6 Ways to Ease Your Child’s Anxiety at The Dentist

"It's time to go to the dentist," are seven words no adult or child wants to hear. While these are not words most people like to hear they are words you need to hear if you care about your smile. Sadly, many children are terrified by even the thought of going to the dentist. May officials have often encouraged the use of sedation dentistry even amongst small kids to help them deal with the nerves associated with visiting the dentist which has led to a widespread debate on if children should be allowed to take in such drug. Despite the debate one thing remains in order to keep healthy teeth your children must go to the dentist here are just a few ways you can help calm your toddler when it's time to go to the dentist:

Speak Positive Words

When it comes to going to the dentist it is terrifying for both children and adults. In order to eliminate anxiety before going to the dentist it is important that you let your child know that the visit will be an exciting one versus telling them they should be afraid.

Embrace Brushing Teeth at Home

It is recommended that you begin brushing your child's teeth once they start growing in. This not only encourages overall healthy teeth but it also helps children get used to having something on their teeth so that they are not paralyzed by fear when their first trip to the dentist arrives.

Start with a Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists specialize in only children's teeth which may be the best bet for your little one as they get used to visiting the dentist. Not only is a pediatric dentist an expert in pediatric tooth care but he is also an expert in making sure your child does not have a full blown while getting take care of.

Play Pretend

Kids love playing pretend and using it as a tactic in overcoming fear will make playing pretend so much better. Set up a play date a few days before your child visits the dentist and have his or her room set up like a dentist office. Pretend to be the dentist and let them be the patient as you explore their teeth and gums. Your child is sure to love this game and most of all you are prepping them for their visits in a few days.

Don't Bribe Your Child

When taking your child to the dentist the last thing you want to do is bribe your child with things such as candy or other sweet treats. Bribing your child with sweets would be counterintuitive to what the dentists does for the teeth. It is best to simply calm your child's nerves. If you must bribe your child bribe them with stickers and or other fun activities.

Avoid Words that Promote Fear

Using the words "pain." "shot" or even "doctor" can be frightening for small children so try not to let your child know that they are going to see a doctor. Instead, share with them that they are going to see someone who cares about how strong their teeth and gums are. Using less fearful words could also help with decreasing anxiety.

By: Stephanie R. Caudle
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephanie-r-caudle/6-ways-to-ease-your-child_b_11549086.html

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811

Tips For Oral Hygiene

A better, more confident you begins every morning and ends every evening if you stick with a consistent oral hygiene routine. This, in addition to regular dentist office visits, helps develop not only strong teeth and gums, but also overall good health. You'll feel good, look great, avoid unnecessary bills, and experience an improvement in many of your day-to-day social interactions. It's easy once you understand the basic routines required to maintain good dental hygiene. Get started with some basic dental education and a thorough awareness of the steps that should and should not be taken toward great, long-term oral health.

Oral hygiene benefits

Daily cleaning of your teeth, gums, and tongue, combined with annual check-ups helps ward off harmful bacteria and microbes that may cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, and oral infections. Proper oral hygiene is also important in helping you stay healthy, especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes and heart problems. Plus, oral hygiene elevates your sense of self-esteem. This is especially true for teenagers and adults who frequently interact with others at work or in social situations. Maintaining proper oral hygiene ensures that you won’t experience embarrassing conditions, such as plaque, tartar, and bad breath. It also lowers the need to treat dental problems that could otherwise be inexpensively prevented. For example, according to Kaiser Health News reports, dental costs make up approximately 20 percent of a child’s total health care expenses, and the costs are escalating rapidly.

Oral hygiene for kids

Enforcing good oral hygiene habits early in a child’s life is essential for his overall well-being. According to a 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of cavities in children between the ages of two and five has escalated by 15 percent. Proper oral hygiene habits must start as early as the child begins to bottle feed. This is when babies are prone to tooth decay if they are given a bottle filled with sugary liquids, like milk or juice, when put to bed. While baby teeth should be cleaned using a washcloth, young babies should eventually have their teeth and tongues brushed using soft brushes. It is important for parents to teach children the proper way to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, to take them for regular dental check-ups, and to serve foods that will help strengthen teeth. These include milk, cheese, and vegetables.

Oral hygiene for adults

Many adults experience significant dental problems that could be prevented through basic oral hygiene practices, like regular dentist appointments. For example, in 2009 alone, CDC data indicated that only 62 percent of adults surveyed had visited the dentist. To maintain optimal oral health, adults should brush their teeth at least twice a day, preferably after each meal and before going to bed. Flossing is also an essential part of an adult’s daily oral hygiene regimen. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent unpleasant conditions, such as plaque and bad odor. However, over-brushing or flossing may result in mouth bruises and bleeding, which can lead to infections. Adults should visit their dentist regularly for routine check-ups and before using over-the-counter medication.

