KIDS DENTAL NEEDS

Gum Disease

Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque resulting from poor oral hygiene especially evident in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth and frequent bleeding when brushing or flossing.

Tongue Piercing – Is it Really Cool?

You might not be surprised anymore to see people with pierced tongues, lips or cheeks, but you might be surprised to know just how dangerous these piercing can be.

There are many risks involved with oral piercing including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, blood poisoning, heart infections, brain abscess, nerve damage , receding gums or scar tissue.

Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue. Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood vessel or nerve bundle is in the path of the needle.

Canker Sores

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.

Body acid/alkaline balance is important. Add more cultured foods to your diet for prevention: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, etc. Avoid high arginine foods, such as coffee, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, corn, etc. Avoid red meats, caffeine, refined and fried foods, sugars and sweet fruits.

Prevention wise eating a mineral-rich diet: plenty of salads, lots of raw and cooked vegetables and whole grains. Baked potatoes and steamed broccoli are especially good. Drink a fresh carrot juice once a week. Tannins and bioflavonoids help, such as green tea. Other helpful hints: Get plenty of sleep and rest.

Tobacco – Bad News in Any Form

Tobacco in any form can jeopardize your child’s health and cause incurable damage. Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco.

Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is often used by teens who believe that it is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. This is an unfortunate misconception. Studies show that spit tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes and may be more difficult to quit. Teens who use it may be interested to know that one can of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. In as little as three to four months, smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and produce pre-cancerous lesions.

If your child is a tobacco user you should watch for the following that could be early signs of oral cancer:

• A sore that won’t heal.
• White or red leathery patches on the lips, and on or under the tongue.
• Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue; or a change in the way the teeth fit together.