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How to Avoid Dental Issues from Prolonged Pacifier Use

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, General, Pediatric Dentistry, Uncategorized.

Often times during infancy, a pacifier may be the only thing keeping you sane. Infants can benefit from a pacifier early on (0-12 months) to help them self soothe before and during sleep. It is important to understand, however, that little ones should be weaned from their pacifiers as soon as possible in order to avoid bite problems and other oral issues (sometimes referred to as pacifier teeth). The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends children should stop using a pacifier by age 2. This brief guide features key information about the dental problems that can occur from excessive and prolonged pacifier use and helpful tips to prevent them. 

 

What are the signs of pacifier teeth?

 

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), there are several possible indicators that a child is developing pacifier teeth. These include teeth that are growing in crooked, an irregular bite such as an overbite or underbite, noticeably protruding front teeth, changes to tooth position and jaw alignment and modifications to the roof of the mouth. Often parents may notice the existence of pacifier teeth and/or other oral issues, not realizing they may be related to pacifier usage. It is very important to schedule regular checkups with a dental professional so these problems are recognized and addressed. 

Pacifier versus thumb-sucking? 

 

The AAPD does encourage infant pacifier usage over thumb sucking as a pacifier is easier to control when the time comes to discourage the habit, although both will cause oral issues if usage is prolonged. And pacifiers certainly do have their benefits. For infants who need extra soothing, pacifiers provide the perfect comfort and reassurance. Pacifiers can also help with pain management, reduce the risk of SIDS (according to the American Academy of Family Physicians) and can help shorten hospital stays for premature babies by teaching tube-fed infants how to use a bottle. Although there are several positives to using a pacifier, it is strongly encouraged to wean your child from the pacifier by age 2 in order to avoid the above-mentioned dental problems and possible orthodontic correction. 

How do I break the pacifier habit? 


Praise and encouragement are the best ways to discourage a pacifier habit. Praise your baby or toddler when a pacifier is not used, and provide a reward such as a star chart or a tooth-friendly prize for each night that goes by pacifier-free. Avoid stressful situations as much as possible if a pacifier is used to cope when your child is anxious or uncertain. More importantly, don’t punish or scold your child for using a pacifier; this may encourage its usage even more. Continue to carefully care for your baby’s teeth and gums, wiping gums after each infant feeding and brushing teeth twice a day.

 

If you are concerned that your child may be developing pacifier teeth or other dental issues, schedule an appointment today with one of our pediatric dentists at Lindner Dental Associates. Our professionals will assure their young patients’ teeth are coming in properly and can provide parents and caregivers with helpful tips to avoid problems caused by prolonged pacifier usage. Contact us online or call today (603)624-3900!

 

Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental crowns, General, News, Orthodontics, Uncategorized.

Dental crowns serve many purposes and can be a reasonable and simple alternative to other dental procedures.  But what is a dental crown and why would you ever need one?

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over the tooth to cover it. The crown fully encases the visible part of the tooth. The main purpose of a crown is to strengthen a weakened tooth or improve its appearance. Crowns can be made from several types of materials which can often be colored to mimic your natural teeth. Your dentist will consider several factors before deciding on the material used such as the location and color of the tooth, its function, and the position of the gum tissue.

Why is it needed?

      You may need a crown if you:

  • have a large cavity that a filling cannot fix (at least half the width of the tooth)
  • need a restored tooth strengthened from a root canal procedure 
  • have a worn tooth that needs to be capped from excessive grinding 
  • need to secure a dental bridge in place
  • need to strengthen and protect a cracked tooth 
  • want to enhance your smile by covering a misshapen or discolored tooth.

What are the benefits of getting a dental crown?

There are several benefits to having a dental crown placed. Crowns that correctly fit over your tooth can be long-lasting and beautiful when properly cared for, making them a reasonable and financially practical choice. Crowns can secure together cracked teeth which can prevent or prolong extractions. They can also relieve uncomfortable symptoms that are experienced when using the damaged tooth by providing chewing support.

Will I have crown sensitivity?

Crown sensitivity is very common for about 1-2 weeks and usually diminishes over time. Sensitivity depends on several factors such as depth of decay and the severity of tooth fracture. Typically, patients are sensitive to hot and cold liquids/foods as well as minor gum tenderness. If your crown was placed too high, you may experience pain when you bite that lasts longer than the average 1-2 weeks. This can be fixed relatively easily with a simple adjustment by your dentist.  Sometimes sensitivities can be caused by surrounding teeth rather than the crown itself. 

