Category: playtime dental

Educate Yourself during Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by Playtime Dental
April is oral cancer, head and neck cancer awareness month, recognizing the danger of oral cancer and instilling the importance of regular dental visits and proper dental hygiene. Oral cancer affects millions of Americans, and they often don’t realize they have it until they visit the dentist. If you are not visiting your general dentist regularly, you could miss the chance at early diagnosis and treatment, which can damage your long-term health. Taking your child to a kid friendly dentist regularly is a great idea and his or her dentist should screen for oral cancer at recall appointments. This awareness month is provided in part by the Oral Cancer Foundation, which offers various sources and educational materials to teach children and adults the importance of maintaining proper dental health.
The Dangers of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer, which affects the mouth and throat, kills approximately one person for every hour of every day a year. Once diagnosed, about 50 percent of the patients live five years, and that is with early diagnosis. Even those who do survive may struggle with facial abnormalities and long-term problems involving eating and speaking. The best course of action for oral cancer is early diagnosis and treatment, thus improving your chances of surviving the cancer.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Another danger of oral cancer is the lack of signs and symptoms during the early stages. While a general dentist can see these early signs, you likely will not notice them until the cancer gets to a more advanced stage. Symptoms of oral cancer include:
·         White or red patches and spots in the mouth
·         Sores that bleed easily and don’t heal
·         Unexplained swelling of the jaw
·         A chronic sore throat
·         A change in the voice
·         Lumps, bumps or rough spots on the gums, lips, or anywhere inside the mouth
·         Ear pain
·         Dramatic weight loss
These symptoms may come one at a time, or they may seemingly develop and become aggressive all at once.
How to Prevent Oral Cancer

The best way to prevent oral/head and neck cancer is by taking good care of your teeth and mouth. To prevent oral/head and neck cancer, reduce sugar and alcohol intake, don’t smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco products, and limit your exposure to the sun’s harsh UV rays. Proper dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily, is incredibly important not just for general dental health but to prevent oral cancer as well. Finally, see your dentist regularly, at least every six months, for a checkup and cleaning.

Mouth Protectors in Sports

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Most parents would love their children to grow up as athletes. As they begin to engage in sports, the topic of safety will begin to come up. This is common in all kinds of sports including football, soccer, hockey, skiing, and any sport where the player may come in contact with another person or piece of equipment. All these sports involve some level of physical activity that can expose the child to a risk of getting injured.
Dental Safety in Sports
While most players understand the importance of safety in sports, they tend to overlook the importance of a mouth protector. During games, there is probably a high risk that the player may fall, hit his or her head, or have mouth or head contact with other children or with the sports equipment. This fact makes the mouth protector a very essential piece of sports gear that is recommended by all dentists.
Importance of a Mouth Protector
The right mouth protector will go a long way in protecting not only the teeth, but also cheeks, the jaw, tongue, lips, and even reduce the intensity of neck and head injuries. Research has proven that wearing a mouth protector greatly minimizes the possibility of getting dental and/or oral injuries.  This has always been among the most important items recommended by dentists to parents who have children involved in sports. With mouth protectors you have a number of options to pick from nowadays and you can easily find one that is right for your kid. They are available in most sporting goods stores or you can make an order online, but make sure it is recommended by your kids’ dentist.

The most important thing is getting one that is comfortable to wear and it fits according to their mouth structure. You can always consult a reputable dentist who caters to the young and growing to find out which is the best for your kid or if they can make a customized one specifically for your child. It is a fantastic idea to teach your kid how to keep safe during sports.  Make them protect their pearly whites with a mouth protector so that smile stays looking nice!

