FAQ

Baby teeth:

If your child is teething and seems to be in pain, you can:

• Rub the gums with your finger;
• Rub the gums with the back of a cold teaspoon.
• If the pain persists, your dentist, pharmacist, or doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication to soothe the pain.

Here’s what not to do:

• Don’t use the kind of pain medication you rub on your child’s gums; they could swallow it.
• Don’t give teething biscuits. They may contain added or hidden sugar.
• Don’t underestimate a fever. Erupting new teeth doesn’t make babies sick or feverish. If your child has a fever, see your doctor.

Permanent teeth:

Around the age of six or seven, the first permanent (or adult) teeth appear.

They are also known as “first molars” or “six-year molars.”

They grow in the back of the mouth, behind the last primary (or baby) teeth.

They do not replace any primary teeth. It is between the ages of six and 12 that the roots slowly disappear and the primary teeth fall out.

Your child can play with their primary teeth if they are loose. However, they should not forcefully pull them out if they are not ready to fall out, as this can cause excessive bleeding.

Permanent teeth are often more yellow than primary teeth. This is normal. However, stains can be caused by medication, a blow to the primary tooth, or too much fluoride. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your dentist at your next visit.

Tooth decay is a process that occurs slowly over time. It usually begins on the outer layer of the tooth enamel, where plaque has formed. This stage is generally painless. If you detect early decay, your dentist can advise and educate you on methods and techniques that will help stop the decay from progressing and thus avoid the need for a restoration (commonly called a filling).

It is important to brush and floss regularly to minimize plaque buildup; the thicker the plaque, the more resistant it becomes, and the greater the risk of tooth decay.

The details:

The decay then penetrates the dentin, which is connected to the nerve cells located in the tooth’s pulp. You may begin to notice increased sensitivity or even pain, although this stage may also be completely painless. This is when the decay reaches the “point of no return” and a restoration (filling) becomes necessary.

As the decay process accelerates during this stage, it reaches the soft tissue, which can no longer support the enamel. This is when the tooth deteriorates and a cavity begins to form. A tooth with advanced decay is weakened and may require a crown.

If the decay is left untreated, it will eventually reach the pulp of the tooth, which contains the nerves, and cause pain, usually in the form of a toothache. Once the dental pulp (the nerve of the tooth) is affected, an inflammation process begins called irreversible pulpitis (toothache) characterized by intense, unprovoked, and constant pain. Root canal treatment becomes the only way to eliminate the pain while devitalizing the tooth.

A dental infection results from nerve irritation that eventually leads to nerve death. If left untreated, it can develop into an abscess and spread to neighboring teeth or other parts of the body. If the infection is detected early, the tooth can be saved with root canal treatment. If the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be removed.

Since the early stages of tooth decay are usually painless and go unnoticed, it is very important to see the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.

Tooth decay progresses in stages. In the early stages of decay, the tooth may be slightly sensitive to temperature changes, or not at all. A superficial cavity in its infancy could be stopped simply by improving dental hygiene techniques.

However, a cavity that has penetrated the surface layer of enamel and reached the dentin of the tooth requires a restoration (commonly called a filling).

NO DENTAL RESTORATION CONTAINS LEAD

Indeed, the popular term “filling” misleads many patients. However, there are different types of materials used to restore teeth, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Gold. Gold restorations are strong and non-corrosive; they can last up to 15 years. Some patients find them more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgam restorations. However, gold restorations are more expensive and require more than one visit to the dentist before the restoration is completed.
• Silver amalgam (grey filling). Offers strength and durability similar to gold restorations at a lower cost, but many people dislike their appearance. In addition, amalgam restorations can expand and contract, increasing the risk of fracture.
• Composite (white filling). Tooth-colored composite restorations are popular because they can be matched to the color of your teeth. These have the advantage of bonding to the tooth surface and therefore require more conservative preparation than an amalgam restoration. The risk of tooth fracture is thus reduced compared to amalgam restorations.
• Ceramic. Ceramic restorations are aesthetic, durable, and also adhere well to the tooth surface. Technological advances and improvements in the quality of ceramics in recent years have made ceramics the material of choice in many clinical situations (veneers, crowns, bridges, inlays, etc.).
• Glass ionomers. These restorations generally last less than five years, but they are often a good choice for children whose teeth are still undergoing changes or in situations where a tooth is temporarily repaired while awaiting more comprehensive treatment. These restorations are less expensive due to their temporary nature and have the advantage of being able to release fluoride, which helps prevent cavities.

Seniors tend to neglect their oral health, even though the need for dental care is so great. As many seniors are living longer and enjoying active lives, ensuring good dental health for seniors is very important.

Many health conditions affecting seniors can stem from poor oral health. Cavities and gum disease can be linked to other serious conditions, including strokes. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream directly when cavities and gum disease are present. This can lead to a weakened immune system and increase health problems. It is not uncommon for seniors to have dentures. Dentures require special attention. If they become loose over time, gums can become irritated, uncomfortable, and can affect nutrition. Seniors should make regular visits to their dentist for checkups and dental cleanings. If you have any specific questions about dental care for seniors, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist.