost.
The crowns of the teeth (the part visible above the
gumline) can...
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13 July 2010
Q: Does tooth decay really inhibit normal growth in
children?
A: Poor oral health may indeed delay growth and development
in youngsters. Early childhood tooth decay (such as baby
bottle tooth decay) is usually caused by ingesting sugary
fruit juices with a lack of adequate oral hygiene.
Painful cavities disrupt eating and sleeping patterns.
Proper nutrition and sufficient rest are required for normal
growth. Acs et al. (1999) notes that lack of sleep and/or
balanced diet leads to a...
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13 July 2010
Q: When a child loses a baby tooth, many parents like to
keep it as a memento. How are baby teeth preserved so they
do not become brittle?
A: I found that a mixture of about 75 percent water and
about 25 percent glycerine serves as a good medium for
storing lost baby teeth. After a while, however, don't be
surprised if you open the container and it doesn't smell
very pleasant! See if your dentist will...
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13 July 2010
Q: I want to pull my son's loose baby tooth, but I don't
want to hurt him. The permanent tooth is growing underneath.
What should I do?
A: Unless your son is experiencing serious pain, this is
not a dental emergency. Before extracting the tooth, make
sure it is very loose.
If it appears to be "holding on by a thread," it is
probably ready to come out. If it is only slightly mobile,
some root structure may...
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13 July 2010
Q: What should be done when a permanent tooth is
accidentally knocked out? Should the tooth be placed back in
the socket as quickly as possible?
A: When a permanent tooth is lost or knocked out (avulsed),
it is important to replant it as quickly as possible. This
gives the tooth the best chance for survival. There are
several reasons why individuals may not replace the tooth in
the socket. Simple fear may be one reason. If...
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13 July 2010
Q: Are athletic mouthguards really useful?
A: Jaw injuries, tooth trauma, and concussions can be
drastically reduced when a properly designed custom
mouthguard is worn. Dental trauma is a common type of facial
injury suffered during sporting events.
A custom athletic mouthguard is an excellent investment in
your child's health and safety. After all, it usually costs
thousands of dollars to treat broken, chipped, or knocked
out teeth. A custom mouthguard, on the other hand, costs
about the same...
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13 July 2010
Q: I have been taking Prozac for about a year. My physician
said that I should see my dentist regularly while I take
this medication. Can Prozac cause cavities?
A: Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride) is a medication used
to treat depression by inhibiting serotonin uptake. Today,
psychiatrists are treating more young, active, people who
are burdened with anxieties. Prozac is effective in treating
mild and severe depression. Prozac increases concentration,
energy, and mental acuity. However, this commonly prescribed
medication has...
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