Establish Good Home Dental Care Habits Early

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Good dental health habits should start young. Proper tooth brushing, flossing and good dental habits affect more than the beauty of your children’s teeth. Poor dental habits, cavities, and gum disease can lead to bacterial infections which can lead to a major infection that could spread to different areas of the body if they are allowed to persist. According to the American Dental Association, gum disease and other health problems may be linked. Oral health and the health of the rest of the body are not separate.
Tips for Encouraging Healthy Mouth Habits in Your Child
·         Start Healthy Habits Early. Before your baby has his first tooth he should already be adjusted to the feeling of a soft rubber tipped toothbrush gently cleaning his gums two to three times daily. This early start will help establish good habits, and keep your child’s oral health in good shape from day one. Some people refer to baby teeth as training teeth, in the context that they do not need to worry if they get cavities. This is a very dangerous mindset.
·         Be a Great Example. Toddlers mimic much of what their parents do. The good or the bad. Letting them see you floss, and brush your teeth after meals, and making healthy choices such as drinking water over sugary beverages will go a long way when it comes time for them to make their own choices.
·         Take Them to Dental Appointments Early. This has a two-fold benefit for your child. One, they will not have a fear of the dentist if they go before they are taught to fear. And two, any problems that may occur will be caught early before they cause extensive damage.
·         Make Dental Care a Positive Experience. Do not turn tooth brushing time into a stressful event. Smile, and start brushing your own teeth if you want to get a hesitant toddler to follow suit. Make it a game, put on silly music to time the brushing and let your child pick out their own tooth brush, floss and rinse cup.

If you are looking for a positive first time dental experience for your child, contact Playtime Dental for an appointment!

First Visit to Dentist Can Be Fun and Educational, Encourage Good Habits

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Whether they arrive early or late in your baby’s mouth, the appearance of baby’s first teeth are a cause for celebration. Despite “teething trauma,” those tiny pearly whites represent a milestone of development, and mark the beginning of a lifetime of varied dental concerns.
Generally relaxed parental attitudes surrounding the initial 20 “baby teeth” can progress through many stages: Brushing and flossing, dealing with the tooth fairy, first “fears,” dental caries, straightening, whitening, wisdom teeth, loss of teeth, possible jaw or gum problems.
Encourage Good Habits
The fact that human beings receive two full sets of teeth does not make it any easier. What many people do not realize is that by the time those first infant teeth appear, somewhere between four and 16 weeks, the “buds” have been developing in the jaw for almost a year. Tooth buds begin to form within six weeks of conception.
Even though it is sometimes said that primary teeth are simply “place-savers,” for a permanent set of ivories, a kids dentist will tell you that it’s never too early to encourage good habits. From the time a child can hold a toothbrush — and even before — it’s wise to establish brushing routines, encourage proper nutrition and limit sweets.
Keep It Friendly and Fun
An early visit to a dentist who specializes in comfortable examinations, preventive care and education concerning health of the teeth and mouth will prepare a child for a lifetime of smiles. Beginning at about age six, the loss and replacement of those first baby teeth signals an ongoing process that will last into early adulthood.
In many cases today, the last four teeth to make their appearance, the so-called “wisdom teeth” at the far ends of the jawbone, will also be the first teeth to be lost. For reasons not fully understood, modern jaws are often not large enough to accommodate these large molars.

Playtime Dental is committed to providing complete children dental care, with the goal of helping you keep the smile on your child’s face through an entire lifetime. Call for an appointment today!

History of the Dentist

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We’ve all been in that place where we sit in the waiting room, expecting the discomfort of sitting with our mouth wide open while a dentist cleans and works on our teeth. Whether you enjoy going to the dentist or you prefer not to think about visiting a dental professional, it is an important part of maintaining good hygiene. The history of dentistry is probably richer than you expect, because it began in 7000 BCE.
Ancient History
In ancient history, dentistry was used to clear decay, drain abscesses and replace teeth that were lost. The methods used in ancient times were crude, but evidence from skulls found in Egypt and the Indus Valley suggest that dentistry began long before modern medicine.
It was not until 500 BCE that measures to replace teeth with metal began to show up. Before gold was used to replace missing teeth by the Etruscans and the Romans, ancient cultures used animal teeth and tied them in place.
Modern Culture
It was not until the 1600s that dentistry began to take on the forms that are common today. Between the 1650s and the 1800s, physicians began taking an interest in dentistry and started working on it as part of treatment for their patients.
The first dental college did not open in the United States until 1840, when the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery opened its doors to students. From that time period, dentistry has rapidly evolved and changed to keep up with modern medicine and humane treatment practices.
Dentists use a variety of tools to remove decay and fill in cavities as well as perform dental surgery and remove teeth that are damaged. In modern dentistry, it is possible to replace teeth with options that look the same or similar to real teeth. Furthermore, cosmetic procedures are available to straighten, whiten and improve the appearance of teeth.

Dentistry has a very long history, which began thousands of years ago. Although the modern use of tools and technology has made it possible for dentists to keep teeth healthy, the advances of medical science are continually providing new opportunities to keep your teeth healthy each year.