Oral hygiene facts

Poor oral hygiene can increase your chances of developing heart disease. Professional teeth cleanings will reduce the bacteria that cause inflammation and eventually lead to heart disease (Veterans General Hospital in Taipei).
According to the American Dental Hygienists Association:

• A major cause of tooth loss in children is cavities; while periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
• Eating healthy snacks such as celery, carrots, or apples help clear away food loosely trapped in-between teeth.
• The leading oral health problem for infants is baby bottle tooth decay, which can be caused when babies are given a bottle filled with sugary liquids, like milk or juice, when put to bed.

Oral hygiene statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Roughly 78 percent of Americans have had at least one cavity by age 17.
• 80 percent of the U.S. population has some form of periodontal (gum) disease.
• In 2007, Americans made about 500 million visits to dentists and spent an estimated $98.6 billion on dental services.
• Between 2005-2008, 16 percent of children ages 6-19 and 23 percent of adults 20-64 had untreated cavities.
• Dental fluorosis (overexposure to fluoride) is higher in adolescents than in adults and highest among those aged 12–15.
• Most adults show signs of periodontal or gingival diseases. Severe periodontal disease affects approximately 14 percent of adults aged 45-54.
• 23 percent of 65-74 year olds have severe periodontal disease
• Men are more likely than women to have more severe dental diseases.
• Oral cancer occurs twice as frequently in men as women.
• Three out of four patients don’t change their toothbrush as often as is recommended. Toothbrushes should be changed every two to three months and after illnesses.

Oral hygiene greatly affects overall long-term health, and promotes a more confident you. When it comes to dental care, prevention through daily cleaning and regular visits to the dentist’s office is better not only for your health, but for your budget. That's why it's important for parents to play a key role in reinforcing smart oral hygiene habits. Kids are likely to follow in the footsteps of those who set positive examples and will carry those healthy habits through their own adult lives. Remember, whatever your age, it’s never too late to take a serious stand in keeping your teeth healthy and your smile confident.

Source: Humana
https://www.humana.com/learning-center/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-living/tips-for-oral-hygiene
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If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive:  (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road:  (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon:  (512) 445-5811

Back to School Means It's Time for a Dental Checkup

Some states have gone to great lengths to ensure that children start out the school year on the right foot.

In Illinois, for example, children entering kindergarten, second and sixth grade must have a dental examination performed by a dentist before the end of the previous school year or provide proof that one is scheduled.

"Dental examinations are needed during second and sixth grades as the back teeth, or molars, usually erupt during this time," said Dr. Darryll Beard, president of the Illinois State Dental Society. "This allows your dentist the opportunity to apply dental sealants to these teeth to help prevent future decay."

The Illinois state law requires compliance from students in all public, private and parochial schools. If the child has had a recent dental examination, or one completed within the 18 months of the end of the school year, the requirement has been fulfilled.

"With the undeniable link between oral health and overall health, children will have a much better school year with less absenteeism and more confidence if dental issues are regularly addressed," said Dr. Beard.

The beginning of the school year is an appropriate time for dentists to remind parents and caregivers about some of the risks associated with tooth decay and ways to prevent it.

Decay is on the rise in some children, and many dentists believe that diet and overconsumption of soft drinks are to blame. Allowing children to sip on sugary snacks and drinks for prolonged periods of time can increase the risk of decay.

During a professional cleaning and oral exam, the dentist removes plaque bacteria from teeth to help fix early decay. Dentists can also advise parents about effective preventive measures for children's teeth, such as the use of sealants and fluoride, and brushing and flossing techniques, as well as mouthguards for any sport or activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.

For more information about dental health, visit ADA.org.
Colgate Care Center
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/childrens-oral-care/article/oral-health-tips-for-summer-0714

_________________________________________________________________________________
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive:  (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road:  (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon:  (512) 445-5811

Seal the Deal: Everything You Need To Know About Sealants

What are dental sealants?  

Dental sealants represent one of the greatest advances in modern dentistry. Unfortunately, too many children do not receive the protective benefits of dental sealants. Dental sealants are clear protective coatings that are easily applied; they cover the tooth surface, preventing bacteria and food particles from settling into the pits and fissures (grooves) of the teeth. It is a thin coat of plastic that is painted on the surface of teeth, usually the premolars and molars in order to prevent caries.

Decay on back teeth, premolars, and molars usually begins in the grooves and fissures that normally exist on the biting surfaces of the back teeth.  Dental sealants, available since the 1960s, are clear plastic coatings that can be placed on the biting and grinding surfaces of posterior teeth.  These sealants prevent the formation of decay on the treated surfaces.  Sealants can even be placed of teeth with small areas of decay known as incipient carious lesions.  The sealants will stop the customary progress of tooth destruction.  

