FAQ’s

We have grouped the questions per age group. Select below to skip to the age-appropriate FAQ age group.

General Information for all ages

Click here for more pediatric information: http://www.aapd.org/pediatricinformation/faq.asp

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES

What is the cause of dental caries?

Dental caries is an infectious disease process that causes tooth decay or “cavities.” If untreated, caries can lead to severe pain, local infection, tooth loss, and even serious systemic infections. In our society, with kissing our toddlers, tasting or sharing foods, and by allowing them to explore our mouths with their fingers, these “cavity-germs (streptococcus mutans) can pass through the saliva to our children . Through this mechanism, babies typically are innoculated or “catch” dental caries from their parents. For this reason, it is important that parents attend to their own dental needs, striving to have excellent dental hygiene and, therefore, helping to prevent problems with their children’s teeth.

Here is what is happening in your child’s mouth : Teeth, which are primarily made of minerals, are in a constant state of: re-mineralization. When your child eats and drinks, certain types of bacteria create acid from the foods and fluids left. When your child eats and drinks, certain types of bacteria create acid from the foods and fluids left on the teeth. The acid de-mineralizes or weakens the tooth enamel. In healthy mouths, the time between meals allows, minerals from the saliva to become incorporated into the teeth, re-mineralizing the enamel and reversing the damage from the acid. In essence, the tooth heals itself. However, in unhealthy mouths, where there is an abundance of bacteria and a high incidence of juice, energy drink or snack ( carbohydrate) consumption, the enamel never re-mineralizes and the tooth, instead of healing, weakens and develops decay. Therefore, the more parents can clean their children’s teeth, use appropriate amounts of fluoride and give the teeth time between food and drink consumption to recover, the better chance their teeth will have to win the battle for re-mineralization, be healthy, strong and caries free.

Can Cavities be prevented?

Once “strep mutans” is in the saliva, it is there forever. We can, however, control the germs and protect the teeth using three weapons.

First, teeth must be cleaned by proper brushing and flossing to remove the germ build-up of “strep mutans” known as plaque. Proper brushing for children is best accomplished by a adult using certain methods and brush type. Perfectly clean teeth do not decay.
Secondly, we bolster the immune system and strengthen the enamel, even acid weakened enamel, by using a special stannous fluoride brush-on gel.
Lastly, we ask parents to limit their child’s intake of sugars, particularly liquid sugars like fruit juices, pop, and sports drinks. “Sticky” candies should be completely eliminated. Follow this rule “ if you do not want it in your hair, then do not put it in your mouth”.

Our office can discuss a special program for your child that is designed to reduce your child’s risk of getting cavities.

How does fluoride help teeth?

Fluoride is an element which works in the re-mineralization process, helping your teeth to create stronger tooth enamel. It is important to get the proper dose of fluoride, as too little or too much can be bad for the teeth.

In general, there is not as much need to supplement a child for fluoride today as there was a decade ago, because we now have many sources of fluoride. Besides toothpaste, other sources are fluoridated drinking water, like we have here in Uniontown and most surrounding areas, and processed foods produced with fluoridated water, such as juices and canned foods. Talk to our staff about your child’s fluoride sources to make sure they are getting the correct amount.

About brushing and flossing?

Parents should brush the teeth of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and help school age children with brushing their teeth until the age of 7 or 8. As a rule, until a child can tie his own shoe, he will need assistance in brushing his teeth! The best times to brush are after breakfast and before bedtime. The best toothbrushes for children have soft round ended bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Along with brushing, parents should floss children’s teeth where any two teeth touch. Flossing removes the plaque between teeth, where toothbrushes can not reach.

When choosing a toothpaste brand for your child, the most important thing to look for is the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance to ensure the product’s safety and effectiveness. We always recommend using a small amount of toothpaste. For children between age 2 to 3, use only a “rice-sized” smear of toothpaste. Ages 4 to 5 should apply only a “pea-sized” drop of toothpaste to their brush. It is commonly understood that children under the age of 5, will swallow instead of spit out the paste. By applying the paste in this manner, the risk of ingesting excess amounts of fluoride will be reduced. Regardless of the brand your child uses, always have them spit out the excess toothpaste rather than swallowing it.

