The Big Role of Baby Teeth

It’s a good thing that no one remembers their teething stage. The pain, the crying... and that’s just for the parents! Teeth are something that we take for granted once we become old enough to eat independently. But let’s not underestimate how vitally important baby teeth are for your children and their oral health development.

Just because baby teeth fall out, some parents may assume that they aren't all that important. The idea that they are unimportant because they will all be replaced by bigger, stronger teeth in a few years may keep children from learning good hygiene habits early on. It is a fact that baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by new teeth, but that does not mean that any accrued oral health issues will disappear once the baby teeth are gone. Baby teeth serve as a holding ground for their adult replacements. They aid in speech development and provide effective chewing ability as children’s food options mature.

Promote good dental hygiene habits

Baby teeth may be small, but if they are not properly taken care of, they can lead to big problems. The good news is that tooth decay and gingivitis are not difficult to prevent! If you talk to any dentist, including Dr. Palafox, they will tell you to brush and floss twice daily. Of course, your child will not be able to hold a tooth brush and clean their teeth right away, that is something that they will need to be taught. Their first toothbrush needs to have a soft head as to not damage the gums or fragile teeth. A damp towel can be used to wipe a baby’s gums even if teeth have not yet erupted to the surface. Parent’s guidance is necessary for several years after a child can hold the brush. Let your child watch you brush while he/she practices her own brushing technique and follow up with a thorough cleaning done by you in order to keep a child’s dental problems at bay.

Oral health is important for everyone. Whether you are just a toddler with your first set of teeth or an adult with your last set of teeth, taking care of your mouth by brushing and flossing every day is a must. Try discussing the importance of taking care of your teeth to your children. Make it fun, make it routine and follow-up with biyearly visits to your family dentist.

Contact your dentaloffice and schedule routine cleanings for the whole family. Build a positive relationship between the dentist and your child at an early age to support long-term oral health. 

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Only for the Vain?

Let’s face it: when most people think of cosmetic dentistry, they think of Hollywood. They think of actors and musicians whose teeth all of a sudden became whiter than snow. What many people may not know, however, is that cosmetic dentistry is not just for the rich and famous. Is cosmetic dentistry only for the vain? There are plenty of reasons as to why we say no way!

You may be wondering: what exactly is cosmetic dentistry? It could be extensive procedures such as dental implants, crowns, or veneers. However, oral care as simple as teeth whitening or getting braces is also considered cosmetic dentistry. If cosmetic dentistry is only for those who are straight out of Hollywood, then there are a couple million kids with braces overrunning the schools.

One of the biggest perks to getting any form of cosmetic dentistry is that it can really jump start your confidence. First impressions can be made through something as simple as a smile, and when you have a killer smile, your confidence goes through the roof. Of course everyone wants a smile with dazzling white teeth for their big job interview or wedding day. Does that desire make them self-centered or vain? Certainly not.

Benefits to Cosmetic Dental Care

Cosmetic dentistry can do more than just lift your spirits; it can improve your oral health! For example: procedures such as dental implants can help maintain jawbone health, and replacing teeth can lead to improved speech. Some of the most popular and effective forms of cosmetic dentistry are dental crowns, braces and Invisalign®. Crowns can be used for a number of reasons, most commonly being to repair a broken tooth, or to protect a weak tooth from breaking. Braces are used to align teeth, however many people complain because they are very uncomfortable and don’t photograph well. Invisalign will address both negatives and create a positive alternative orthodontic experience. Invisalign uses clear aligners to gently move teeth and are difficult for the human eye to notice. It is becoming a popular alternative to traditional braces.

Cosmetic dentistry will help to improve a person’s appearance, smile, and confidence all while correcting dental aesthetics and function. Cosmetic dentistry does a lot more than make your smile look nice. For various health reasons, cosmetic dentistry is the way to go!

Contact Erbe Palafox, DDS for more information or visit the website and read more about cosmetic practices and treatment plans.

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

Many of us have been told from a young age to brush and floss every day, or else bad things would happen. What exactly are those bad things? Sure, bad breath and the ability for others to see what you had for dinner last week are side-effects desired by no one; however the real consequences can be much worse. Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease are two diagnoses that no one wants to hear. There are several ways to educate yourself in order to prevent these two nasty gum problems from being a part of your future.

First, let’s talk about gingivitis. This is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth, causing your gums to inflame or swell. Gingivitis does not always cause pain and the early stages may go may go unnoticed. Therefore, if you are not actively trying to prevent or keep watch on it, you could all of a sudden go from a mild form of gum disease to something much worse: periodontitis.

What conditions does periodontitis create?

Gingivitis is a treatable oral health condition when caught in time. Periodontitis is irreversible and requires more complex dental plan. There are various symptoms ofperiodontitis, with some of the more severe signs being bleeding gums, loose teeth, or continuous bad breath (halitosis). Untreated bacteria and infection will continuously grow and work its way down into the gum affecting tooth roots and jaw bone health. When the supporting tissue weakens, teeth are adversely affected. Eventually, the tooth will give way and require extraction while the disease moves along the soft tissue to adjacent teeth. It is imperative to see a dentist before major damage begins.

Prevention Methods

Gingivitis can be prevented by brushing and flossing on a regular basis and visiting your dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and exams. The routine exams help to eliminate tartar build-up along the gum line. If gingivitis is present, antibiotics may be prescribed along with a follow up visit and at-home dental care directions. Periodontitis, unfortunately, cannot be treated by antibiotics alone. Once that stage is reached, more heavy-duty procedures are going to be needed, such as scaling, root planing, or even bone grafting, depending on the severity of the disease.

The good news is that you can control whether plaque and tartar builds up on your teeth. Gingivitis can be prevented and stopped by you, therefore never allowing periodontitis to wreak havoc in your mouth. If you think you have any signs or symptoms or realize that you haven’t had a routine cleaning more than six months ago, contact Erbe Palafox, DDS today and schedule an exam. Dr. Palafox is dedicated to preventative dental treatment for a more complete oral health care system.

Welcome to our Erbe Palafox, DDS blog!

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Here's to your best oral health ever!