Effectiveness
It can remain on the tooth from 3 to more than 20 years, depending on the tooth, type of sealant used, and the eating habits of the patient.  It can only be placed on teeth that have not been previously restored.
It is well known that the use of fluoride increases the resistance of enamel to decay. Unfortunately, the pits and fissures of the teeth do not benefit from the effects of fluoride as greatly as smooth enamel surfaces do. Scientific studies have proved that properly placed dental sealants are 100% effective in protecting development of cavities in sealed tooth surfaces. 

Why sealants are necessary
The narrow width and uneven depth of pits and fissures make them ideal places for the accumulation of food and acid-producing bacteria. Saliva, which helps to remove food particles from other areas of the mouth, cannot clean deep pits and fissures. Pits and fissures on the teeth are so tiny that even a single toothbrush bristle is too large to enter for cleaning purposes. Another difficulty associated with deep pits and fissures is that the enamel that lies at the base of the fissures is thinner than the enamel around the rest of the tooth. This means that not only can deep narrow fissures make it more likely that tooth decay will occur, but any decay that does form will penetrate through the thin enamel and progress more quickly into the pulp.

We, at this office, are dedicated to the prevention of oral disease.  It is clear that if the initial decay is prevented from beginning or is small enough to use a sealant, there is a great savings in time, money, discomfort, and tooth structure.  Decayed teeth must have the decay removed by drilling, then they must be filled.  This drill and fill may have to be done several times over the patient's lifetime as the filling ages and needs replacement.  We strongly suggest that patients who have teeth that can be successfully protected with a sealant material consider having this procedure performed as soon as possible.

How sealants work
The sealant acts as a physical barrier that prevents decay. Small food particles and plaque (bacteria) cannot penetrate through or around a sealant. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth is protected. However, if part of the sealant or bond is broken, the sealant protection is lost. 

A study completed in 1991 found that one application of sealant reduced biting surface decay 52% over a 15-year period.  Another study, completed in 1990, showed that decay on biting surfaces could be reduced 95% over 10 years if 2% to 4% of the sealants were routinely repaired each year.  We expect sealants to last many years. After a sealant is applied it can last up to ten years, however regular check-ups are recommended since they can chip or wear off. Replacing or repairing sealants, as needed, on an ongoing basis will give the best protection. 

A sealant is not meant as a substitute for proper brushing and flossing habits. The effectiveness of the sealant is reduced if oral self-care is neglected. Also, cavities can still form on untreated surfaces. Therefore, a topical fluoride treatment remains an essential and necessary preventative aid.

Application of sealants
The sealant is placed on the tooth through a chemical/mechanical bonding procedure.  There is not drilling or local anesthesia required for the sealant application procedure.  It is entirely painless.

Problems with sealants
On occasion, teeth with very small initial carious lesions may be inadvertently sealed, or some bacteria may remain beneath the sealant. It was one believed that if this were to occur, decay would develop under the sealant. However, numerous studies have shown that this does not occur. Bacteria cannot survive beneath a properly placed sealant because the carbohydrates that they need to survive cannot reach them. Studies have shown that the number of bacteria in small, existing carious lesions that had been sealed actually decreased dramatically over time. The most important factor is that the sealant must be properly placed.

When sealants are used
Sealants are used primarily on children, but in certain circumstances, adults also can benefit from their use. Children and teenagers are the best candidates for sealants. Children are prone to caries from age 6-14 and applying a sealant as soon as a child’s permanent molars and premolars erupt can be a great way to protect your child from tooth decay. Some maxillary central and lateral incisors may have deep pits that could be protected by sealants. Sealants are indicated for teeth with deep pits and fissures, preferably in recently erupted teeth (i.e., within previous 4 years). Sealants should be used as part of a prevention program that includes the use of fluorides, dietary considerations, plaque control, and regular dental examinations.

We especially advise that children have the sealant applied to their teeth as soon as the teeth break through the gum and the biting surfaces of the teeth are no longer covered with gum tissue.  If the teeth cannot be totally isolated from the moisture in the mouth during the bonding process, it is likely that the sealant will not remain on the tooth for as long a period of time as expected.  The sealant is most often applied to permanent teeth, but sometimes a situation arises in which it would be beneficial to have the sealant applied to a primary tooth.

In both 1984 and 1994, sealants have been recommended by the U.S. Public Health Services and Surgeon General of the United States, among others. We know that sealants are one of the most important treatments available for prevention of dental decay.

If you have any questions about sealants, please feel free to ask us.