It is important to have your dentist check all your teeth prior to and after crown placement to make sure this is not the case.

 

Further questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our General Dentists, specializing in Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry at Lindner Dental Associates, and find out what is the best crown option for you! 

Parents’ Guide to Baby Teeth

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, General, Infant Dental Care, News, Oral Hygiene, Orthodontics, Uncategorized.

Children’s smiles certainly light up a room, but it is not uncommon to notice imperfections in those mouths! Don’t be alarmed, baby teeth come in all sizes, shapes, and slants. They are a critical component of every child’s development and more often than not there are logical reasons why baby teeth form the way they do. Check out this guide to common toddler teeth concerns.

Spaced Out Teeth

Since baby teeth are small and less numerous than adult teeth, it is common for your child to have gaps between them. Toddlers only have 20 primary baby teeth while adults have 28 to 32. It is normal and actually healthy for kids to have spaces between their baby teeth. Parents may be concerned that their child’s teeth will remain gapped throughout adulthood. But, as soon as those pearly whites fall out, adult teeth will come into place having plenty of room to fill in those gaps nicely. Think of the spaces between your child’s teeth as placeholders for the bigger and stronger permanent teeth that will be coming in between age 6-12.

Crowded Teeth

Overcrowding in the mouth is common and can be caused by many different factors including thumb sucking, irregular tooth size, cleft lip or palate, jaw injury, or extra teeth. Indications of overcrowding could include an adult tooth erupting before baby teeth fall out or a permanent tooth growing in crooked.  Overcrowding can be treated in several ways, many times with simple intervention if treatment is started early. Early intervention may reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment later in life. Depending on the severity of the overcrowding, a longer course of action may be necessary. Regardless of the suggested treatment, it is important that the underlying cause of overcrowding is addressed. Ensuring your children’s teeth and supporting bones stay healthy, will help enhance the durability and longevity of all their teeth. Remember, always be diligent about brushing and flossing as cavities and gum disease are more prone to occur in crowded mouths.

Crooked Teeth 

Crooked baby teeth are common and not cause for immediate concern. Toddlers with crooked baby teeth won’t necessarily have their permanent teeth grow in crooked. A baby’s jaw changes excessively during the early years of life, and permanent teeth tend to grow in differently than baby teeth. The most important thing to do is focus on excellent infant oral care by making sure their teeth are being cleaned after feedings to prevent cavities. Babies should be seen at age 1 for their first dental visit to establish a dental home.

 

Discolored Teeth 

If your child’s teeth seem to appear discolored, make sure you and your child are brushing twice a day and after sugary snacks or drinks. The enamel of baby teeth is thinner than that of adult teeth, and it is much easier for plaque to accumulate. Keep in mind that baby teeth are whiter than adult teeth so when adult teeth begin to come in, the side by side comparison of the two can appear more pronounced.

 

It’s important to start your child off with a comprehensive oral hygiene routine including dental visits from one year of age. From infant to teen, there are steps you and your dentist can take to ensure your child will continue on a path of successful oral health. 

 

If you have any questions or want to book an appointment with one of our board-certified pediatric dentists at Lindner Dental Associates, please call us at 603-624-3900!

Do I Have a Bite Problem?

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, Braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, General, Orthodontics, Uncategorized, Wisdom Teeth.

As the weather warms up and we dust off the grill, we look forward to summer BBQs and grilled corn on the cob.  Ever thought about how we chew these delicious treats?

 

Occlusion is a fancy word to describe the way in which your upper and lower teeth come together when you are chewing. If your bite doesn’t fit together properly, we call it a “malocclusion.”  There are 5 major categories of malocclusion or bite problems that we commonly see in children and adults. At Lindner, we work with patients to “take a bite” out of each of these orthodontic issues before they get worse!

Crossbite

 

A crossbite is where the upper teeth fit inside or behind the lower teeth.  This may be caused by misalignment of teeth, crowding, or a discrepancy in the size of the upper and lower jaw bones.  Possible consequences of this if not corrected are: wearing down of the outer layer of tooth enamel, and shifting the jaw to one side in order to “find your bite.”  Repetitive shifting to one side can eventually lead to asymmetrical jaw growth and TMJ problems.