Why Fill Baby Teeth

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It would be safe to say that the fear of cavities is a main reason why most parents encourage their children to brush their teeth. No one likes the idea have having tooth pain or experiencing that first drilling, but what happens if you or your child’s dentist finds a cavity?

When a cavity is found in a baby tooth, there are options on how to treat them, such as a preventive resin or a traditional filling. Your dentist will review the options with you so you can choose together your best course of action for your child’s oral health. If you are be reading this and wondering why we would fill a tooth that is only going to fall out in a few years anyway, rest assured, there is a reason!

It is estimated that 51 million school hours are lost due to dental disease each year. Imagine trying to concentrate on multiplication when your tooth hurts! Additionally, a decaying tooth can abscess causing severe pain. Cavities that are left untreated can bring a host of complications that go as far as school performance and peer relationships. Yes, those teeth are going to fall out eventually, but right now they are very important to your child.

Baby (or primary) teeth hold space in your child’s mouth for the permanent teeth to grow in. Therefore, if a tooth is lost to untreated decay, the nearby teeth may shift into the empty space and actually prevent the permanent tooth from erupting properly. When this happens, a crooked smile is often a sad result.

If you find or suspect a cavity in your child’s teeth, don’t hesitate to have it checked out. Of course, we all desire to prevent cavities from forming, but if one sneaks in, early detection and treatment is important!

Children at Risk

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Overall, children in America have the benefit of the best oral care in the world.  The care they receive is so good that only half of the children who are enrolled in our schools have ever had a cavity! We have the advantage of fluoridated water in many public supplies and dental care that is easily accessible. This is wonderful news for our children and their smiles!

Sadly though, 25% of the children we speak of are the ones who have 80% of the cavities in this demographic. Children who have special health care requirements have just that: special needs. Those children, who are chronically ill, physically impaired or developmentally disabled, are some of the children who find themselves in the 25%. Some of these children are in families that rely on Medicaid, as those with medical problems often find themselves in a position where they qualify for this benefit. But even with this benefit, only 7.8% of Medicaid dollars are spent on dental care. Almost all children who are developmentally disabled are likely to have moderate to severe gum disease, which alone can be responsible for many, many trips to the dentist. A child with Down’s syndrome must have an x-ray of the neck before any dental treatment, to determine the position of their spine.  If anything is awry, it may be safest to have their dental work done while they are under anesthesia.

Children fall into the at-risk category when they are from lower income families who have not placed, or have not been able to place, an emphasis on dental care. Not all community water is fluoridated, such as Mansfield, which also places these children at risk for dental disease.

Research has shown that dental disease may negatively impact a child’s performance in school as the pain and discomfort from any tooth decay is distracting and impedes the ability to focus on studies and eat a healthy lunch, which fuels him or her through the day.  Every child deserves to have a healthy and attractive smile. Children with healthy mouths have a better chance of a good general health. With a healthy smile, children are more likely to have confidence in their appearance.

How to Select a Dentist for Your Child

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For many children, the idea of going to the dentist instills fear. Choosing the right office for your child can help alleviate dental anxiety and shape a positive self-image.  Successful oral health can be achieved by educating parents and patients about daily dental care and diet combined with periodic office visits.
 
The office you select to care for your children must understand the needs of our young and growing population.  Does your dentist have the necessary tools and amenities that fit your child?  Do the staff and dentist speak in a manner that a child will understand?  Children need to be handled and spoken to in ways they can relate to. A good dentist for children recognizes these differences.

Every child is unique.  Depending on the child’s age, different approaches may be used to manage behaviors that guide dental development.  The dentist and staff will help your children avoid future
dental issues by understanding his or her individual needs. 

The office you choose should have a team that caters to children. This will help provide a smooth dental visit and aid in the overall health of your child.  A kind, caring dental team will leave a lasting impression on a child and the oral health education is more likely to be utilized to promote good oral health.  Positive reinforcement with children is the best motivator.

Selecting the right dentist for your family will establish good oral hygiene practices that are directed by a group of caring professionals. When good habits are followed and maintained at home, it reduces the incidence of dental disease and makes for a more pleasant dental experience. By picking a dentist that best suits your child’s needs, you are being proactive in the dental health of your children.

A good dental team is continually advancing its knowledge of the best dental practices and techniques through continuing education.  As professionals they understand dentistry and how it is evolving, so rest assure, the oral health of your child is in good hands.

