Patient Education

Not all teeth are shaped alike. Each type has a different job, and knowing the differences helps you understand your child's smile as it grows. The four types of teeth Incisors: the eight flat front teeth that cut food. Canines: the four pointed teeth next to the incisors that tear food. Premolars (bicuspids): eight teeth behind the canines that crush and tear. They are found only in the permanent set. Molars: the large back teeth that grind food. Baby teeth versus permanent

Gum disease isn't only an adult problem. Children and teens can develop gingivitis, the early and reversible stage, and catching it early protects their smile. Signs of gum problems Red, puffy or tender gums. Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. Persistent bad breath. What causes gum disease in kids? The most common cause is plaque that builds up along the gumline when brushing and flossing are missed. Hormonal changes during puberty can make gums more sensitive, braces

Your child's bite, also called occlusion, describes how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Spotting bite problems early can make treatment simpler and more comfortable. What is a normal bite? In a healthy bite, the upper front teeth sit slightly in front of the lower front teeth, and the molars fit together so the chewing surfaces meet evenly. Common bite problems Overbite: the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. Underbite: the lower teeth sit in front of

Cavities are among the most common childhood conditions, yet they are largely preventable. These everyday habits make the biggest difference. Seven habits that protect your child's teeth Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily once teeth touch. Make water the main drink between meals, especially water with fluoride. Limit sugary and sticky snacks and drinks, and keep them to mealtimes rather than all-day grazing. Ask about dental sealants, thin

The teen years bring new challenges for oral health: busy schedules, more independence, sugary drinks, braces, sports and wisdom teeth. Here is how to keep your teen's smile healthy. Keep daily habits consistent Teens should brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. With braces, cleaning takes more time. Special brushes and floss threaders help reach around brackets and wires. Watch what they drink Soda, energy drinks and sports drinks are sugary and acidic, and they

Sucking on a thumb, finger or pacifier is a natural way for babies and toddlers to feel secure. For most children it is nothing to worry about, but habits that last too long can affect the teeth and jaws. Is digit sucking normal? Yes. Many babies suck their thumbs before they are even born, and most children give up the habit on their own between ages two and four. When it can become a problem Concern grows if the habit continues once permanent teeth begin to come in, usually

Early childhood tooth decay is cavities in the baby teeth of young children. It is one of the most common childhood health problems, but it is largely preventable. What causes it? Decay happens when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acid that wears away tooth enamel. The risk rises when teeth are exposed to sugar again and again, such as from a bottle or sippy cup of milk, juice or sweet drinks sipped through the day or at bedtime, or from frequent snacking. Wa

Brushing well twice a day is the most effective habit for keeping your child's teeth healthy. Here is how to do it right at every age. How much toothpaste to use Under age 3: a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Ages 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount. Teach your child to spit out the foam rather than swallow it. Step-by-step brushing Use a soft-bristled brush with a small head. Angle the bristles toward the gumline and use gentle, short strokes. Brush e

Watching your child's first tooth appear, and later watching baby teeth fall out, are big milestones. Here is what to expect and how to keep your child comfortable along the way. A general tooth eruption timeline Around 6 months: the first baby teeth, usually the lower front teeth, begin to appear. By about age 3: most children have all 20 baby teeth. Around age 6: the first permanent molars and lower front teeth arrive, and baby teeth start to loosen. Ages 6 to 12: baby teet

Healthy teeth start long before the first tooth appears. Gentle daily habits in the first months protect your baby's gums, prepare them for brushing, and lower the risk of early cavities. Cleaning your newborn's gums After feedings, wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth or a piece of gauze. This removes leftover milk or formula and gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned. When the first tooth arrives Once the first tooth erupts, usually around six month