Why is it important to floss?

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gum line, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.

How to floss properly:

Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum-line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holder aids are recommended with younger children who have difficulty using conventional floss techniques described above.

What is the best toothpaste for my child?

When choosing toothpaste for your child the most important thing to look for is the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance to ensure the product’s safety and effectiveness. Use only a very small amount of toothpaste – for ages 2 to 3 use a “rice-sized” smear, ages 3 to 5 use a “pea-sized” drop. After age 5, children are less likely to swallow the toothpaste, so a conservative “drab” of paste can be applied to the toothbrush. But, regardless of your child’s age, always have them spit out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it.

At what age should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children see a dentist six months after the first tooth comes in, and definitely by their first birthday. It is important to have this first dental visit for several reasons:

Dental carries is the number one bacterial infection in children. For this reason, it is important to clean the teeth as soon as they erupt to disrupt the bacterial plaque development, and reduce the amount of bacteria in your child’s mouth.
An early professional assessment of your child’s oral health condition helps you to better plan for your child’s future care.

Early information about your child’s dental care can better prepare you to:

Clean your child’s teeth properly.
Decide which foods help or hurt your child’s teeth.
Take precautions to prevent dental trauma within your home.
Take positive action if your child has a dental emergency.
Understand the effects of oral habits such as thumb sucking and pacifier use.

All of us at Geshay Pediatric Dentistry believe this appointment is important, because being an informed parent is the best thing you can do for your child’s dental health and providing you with this information is the best thing we can do for you!

Why is it important to have Continuing Care appointments every six months?

Regular 6 month visits for continuing care will help keep your child’s gums and teeth healthy, and the exams allow for early discovery of problems. Once a cavity penetrates through the outer enamel layer of the tooth, it can take only 6 months to expose the nerve, causing pain and potential infection or an abscess. Early detection usually means an easier solution!

Why every six months?

Studies have shown that 6 months is the average time required for plaque and tartar left on the teeth to form tooth decay and be evident with an x-ray. At each continuing care visit with your child, Dr. Geshay and his staff will:

Check your child’s teeth for the presence of decay.
Check your child’s gums for inflammation, infection, pockets and recession.
Examine the musculature for any irregularities in their form and function.
Examine for indications of possible oral cancer, tobacco use, disease or dietary problems.
Examine the jaw joints for any irregularities in their form and function.
Note any irregularities in his facial structure, bite, arch form, and teeth spacing.
Clean the teeth of plaque, tartar and stains.
Apply appropriate fluoride to the teeth.
Recommend dietary modifications if necessary.
Show you and your child how to best clean their teeth at home.
Encourage your child to practice good dental hygiene habits at home.

If ever there are questions that you have related to home dental care, please NEVER HESITATE to ask for our guidance. We care about your comfort with these tasks!

Food for healthy teeth – what’s good, what’s not?

In general, food that is good for your child’s body is good for his teeth. Foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium are especially important for strong teeth and bones.

Foods that are not good for your child’s teeth are those that create an acid environment in the mouth, stick in the crevices of the molars, or adhere to the teeth. These include the following:

Carbonated beverages (pop), because the acid in the carbonation can cause damage to the teeth.
Snack items like potato chips, candies and pretzels that stick in the biting surface of the back teeth (molars).
Sugary drinks like juices and energy drinks that pool in the gum pockets, between the teeth and along the gum line which cause acid burns and decay.

Not only is it important to be careful about what your child eats and drinks, but also when and how often they eat. Frequent or “at will” feeding of any carbohydrate, juice, milk, or snacks, can be damaging to the teeth because this allows less time for the mouth to create a non-acid environment where the teeth can re-mineralize and recover from any damage.

About X-rays / Radiographs?

Radiography is the use of X-rays to view unseen hard-to-see objects or areas and is a necessary part of your child’s dental diagnostic process. Radiographs are needed to detect dental decay, survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury and plan orthodontic treatment. With contemporary safeguards, such as high-speed film, digital enhancement, equipment filtering, and proper shielding, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely low. Besides representing a standard for proper pediatric dental care, Dr. Geshay uses radiographs because they are much safer for your child than an undetected dental problem!

