A Guide to Your Child’s Baby Teeth

Posted on January 25, 2011 by dentist

Most new parents record the arrival of the first tooth in their child’s baby book as one of several milestones. On average, most children have a first tooth appear around six months of age, with some getting a tooth around three months and others not seeing an activity until 14 months old. Generally, the bottom middle teeth appear first, followed by the upper middle teeth, although some kids have teeth that come in randomly.

By the time your child reaches age two or three, all 20 baby teeth will probably have arrived. Some people believe that since primary teeth are only temporary, you don’t have to take good care of them. It’s important to brush and floss these baby teeth to establish good oral health habits and protect permanent teeth as well.

Most children will begin to lose their baby teeth between ages six and seven. Because baby teeth fill the spaces that permanent eventually occupy, a group of cells called odontoclasts develops in the front of tip of the permanent tooth and then dissolves the base of first tooth, which loosens the baby teeth. Usually, children lose their baby teeth in a similar pattern as to how those teeth originally appeared in their mouths. In many cases, the lower lateral incisors are the first to fall out.

Between 9 and 12 years old, the upper and lower primary molars are the next teeth your child may lose. At this time, the lower cuspids will also be ready to make a move. By 13, your child will have lost all of his or her primary teeth and have all 32 permanent teeth, expect for wisdom teeth, which usually erupt during the late teens or early twenties.

We care about your dental health at Dental Consultants in West Hartford, CT – Dr. Abraham K. John

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Get the 411 on Tooth Decay

Posted on January 18, 2011 by dentist

Did you know that tooth decay is the second most common disease in the United States, coming in second only to the common cold? As children, we learn about how important it is to avoid cavities, and as parents, we work hard to promote good oral health for our kids. Understanding how cavities form and what you can do to prevent them will go a long way to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Our mouths naturally produce bacteria; some of it is good, but other kinds can be destructive. When we eat an excessive amount of carbohydrates, junk food, or sweets, the bad bacteria use this as food and can multiply. This overgrowth of bad bacteria produces acids that wear down the enamel on your teeth. Initially, the tooth might become weakened, but can be repaired with fluoride, minerals, and proteins. Once the damage spread through the enamel, a cavity forms and a dentist must repair the tooth.

Different kinds of tooth decay can occur. Young children who take bottles with juice or milk to bed can early childhood decay or baby bottle mouth. In older adults, who are more prone to receding gums and dry mouth, the exposed roots of the teeth can form cavities. As well, cavities can form under old fillings or crowns, especially if food and bacteria get inside the area.

The following tips can help you keep your family’s smiles healthy and strong:

  • Brush at least twice a day
  • Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Floss regularly
  • Visit the dentist for routine checkups

We create beautiful, healthy smiles at our West Hartford, CT dental office – Dr. Abraham John – Dental Consultants.

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Tips On Kicking Bad Breath

Posted on January 11, 2011 by dentist

Although bad breath is not a life threatening concern, it can impact personal and professional relationships. Certain foods such as onions or garlic can make your breath smell badly, but this is usually a temporary problem. Unfortunately, some people struggle with a dental condition known as chronic halitosis.

Many times, bad breath occurs because of food particles and debris that get trapped in our mouths. These substances provide a prime breeding ground for the bacteria that cause halitosis. Other factors that contribute to bad breath include poor oral hygiene, smoking, dry mouth, medication, and certain illnesses.

To fight bad breath, people may only mask the problems with temporary solutions like breath mints or mouthwash. Because these products can actually dry out your mouth, they end up making the problem worse. If you have real concerns, ask your dentist for recommendations on products designed to address the causes of bad breath.

Follow these tips to keep your breath as fresh as possible:

• Apply a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil to your tongue or toothbrush
• Eat lots of crunchy vegetables, like celery or carrots, to help get rid of plaque
• Floss at least once a day
• Keep hydrated with plenty of water
• Remember to brush your tongue
• Rinse your mouth with a mixture of 50 percent hydrogen peroxide and 50 percent water
• Try chewing sugarless gum, which can increase saliva
• Visit the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups
• When possible, brush teeth after every meal to remove food particles

Giving you something to smile about at our West Hartford, CT dental office – Dr. Abraham John – Dental Consultants

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How to Curb Thumb-Sucking

Posted on January 3, 2011 by dentist

Who doesn’t love the sight of a tiny baby sweetly sucking a thumb and sleeping contently? As adorable as this image is, thumb-sucking beyond preschool can lead to problems with chewing, speech, and facial features. By age four, you should start working with your child to curtail this habit. At this point, you may also want to schedule an evaluation with your dentist or orthodontist.

Often, infants and young children use thumb-sucking as a coping mechanism when they are tired, stressed, or frustrated. Around age three or four, most children give up this form of comfort. When the habit continues through the eruption of permanent teeth, your child can develop issues such as protruding upper teeth, delayed eruption of teeth, and alignment problems.

The following tips can help you assist your child in kicking the thumb-sucking habit once and for all:

• Consider applying something that tastes bad to the area as a deterrent
• Create distractions if you see your child putting his or her thumb in the mouth
• Don’t punish or scold your child for slip-ups along the way
• Help your child find other comforts such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal
• Make your child aware of the habit and get his or her input in ways to stop the behavior
• Offer rewards for the progress your child makes towards stopping
• Surround your child with friends who don’t suck their thumbs because peer pressure works wonders
• Talk with your dentist about oral appliances that can assist with the weaning process

Schedule at visit today at Dental Consultants in West Hartford, CT – Dr. Abraham K. John.

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Test Your Dental IQ

Posted on December 27, 2010 by dentist

You only get one set of teeth, so it’s important to take care of them. Understanding how to care for your mouth and how your choices impact your oral health. Many people don’t know facts from fiction when it comes to dental care. Take the following quiz to get the real scoop on keeping your smile healthy and bright.

True or False: I only have to brush my teeth in the morning.

Answer: False. Most dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. For optimal oral care, brush your teeth after meals as well.

True or False: My child’s baby teeth will fall out anyway, so I don’t have to worry about them.

Answer: False. Not taking good care of baby teeth can lead to early tooth loss and problems with permanent teeth. To help young children develop good oral health care, start the process as soon as they have teeth. Begin by using a soft toothbrush only and work your way to fluoride toothpaste by about age five.

True or False: Having one missing tooth can still cause problems.

Answer: True. When you lose teeth, even just one, the remaining teeth can shift, which can cause bite problems and extra tooth wear. If you have a missing tooth, talk with your dentist about a dental implant, a prosthetic replacement that mimics natural tooth structure, feel, and appearance.

True or False. I don’t need to visit the dentist unless I am having trouble.

Answer: False. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends twice-yearly visits to your dentist. At these appointments, your dentist can evaluate your mouth, look for signs of any problems, and propose treatment to address any issues, such as decay or gingivitis, before the problems get worse.

True or False. Periodontal disease can impact your overall health.

Answer: True. Everyone knows that periodontal, or gum, disease can cause problems with your mouth, including gum recession and tooth loss. Most people don’t realize that research has linked gum disease to other issues, such as osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, complications with diabetes, and heart disease. Because the initial symptoms are mild, many people don’t realize they have a problem.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year from the dental office of Dr. Abraham K. John – Dental Consultants in West Hartford, CT.

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Give Yourself a Lasting Gift: a Gorgeous Smile

Posted on December 21, 2010 by dentist

This time of year, people scurry from store to store trying to find the right present for loved ones. From latest electronics to the hottest toys, retailers bring in the money as Americans spend spend spend…While it’s great to celebrate the season by showing your friends and family how much you care, consider investing in yourself as well. Why not renew and update your smile?

One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. A vibrant appearance conveys grace and confidence. With modern cosmetic dentistry, you can correct damage, transform your appearance, and look years younger. Consider discussing the following dental options with your dentist:

Cosmetic Bonding – For small chips or gaps between teeth, cosmetic bonding can improve your smile. Blended to match your natural teeth, the composite resin materials will eliminate imperfections to reveal a fantastic appearance.

Porcelain Veneers – Customized to fit your facial features skin tone, and coloring, porcelain veneers can close gaps, cover stains, and create a uniform appearance. Porcelain veneers look natural and are incredibly durable, creating lasting beauty.

Teeth Whitening – With in-office or at-home teeth whitening, you can remove discolorations and brighten your smile up to 10 shades. In-office whitening generates immediate results, while at-home options allow you to whiten at your leisure.

Gum Reshaping – If your teeth look small in relation to your gums, you may have a “gummy” smile. By changing the shape of gums and the gum line, your dentist can produce a more even look.

Happy Holidays from the dental team at Dental Consultants in West Hartford, CT – Dr. Abraham K. John.

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Zoom! Advanced Teeth Whitening Can Rejuvenate Your Smile

Posted on December 15, 2010 by dentist

Having a dazzling, white smile increases your confidence and influences the way others perceive you. Dark beverages, certain foods, medications, and the natural aging process can lessen your smile’s brilliance. If your pearly whites have lost their shine, consider Zoom! Advanced Whitening. Safe and effective, this innovative treatment can remove stains and give you a flawless image to share with the world.

Performed in our dental office in West Hartford, CT, Zoom! Advanced Whitening can brighten teeth up to 10 shades in one visit. Imagine visiting the dentist at lunch and leaving with a stunning, new appearance. Because of the way it works, Zoom! Advanced Whitening can effectively reduce years of discolorations in a short period of time.

With Zoom! Advanced Whitening, Dr. Abraham John’s team will first prepare your mouth by covering the lips and gums. Then, a special bleaching gel is applied to the surface of your teeth. The dentist will activate the solution with a special ultraviolet light. After about 20 minutes, the gel is removed, and the process is repeated. Usually, Zoom! Advanced Whitening involves two to three applications of the solution and takes about an hour.

