Childrens Teeth - Queries and Information Page
Q
What is your opinion of the removal of infant canine in order to minimize
crowding of incoming adult teeth? The child is eight years old.
A
I do this quite routinely - and it works very well and helps future treatment by braces (if required)
Of course it depends on the individual case, but when indicated it is worth doing.
Q
My 8 year old son broke one of his front teeth this evening (bicycle crash):
1. What can be done to repair a broken tooth ?
(We have kept the broken piece in milk in the fridge)
2. Can the piece be stuck back on ?
A
The broken piece can't be put back on effectively, but don't worry because
modern 'white' filling materials are very good and can effect 'invisible'
repairs. Watch out in case the nerve inside dies off - if that happens the tooth may
darken and need 'bleaching' or a veneer covering, after the tooth has been
root treated. This does not happen in all cases .
If a tooth is knocked right out - put it back into the hole right away. Do
not handle it too much and avoid touching the root end if possible. A
tetanus injection may be necessary.
Q
Can a pacifier cause buck teeth on a 2-1/2 year old?
A
Yes, excessive use of a pacifier ('dummy') can cause malposition of the teeth and / or the growing
upper jaw. As soon as possible ween your child off it - normally the lip muscles will make the necessary
corrections and a brace may not be necessary later.
Q
My 5 year old daughter recently had a dental checkup. Her teeth were fine, but our
dentist suggested that her teeth be treated with a dental sealant. Is this common practice now? Is it worth
having it done to teeth that are (most of them) going to fall out soon? How do sealants work? Any
additional insight would be appreciated.
A
Your daughter will have most of her baby teeth ( except the front ones ) until she is about 12 years old -
hence it is a good idea to seal them if she is at risk from decay - low fluoride area, lots of sweeties, poor
brushing etc. It is a plastic layer that is laminated into the natural cracks on the biting surface of the teeth
( the area most at risk ). It is of most benefit on the permanent teeth that begin to appear at age 6 years.
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