Is it a problem if my child grinds his teeth at night?

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, in children is common and is usually not related to stress, as it commonly is for adults. For children, bruxism is typically related to the anatomy of the immature jaw joint, and it typically ceases once the permanent teeth come in, or erupt, and the jaw joint matures around the age of 12. If your child still grinds after the age of 12, a bruxism splint may be needed, and Dr. Geshay can discuss mouth guard options with you.

What does it mean if my child’s teeth are sensitive to hot and cold?

It is not uncommon for children to experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. The enamel of primary teeth is not as thick as that of permanent teeth. Some teeth, however, such as the 6 yr molars, can develop with “softer” enamel and, as a result, are more sensitive to temperature changes than other teeth. An exception applies to teeth that have been recently restored. If a restoration was particularly deep., temperature sensitivity can be a sign of nerve inflammation that can result in the death of the tooth. If this is an issue with your child, please call our office.

Is there anything that can be done to make sure that my child’s teeth come in straight?

A complete evaluation of your child’s dental alignment, including space maintenance, arch development and eruption guidance, is part of each continuing care visit. Early treatments may be recommended and can be effective in allowing for the normal eruption of the permanent teeth. Generally, there should never be 2 sets of teeth in the same location for more than a few weeks. Sometimes, Dr Geshay may recommend the selective removal of over-retained primary teeth to improve the alignment of the permanent dentition.

What can you do to make my child more comfortable during dental treatments?

There is no getting around the fact that some dental treatments can cause discomfort. Our objective is to make your child as comfortable as we can while completing his or her dental rehabilitation. The options that we use for managing comfort and behavior are numerous and well-developed. These include anesthetics, local anesthetics, nitrous oxide, and oral sedation. There are many oral sedation options and medications that we have successfully utilized for over 29 years. You will always have the opportunity to discuss the available options for your child with Dr. Geshay and his dental team! Feel free to discuss these options with us to determine the best approach for comfort management during your child’s dental treatment.

Dr. Geshay utilizes Oral Conscious Sedation techniques as well as IV Sedation, in select cases, as administered by a dental anesthesiologist in his dental office.

INFANT : AGES 0 TO 2 YEARS

Why are primary teeth so important – aren’t they going to fall out anyway?

Primary teeth, sometimes called “baby teeth,” are important to your child’s health and development and should be cared for just as you would for permanent teeth. Primary teeth serve critical functions as a child learns to eat and speak. They are important for the normal growth and development of the face. In addition, they maintain space on the dental arch and guide the eruption of the permanent teeth. While some primary teeth are typically replaced around age 6, the back teeth (molars) can remain in until age 12 or 13. Without proper care, these teeth can decay and possibly cause toothaches, gum disease, and serious health problems. We now know that decay is infectious in nature and these “cavity germs” can spread through the saliva into the grooves and fissures of newly erupting permanent teeth. So, any active decay (cavity germs) must be appropriately controlled or removed for a prevention program to be effective and successful. For these reasons, primary teeth are very important and require good daily hygiene and regular professional attention, just like permanent teeth.

When will my baby start getting teeth?

Within a few months of the onset of pregnancy, the primary teeth begin forming. .So, even before a child is born it is important for mother’s to be concerned about their own dental health and diet. While it is possible to have “natal teeth,” where the baby is born with teeth already in the mouth, the primary teeth normally start to come in between 4 – 6 months of age, with the lower, center, front teeth (central incisors) coming in first. Permanent teeth start to develop under the gums around 6 months of age and begin to erupt around age 6. By age 30 – 36 months, your child should have 20 primary tooth. Eventually your child will shed these primary teeth and have up to 32 permanent teeth by their late teens to early 20’s.

Teething?