 

Open bite

 

All of the upper and lower teeth should have contact when you bite together. There should even be some overlap of the front teeth when the back teeth are touching.  If the teeth do not overlap in the front, we call that an anterior open bite. This may be caused by habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, or sometimes it is due to a jaw growth discrepancy.  If the open bite is not corrected, this may lead to excessive enamel wear on the teeth that are in contact. It may be difficult to bite into certain foods, like an apple or a sandwich with an open bite.

Deep bite

 

When the bite is closed, the upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much.  A deep bite is often associated with increased enamel wear on the lower front teeth due to excessive contact.  If severe, the upper teeth may be rubbing against the lower gums and cause gum recession of the lower teeth. Sometimes the lower teeth can pinch the roof of the mouth, leading to swelling and irritation.

Protrusion

 

The protrusion is another way to describe the upper teeth that are too far forward or stick out.  This may be due to the position of the upper jaw, the angulation of the teeth, or a combination of both. Sometimes this may be associated with a prior habit like thumb sucking. If not corrected, the upper teeth may be more prone to injury during a fall.  If severe, it can also be uncomfortable to fully close the mouth and lips around the teeth leading to dry mouth and increased susceptibility to cavities.

Crowding

 

If the teeth are larger in size than the amount of space available for them we see crowding.  Crowding results in teeth that are overlapping, rotated or crooked. Excess crowding can make it difficult to clean in between the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

 

Many of these problems will not correct themselves, and if left untreated can get worse over time. Many times, bite problems are best treated in a child who is still growing. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy bite where the teeth line up and the bite forces are distributed evenly throughout the mouth. If you have concerns about your bite, call at 603.624.3900 or contact online to schedule a free consultation with one of our friendly orthodontists at Lindner Dental Associates.

 

How Parents Can Prepare for Common Dental Emergencies

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, General, Uncategorized.

Life is full of discoveries, especially when you’re growing up. Children tend to be active adventure-seekers, but sometimes their fun and risky experiences result in accidents, such as dental injuries. As parents, we wish to avoid any traumas involving our kids. Some dental emergencies you can’t be ready for, but some of them you can try to prepare for and even avoid with our tips.

Knocked Out Tooth

This is a very time-sensitive issue: if your kid’s permanent tooth gets knocked out – see your dentist immediately! If you are able to find the fallen out tooth in the first place, try to preserve it. Handle it by the crown and rinse carefully only if it is dirty. While you’re on the way to the dentist, keep the tooth in a container filled with the child’s saliva or milk – do not use water! The best option if you are able to, is to replace the tooth where it came from. Hold it in place with a washcloth and see your dentist immediately!

Fractured Tooth

Accidents can happen when you least expect them. Sometimes, kids play rough and the teeth bear the brunt of their actions. If your child fractures a tooth call your dentist right away. The earlier we check the affected tooth, the greater the chances we’ll avoid any complications or infections. If it’s a possibility, try to find the chipped fragment and bring it to the dental office, in milk, for the doctor to take a look at. If not, don’t worry: a chipped tooth can be fixed with a crown.

How to Prepare:

Very often, fractured tooth injuries happen as a result of a sports injury. Invest in a mouthguard for your kid if they are into any kind of contact sports.

An ongoing Toothache

A spontaneous toothache can be soothed with this simple method: a warm water rinse can actually ease the pain. If your child’s toothache persists – it might indicate the symptoms of a more serious issue and needs to be examined by a dental professional. If the same tooth hurts for more than a few days, make an appointment at Lindner Dental Associates as soon as possible.

How to Prepare:

The majority of toothaches are originated from the imperfect oral care routine. Make sure your kid brushes their teeth for two minutes twice a day and flosses as recommended by your family dentist – once a day.  

If your child has a dental emergency, it’s important to call your dentist to prevent further complications. Contact Lindner Dental Associates by calling 603-944-9196! Our pediatric dentists have extensive experience getting kids’ smiles back in working order.

Why are Mouth-guards Important?

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, General, Uncategorized.

If you or your children participate in some sort of contact sport, then you should always be wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards can help protect you in many ways and although they are just small, rubber devices, they can have a big impact on your health and safety while participating in sports.