To keep your new smile shining bright, brush and floss regularly, and schedule routine cleanings with your dentist. In many cases, Dr. John can provide bleaching trays and solution so that you can touch up the results at home. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after whitening. Usually, this sensation fades with time, but a desensitizing tooth paste can help lessen the feeling. If it becomes a problem, call the dental office.

Schedule your appointment for Zoom! Advanced Teeth Whitening today at Dental Consultants in West Hartford, CT – Dr. Abraham K. John.

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Technology Helps Dentists Identify Oral Cancer

Posted on December 7, 2010 by dentist

Every hour, one person in the United States dies from oral cancer. Worldwide, 300,000 new cases of this disease are diagnosed each year. Because oral cancer is often found in the later stages, the prognosis is usually not good. In fact, almost half of all people who receive an oral cancer diagnosis won’t live longer than five years. With early diagnosis and treatment, survival rates improve dramatically.

One reason regular checkups are so important is that they give dentists a chance to examine your mouth and look for anything unusual. Common symptoms of oral cancer include discolored tissue, scratchy throat, or a sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks. Many doctors perform visual assessments of their patients’ teeth, gums, and mouth. Tools like ViziLite and Velscope help dentists accurately diagnosis oral cancer. Both the ViziLite and Velscope augment the physical exam dentists perform.

At our West Hartford dental office, Dr. Abraham K. John offers ViziLite Plus cancer screening. The patient first rinses with a cleansing solution. The dentist will dim the lights and scan your mouth with the ViziLite. Abnormal tissue appears in a distinct white color, which looks different than healthy areas. If Dr. John finds areas of concern, he or she can then request a biopsy to get more accurate information.

Another device that helps dentists diagnose oral cancer is Velscope oral cancer screening. The Velscope uses fluorescence to differentiate between healthy and abnormal tissue. This device emits a safe, high energy blue light inside the mouth. Generally, healthy tissue shows up with a green glow, while areas of concern show a loss of fluorescence and appear dark. The Velscope allows the dentist to detect oral abnormalities before they are visible to the naked eye.

Keeping your smile beautiful and healthy at Dental Consultants in West Hartford, CT – Dr. Abraham K. John

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Are Regular Exams and Cleanings Really Important?

Posted on November 22, 2010 by dentist

Many people mistakenly believe that if they have no visible problems and no discomfort they don’t have to see the dentist. The American Dental Association recommends twice yearly checkups to promote a strong, healthy smile. People with periodontal disease or other oral health issues may need more frequent visits.

During a routine care appointment, your dentist can examine your mouth, take X-rays, and look for signs of tooth decay. The hygienist will clean and polish your teeth as well. Thorough assessment of your whole mouth will give your dentist a clear picture of your current dental health status.

At a checkup, your evaluation will likely include:

• Medical History Review - Collecting information about current medications and any underlying health conditions gives the dentist insight into your oral health.

• Dietary Review – Because diet plays an important role in your dental wellbeing, the doctor may ask about the foods you are eating.

• Oral Cancer Screening – Your doctor will look at your face, lips, mouth, throat, and soft tissue areas to check for signs of oral cancer. Early detection can increase survival rate for this disease to about 80 percent.

• Gum Disease Assessment – Over 75 percent of adults in this country have some level of gum disease, and they may not even realize the problem is there. During the check up, the dental team will assess the health of your gums.

• Examination of Existing Repairs - To make sure your mouth remains healthy, the dentist will check old fillings and/or crowns. Over time, metal fillings can crack or leak, allowing food and bacteria to enter the tooth.

Schedule your visit today at our West Hartford, CT dental office – Dr. Abraham John – Dental Consultants

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New iPhone App called Motivetrix Encourages Kids to Brush

Posted on November 15, 2010 by dentist

For years, parents and kids have argued about brushing teeth. When parents tell their children to brush, they often face loud protests. A new iPhone App designed by German psychiatrist Dr. Einhardt Illing hopes to turn those screams of frustration into shouts of joy.

For the best results, the American Dental Association recommends that people brush for at least two minutes, about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.” Dr. Illing created the “Motivetrix” app, which guides users through brushing using color sequences and motivates them with imaginary painting. With “Motivetrix,” the screen displays images of human teeth and shows the individual tooth areas using different colors at certain intervals. Children simply follow the colors with their tooth brushes. When all teeth appear colored in, the child knows brushing is complete.

Besides encouraging kids to brush their teeth, the “Motivetrix” offers other benefits. The color distinctions let kids know that they have different types of teeth, such as canines or incisors, in their mouths. As well, children can more easily learn the different groups of teeth by using this application. Although Dr. Illing developed “Motivetrix” for kids and their parents, pre-school teachers and dentists can also utilize this tool to promote good oral habits in young children.

Your kids only get one smile so protect its beauty and strength now. To help your children form a life-long commitment to dental health, encourage:

• A healthy diet
• Limited sweets and soda
• Regular flossing
• Routine dental examines
• Twice daily brushing

Improving lives, one smile at a time at Dental Consultants in West Hartford, CT – Dr. Abraham K. John.

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