The vast majority of kids fly right through teeth eruptions with no problems, but teething can be difficult for some. Teething discomfort can be lessened by keeping your child’s gum pads clean. When the back teeth are coming in, this can cause not only discomfort, but parents report that their infant sometimes experiences fevers, blood blisters, and ear aches (which can simulate inner ear problems). To help your baby with teething, we recommend offering them a damp washcloth that has been twisted like a pretzel-rod and frozen for them to chew on. The cold reduces inflammation and the physical chewing helps the baby gently work the gums to allow the teeth to erupt. You can also use Children’s Tylenol® or Motrin® to help your child be more comfortable. There are some topical analgesics, such as PM Orabase® that are also effective, but please do NOT apply aspirin directly to gums as this can cause severe burns of the tissue. If you have any questions about teething, please call us.

About bottles and nursing at bedtime

It is important to know that nursing a baby to sleep or putting a baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice can be very bad for her teeth. When a baby sleeps, her saliva production is lessened, so the natural cleaning mechanism for the teeth is not at work. Without this saliva, your baby’s teeth become covered in the sugars from the milk or juice. These sugars feed the bad bacteria that are in the mouth, creating an acid environment that “melts away” the enamel minerals and encourages tooth decay. For this reason, we recommend cleaning your baby’s teeth with water and a soft bristled brush or washcloth before putting her down to sleep and after night feedings. If you must give something in a bottle to help her go to sleep, use plain water or a sugar-free liquid. Diluting a sugary liquid with water does little to reduce the risk of Baby Bottle Decay.

How should I clean my infant or toddler’s teeth?

Clean your infant’s or toddler’s teeth with water and a washcloth or child’s toothbrush with soft bristles. Before teeth erupt, a washcloth with water, or a product like Spiffies baby tooth wipes or CariFree xylitol wipes are helpful. Then, as the teeth erupt, begin using a child’s toothbrush. It is recommended to use a fluoride-free tooth and gum cleanser until the age of 18 to 24 months. Before age 2, it is ok to brush once each day. After 2, brush twice each day, after breakfast and before bed-time, using a fluoride-containing toothpaste with caution. But, use only a “rice-sized” smear of toothpaste between age 2 to 3. From age 3 to 5, a “peas-sized” drop of fluoride-containing toothpaste is appropriate .

Do you do early orthodontic evaluations?

Pediatric dentists are specialists with children’s dental development. Your child’s complete dental condition, including potential orthopedic (concerning the positioning of facial bones) and orthodontic (concerning the positioning of the teeth) conditions will be evaluated at every continuing care visit.

Is it a problem if my child sucks his thumb or uses a pacifier?

Orthopedic change can result from a prolonged use of thumb sucking or pacifiers, however, unless your child uses excessive force or sucks for prolonged periods of time, this is typically not an issue until age 4. Sucking is a normal reflex for infants and, and can be a great source of security to your child. . Children usually stop sucking their thumbs naturally as they get more active and begin to require both hands for their activities, like holding toys, climbing on furniture and coloring. It is important to discuss your child’s sucking habit with Dr. Geshay at the earliest opportunity. He will determine early if your child’s habit is causing deformation of the facial arch bones.

The potential for dental emergencies

We don’t call them toddlers for nothing! The typical coffee table is the perfect height for facial and mouth trauma. So, look at the layout of your furniture and think ahead about what could be a potential trauma risk to your child. We strongly recommend precautionary measures, like installing bumpers or removing items with sharp corners, as well as drawer and door knob locks, stair gates, and electrical outlet protectors to save you and your child a lot of pain and trouble. Establish a Dental Home for your child now, before something happens, and put the emergency contact number in your speed dial and next to your home phone. If your child experiences any facial trauma, please remain calm and call our office immediately.

Tooth Eruption Chart

Download the following eruption charts: (PDF files) Primary Teeth Eruption Chart & Permanent Teeth Eruption Chart

AGES 2 TO 5 YEARS

Why are primary teeth so important – aren’t they going to fall out anyway?

Primary teeth, sometimes called “baby teeth,” are important to your child’s health and development and should be cared for just as you would for permanent teeth. Primary teeth serve critical functions as a child learns to eat and speak. They are important for the normal growth and development of the face. In addition, they maintain space on the dental arch and guide the eruption of the permanent teeth. While some primary teeth are typically replaced around age 6, the back teeth (molars) can remain in until age 12 or 13. Without proper care, these teeth can decay and possibly cause toothaches, gum disease, and serious health problems. For these reasons, primary teeth are significant and require good daily hygiene and regular professional attention, just like permanent teeth.