Dental Injuries

Collisions that happen in contact sports like football and hockey, and even incidental contact that can happen in non-contact sports, can cause serious injuries to the mouth and surrounding area. Broken teeth, fractured jaws, and lip and cheek lacerations are just some of the unfortunate injuries that can occur in these types of brutal collisions. Although these collisions may not be avoidable at times, the injuries can be!

Mouthguards

Mouthguards are small mouth shaped products made of rubber materials. Mouthguards are specifically shaped to an individuals mouth forming a cushion between the top and bottom teeth, as well as a layer between the front teeth and the lip. There are a few different kinds of mouthguards and it will be up to you to decide which kind to go with. You can buy mouthguards off the self and boil and shape them yourselves at home, this method is less expensive and if molded properly, they do provide solid oral protection. For the best protection, your dentist can professionally shape a mouthguard to your mouth and this will provide optimal protection for you. Mouthguards can do an excellent job at not only keeping your mouth safe during a collision but also your brain! Mouthguards can help reduce your risk of concussions by absorbing some of the impact sustained during a hit.

In the unfortunate event of a sports-related dental injury, Lindner Dental can help. We can’t stress enough the importance of wearing a mouthguard, whatever age you are! Contact Lindner Dental to discuss personal mouthguard molding.

The Many Benefits of Fluoride

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, General, Uncategorized.

Fluoride can be misunderstood; many people associate fluoride with negative health effects. The truth is, fluoride is a major powerhouse when it comes to the strength and density of your teeth.

Fluoride Strengthens Teeth

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel of your teeth, or the hard, outer portion. Not only does fluoride strengthen your enamel, but it also contributes to the remineralization process of your teeth. The new enamel that forms with the help of fluoride is harder, larger and more resistant to acid. Plaque on the surface of your teeth can produce acids that seep into the enamel and break down its internal structure. This process, called demineralization, can create a weak spot in the tooth that may become a cavity if left untreated. Fluoride can be found in many towns’ drinking water, and there are also different kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash which contain fluoride.

Ways to get Fluoride

Fluoridated toothpaste is a great way to combat cavities in children and adults. Brushing your teeth is a great way to get to those hard to reach areas and exposed roots and prevent tooth decay. Using mouthwash that contains fluoride is another way to further your fluoride exposure and get added enamel protection. Fluoride in drinking water is a very popular technique and has been proven to significantly lower cavities and tooth decay within the population. Fluoride is naturally found in most water sources, but towns have been adding fluoride to increase the level for its residents.

Fluoride in towns’ drinking water has many benefits. Preventing cavities and tooth decay for people of all ages, anyone who drinks the water is protected! Fluoride addition to water has been found to be perfectly safe and even has endorsements from high ranking public officials and safety departments. It is also cost-effective because it is fairly cheap to add fluoride to the water supply and it prevents people from spending money on dental care.

It is important to know the effects fluoride has on your teeth, if you have any questions, contact Lindner Dental today!

Catch The Culprit Of Stinky Breath!

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, General, Uncategorized.

Little Boy Holding his Nose

Everyone has smelly breath from time to time, whether it’s from morning breath or the heaps of garlic you consumed at lunch, bad breath happens. But if you’re experiencing bad breath all the time, there may be another reason for it. Let us help you get to the bottom of your bad breath mystery!

Neglecting your tongue

when brushing, your teeth always seem to be the star of the show. However, it is important to take care of your tongue every day too! Bacteria thrive in your mouth, especially on your tongue, which can cause bad breath. So, pick up a tongue scraper at your local pharmacy or just use your toothbrush to get your mouth nice and clean!

You may have a cavity

Some cavities are painful and sensitive but others go completely unnoticed. Untreated cavities can lead to bad breath due to the rotting tooth admitting an odor. To prevent this from happening, brush and floss twice a day and see your dentist regularly!

You have an infection

infections in the mouth are coated with tons of bacteria, and that bacteria can emit an unpleasant odor. More of a reason to keep up with your regular dental visits

Certain medications

Some medications have dry mouth listed as a side effect. Dry mouths are prone to bacteria build-up which in turn leads to bad breath. If you’re on medication with a mouth drying side effect make sure you’re drinking a lot of water!

 

Need to schedule an appointment? Call us today at 603-624-3900!

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