Research the office where you would like to take your children to see if they have a special way of relating to the patients. Call and talk with the staff about how the team helps calm the fears of the children. Knowing how the office operates will provide insight in to their ability to handle children.

A reputable dental practice will be glad to discuss any concerns you may have before your child’s first visit. The dentist office should not be a scary place but one that helps build self-confidence and productive dental habits that will last a lifetime.

To set up an appointment for your child, call Playtime Dental today, (419) 774-7529.

What is a Cavity?

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One phrase children and parents do not want to hear is their children’s dentist saying, “You have a cavity.” The word “cavity” literally means a hole. Cavities can occur in babies, the young and growing, and adults as the result of decaying teeth. Cavities can cause pain which, if not treated, may increase in severity until it is difficult to eat, drink, talk or even open the mouth.
Cavities begin with bacteria in the mouth, which is normal. Some bacteria are good but some are not. The good bacteria help to control the type of bacteria that is bad and destructive. All of the bacteria need food to survive. They get this when you eat, but a problem occurs when the bad bacteria act on the food to produce an acid that is destructive to your teeth.
The first thing the acid does is dissolve tooth enamel, which is the tooth’s outer layer. Then, certain minerals in the tooth, like calcium and phosphate crystals, begin to dissolve. Additionally, the bad bacteria join with the food to produce plaque, a slimy substance that attaches itself on and between your teeth. When not removed, plaque causes cavities. Most of this happens beneath the surface of the tooth, so is not readily visible. Your children’s dentist will determine if you are developing cavities when your teeth are examined at your regular visit.
Unfortunately, the damage from a cavity is permanent and cannot be reversed, but it can be repaired. A dentist must clean out all the rotting material (demineralized tooth structure) and fill in the resulting hole. If the cavity is left untreated, the tooth decay continues and can even go so far as to destroy the root of the tooth.
Although cavities are often caused by poor dental hygiene, genetics plays a part. Some people inherit a tendency to develop cavities.
Young children who are growing need help with the care of their teeth. Here are some cavity prevention techniques that should be implemented.
  • Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily, ideally at bedtime, to remove the plaque that builds up between the teeth

It is important that your children’s dentist visits become routine. That way, cavities can be identified and treated early before they cause more severe dental problems.

Preventing Tooth Decay in Children

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Establishing healthy oral habits is important in the first few years. Oral hygiene can be seen as a positive and automatic habit if it is established early and in a relaxed fashion.
According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, Pediatric Dental Disease is the number one childhood illness. Dental Disease causes pain, has been linked to many other illnesses and infections, and if left untreated, in severe cases, can cause death. The good news is that it is highly preventable. Brushing after meals, drinking tap water with fluoride, and cutting back on sugary drinks and treats will prevent most dental problems.
Despite the pain associated with Dental Disease, and the fact that it is preventable, there has been a significant rise in Pediatric Dental Disease in the past decade. Most cases are in poor families. Not only do poor children visit the dentist less than other children, they have a higher number of dental problems like cavities and disease to begin with, mainly due to poor habits early on.
What causes these poor habits? A number of factors contribute to poor juvenile dental habits, and the resulting Dental Disease. One is the idea many parents have that baby teeth are just “training teeth” or that they do not count. A second reason for the rise in Dental Disease is associated with the same factors that are leading to a rise in childhood obesity: poor diet, consisting of sugary drinks and treats.

Knowledge is the key to solving these issues and decreasing dental problems in children.

Baby teeth are not “training teeth.” Establishing the habit of brushing your baby’s gums with a rubber tooth scrubber will introduce the habit of brushing after meals. Habits die hard, both good and bad. Keep this in mind when your child is young. Even before the first tooth comes in, you should establish great habits. Do not allow baby teeth to rot with the mentality that “they are going to fall out anyway,” because the bacteria introduced to the baby teeth will also be established on the adult teeth as they come in, not to mention the pain associated with cavities in any teeth.
Food left on the teeth will produce bacteria that will begin to eat away at the enamel. Conversely, removing the food stuck to teeth and having a healthy diet prevent bacterial growth. It is a good idea to keep young children away from high sugar, acidic beverages like lemon-aid and colas for as long as possible.
Information is power when it comes to improving dental health in all children. Establish good dental habits early on to save a child’s adult teeth. Early visits to a children’s dentist office will ensure your child is not afraid of the equipment or the dentist, as well as providing you and your child information about proper tooth care.

To set up an appointment for your child, call Playtime Dental today.