Eruption of teeth

During this age, your child will get his final primary teeth as the second molars generally erupt around 30 to 36 months. He will then experience a lag time during which he will neither gain new teeth nor lose any teeth. Children typically begin to lose, or exfoliate, their first primary teeth around 5 1/2 to 6 years of age, but some children may begin this as early as 5 years. If you have any questions regarding your child’s tooth eruption or loss, please consult with Dr. Geshay or his staff team.

Preventing cavities and controlling dental caries

Between the ages of 2 and 5, children tend to become more independent and we recommend that parents stay diligent at controlling their child’s nutrition, snacking habits, and oral hygiene. This is the age where children often increase their snacking and drinking of sugary liquids. It is no coincidence that we see a lot of tooth decay in children who drink a lot of fruit juice. Therefore, we highly recommend that juices be limited to twice a day with meals only or the child be given plain water or flavored drinks with no sugar.

Also at this age, children tend to want to do more things by themselves; however, we strongly recommend that a parent continue to help a child brush and floss his teeth until he is 7 . A good rule of thumb is that if they can not tie his shoes, he can’t do an adequate job of brushing. Flossing begins at the age of 7.

Is it a problem if my child sucks his thumb or uses a pacifier?

Thumb-sucking and pacifier use in children younger than 3 or 4 is not considered a problem unless they suck with extreme or prolonged periods of time. Fortunately, most children usually stop this habit between the ages of 2 and 4.

Children who suck their thumbs frequently or with great intensity after the age of 3 or 4 ARE at risk for dental or speech problems. Such problems include the improper growth of the jaws, misalignment of the teeth and shape of the dental arches. A child may also develop speech problems, including mispronouncing Ts and Ds, lisping, and tongue thrusting. Questions regarding oral habits are common, so please do not hesitate to ask yours!

If you are concerned about your child’s thumb sucking or pacifier habit, talk with Dr. Geshay about your child’s dental condition, and what you can do to help your child quit their habit. A good book about thumb sucking is David Decides About Thumbsucking: A Story for Children, A Guide for Parents, by Susan P H.D. Heitler.

Early orthodontic evaluation and treatment

The ages of 2 to 5 years often present opportunities to correct many orthopedic (concerns the positioning of the facial bones) discrepancies and to allow for normal function of the jaws. The goal of most intervention at this age is to create an environment that allows for normal eruption of the 6 year molars. So, preservation of the primary dentition is extremely important in creating an environment conducive to the normal eruption of these permanent 6 year molars. Also, at this time, we can begin to assess crowding and develop strategies for managing the eruption of all permanent teeth.

The potential for dental emergencies

This is very active and adventurous time for most children. They are often climbing, jumping , and testing their limits. Please keep a watchful eye on them and help them to understand how to have fun while making good choices to avoid major injuries. We also recommend that you put our emergency number in your cell phone and next to your home phone. When you need it, you do not want to have to look for it! If your child experiences any facial trauma, please call the emergency number and consult with Dr. Geshay.

AGES 5 TO 12 YEARS

About Orthodontics

This is a time of transition from primary to permanent teeth and for reconfiguration of the jaw joint structures. We want to make sure that there are no posterior “cross-bites” or constriction of the dental arches that require an abnormal joint shift to bring the teeth together. This problem is common, and can result from digit sucking habits, breathing problems, tongue-thrusting habits or other developmental factors. We also want to assure normal eruption of the permanent molars, as they are important for the normal function of the joint.

At this time too, we want to assure proper alignment of the incisors, top and bottom, and correct alignment of the cuspids or “eye teeth.” (They can sometimes become impacted in the arch or look like fang teeth!) This is a time for rapid growth of the body and the face, and for that reason, it’s a good time to make any necessary changes in the development of the face. This is the age group of children who often begin Phase I interceptive orthodontic treatment to correct significant overbites and underbites.

At Geshay Pediatric Dentistry, we support the position of the American Association of Orthodontists that children receive a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation by age 7. The evaluation will include standard arch length measurements, registration of their bite and a panoramic radiograph study of their face. When appropriate, a consultation is scheduled to discuss any treatment recommendations.

Panoramic Radiograph

When your child’s first permanent molars erupt, we will suggest taking their first panoramic radiograph. This radiograph is critical for us to see the presence, or absence, of the permanent teeth as well as their shape and eruption pattern. We are also able to evaluate the development of the jaw joint (temporalmandibular joint) and the presence of many pathological conditions that affect the jaws. This radiograph is critical to many decisions that we make concerning your child’s restorative and orthodontic care. This radiograph should then be repeated every 5 to 6 years, as your child grows.

Preventing cavities

We recommend that parents continue to teach and reinforce good nutrition, including healthy snacking habits and good oral hygiene with their child. We strongly recommend that a parent continue to help a child to brush his teeth until he is 7. Begin nightly fluoride mouthwash rinses at 5, and begin flossing at bedtime beginning at age 7. So, parents should be actively involved in your child’s oral hygiene efforts until at least the age of 7; then supervise their efforts until the age of 12. A good rule of thumb is that if he cannot tie his shoes, he can’t do an adequate job of brushing and flossing his teeth. Continue to schedule and keep regular continuing care appointments, or dental check-ups, for your child every 6 months.

Mouth guards for sports

We are very supportive of the use of mouth guards in any contact sports, including basketball, football, soccer, and hockey. Mouth guards not only protect the teeth, but can reduce concussions, brain injuries, and injuries to the joints. A mouth guard must be comfortable and not cumbersome, so that the child will use it. If you have trouble finding one to fit, or deciding on the best choice for your child, we can make an appropriate suggestion or even make a custom one for your child.

Chewing gum

We encourage the use of sugarless gum to help prevent tooth decay! Sugarless gum can actually clean the biting surfaces of the molars and stimulate saliva production. This brings minerals to the surface and helps the teeth heal. Keep in mind that gum with sugar is very bad for the teeth.

Sealing out decay

Sealants are used to protect the decay-prone areas (grooves, pits and fissures) of the back teeth, and are possibly the best preventive care measures that we can provide your child. Studies show that sealants can reduce caries in these permanent teeth by 70 – 80%. Sealants are easily applied and are quite durable, so ask Dr. Geshay or his staff team if your child can benefit from sealants. Ideally, we recommend protective non-invasive sealants for permanent 6 and 12 year molars. In patients with a high risk of decay, it is a good practice to also seal the permanent premolars.

AGES 12 TO 17 YEARS

Preventing Caries

We see a great frequency of dental caries in teenagers due to the availability of soft drinks and sports drinks in school. Sports drinks are good to use following athletics to replenish fluids, but regular and indiscriminate use bathes the teeth in sugar and acid and leads to decay. We recommend a switch to flavored waters or plain water to give the teeth a break from the sugar-producing acid and provide a chance for them to re-mineralize and heal (see the section on “What is Dental Caries” for more information on re-mineralization.)

Sealing out decay

Sealants can be used to protect the decay-prone areas of the back teeth, and are possibly the best preventive care measures that we can provide. Studies show that sealants can reduce caries in these teeth by 70-80%. If a teenager has never had decay, we may not suggest sealing his teeth – particularly if he brushes and flosses well and has a healthy diet. However, if a teenager has had a history of cavities, sealants are strongly recommended. Sealing can be an effective preventive measure, but are always considered on a patient-by-patient basis.

Teeth grinding

Talk with the dentist if your teenager is grinding her teeth. At this age, teeth grinding can lead to jaw joint problems from the stress of overworking the jaw muscles. Many times, this problem can be resolved through appropriate orthodontic care. Otherwise, a custom made mouth guard can be made to allow the muscles to rest at night, reducing the pain, and protecting the teeth and jaw joint.

Mouth guards for sports

Chewing gum

Tobacco use

Most parents and teenagers are aware that smoking cigarettes is bad for their health, can damage their mouth and lungs, and stain their teeth. It is also important to note that smokeless tobacco is especially dangerous because the nicotine is absorbed directly through the gums. Studies show the incidence of cancer of the mouth increases as a direct result of its use. It is important to understand that tobacco in any form is very detrimental to oral health, and we strongly advise against its use.

Tongue Piercing

There has been an upsurge in the amount of teenagers getting tongue piercings. Teenagers often view these piercings as a harmless expression of their growing individuality. Oftentimes, parents allow teens to pierce their tongues because later the metal bar can be removed. In addition, tongue bars are not as visually apparent as a tattoo or eyebrow piercing . Unfortunately, tongue piercings can have a serious (even deadly) impact on health. Pediatric dentists routinely advise adolescents to avoid intraoral or perioral piercings for a number of good reasons.

Why is tongue piercing harmful?

First, there are a growing number of unlicensed piercing parlors in throughout the country. Such parlors have been recognized as potential transmission vectors for tetanus, tuberculosis, and most commonly, hepatitis. Second, a great number of painful conditions can result from getting a tongue piercing – even in a licensed parlor. These conditions include:

Bacterial infections
Blood clots
Blood poisoning
Brain abscess
Chronic pain
Damaged nerves (trigeminal neuralgia)
Fractured/cracked teeth
Heart infections
Hypersensitivity reactions (to the metal bar)
Periodontal disease/gum recession
Problems enunciating
Scarring

What are the most common tongue piercing problems?

To pierce a tongue, the body piercer must first hold it steady with a clamp. Next, a hollowed, pointed metal needle is driven through the tongue. Finally, the piercer attaches the tongue bar to the bottom end of the needle, and then drags it upwards through the tongue. Two metal screw-on balls are then used to secure the tongue bar. Most commonly, severe pain and swelling are experienced for several days after the piercing episode. Moreover, the new holes in the tongue are especially infection-prone, because the oral cavity is home to many bacteria colonies. In the medium term, saliva production may increase as the body responds to a completely unnatural entity in the mouth.

Are there long-term problems associated with tongue piercing?

Long-term problems with tongue piercings are very common. The screw-on balls constantly scrape against tooth enamel, making teeth susceptible to decay and gums susceptible to periodontal disease. Soft tissue can also become infected in specific areas, as the tongue bar continues to rub against it. If the tongue bar is inappropriately long, it can get tangled around the tongue or teeth. In a similar way to an earring getting ripped out of the ear, a tongue bar can be ripped out of the tongue. This is extremely painful, as well as difficult to repair. In sum, the American Dental Association (ADA) advises against any type of oral piercing, and so does the pediatric dentist.

If you are a concerned parent, or would like the pediatric dentist to speak with your teen about tongue piercing, please contact our office.

Tooth Whitener

Many teenagers are concerned with personal appearance and having healthy white teeth can boost their self esteem. While excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups are the best way to a beautiful smile, some teenagers may want to try whitening their teeth for extra dazzle. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can be safe and effective, but consult with Dr. Geshay or his staff team prior to using them to be sure. For a faster, safer and more effective result, we can provide cosmetic teeth whitening with custom trays; or best, the ZOOM Whitening System. With this process, a chemical reaction occurs within the tooth to produce fast and stable results. We can provide you with an instruction sheet comparing the various whitening option available in our office. Talk with Dr. Geshay if your teenager is interested in this process. Note, we generally do not recommend whitening until at least the age of 13.

Bad breath

Many teenagers are concerned with bad breath. Our advice for this problem is to adequately brush your teeth and gums, palate and tongue, and floss every day. A tongue rake has been found to be most effective in reducing dental caused odors. Also, we have found that Crest Pro-Health™ toothpaste has been shown to be very effective in reducing bacteria and can improve the breath. Colgate Total™ toothpaste is another good option. We do not recommend that children or teenagers use alcohol-based mouth rinses.

It is important to note that if your teenager has allergies, asthma, or sinus infections, he will often have secondary halitosis that can’t be brushed or rinsed away. In these cases we recommend seeing your child’s doctor to address the primary cause.

Click here for more pediatric information : http://www.aapd.org/pediatricinformation/faq.asp

FAQ’s

General Information for all ages

Infant 0 – 2 years

Age 2 – 5 years

Age 5 – 12 years

Age 12 – 17 years