Archives for February 2017

We’ve all seen children with a “silver tooth” or a stainless steel crown, as they are referred to by dentists. But why does it have a crown? What is the reason for it all?

A tooth has several layers that make them up. First, the outside layer, or the enamel, is the hardest layer; it protects the teeth from chipping, denting, decaying, and breaking down. Once erosion (or decay) gets through the enamel it can accelerate the cavity process because the second layer, the dentin, is the softer, less dense part of the tooth. Once a cavity expands past the dentin it is then into the pulp tissue of the tooth. This is the vital part of the living tooth that supplies blood and nutrition to the teeth during normal growth and development. But when a cavity infiltrates into the pulp tissue, it causes inflammation (leading to a toothache) and often times local infection. This usually results in an abscessed tooth and will need to be pulled. But if a cavity is caught early enough, the primary, or baby tooth, can often be saved by a “Pulpotomy”, and “Stainless Steel Crown.”

The pulpotomy procedure is referred to by many dentists as a “baby root canal”. The reason is, much like a root canal, you remove the affected or inflamed portion of the pulp tissue, and treat any remaining bacteria in the pulp space with a medicinal solution. Once this is completed, the pulp space where the nerve tissue was once located is then filled-in with an intermediate restorative material (IRM) to keep the tooth from rejecting itself; preserving the natural space for the adult tooth to come in normally.

After such procedures, it is recommended to have this tooth monitored at your semi-annual checkups to make sure no internal resorption or signs of complications are present. The stainless steel crown will typically reabsorb and fall out naturally like a normal functioning baby tooth would. This procedure is very important for maintaining normal spacing and development of a child’s mouth.

If you have any questions about a baby root canal, stainless steel crown, or any other dental issues, contact us and schedule a consultation!

Need help getting your child to brush their teeth?

Early childhood is the perfect time to start enforcing positive brushing habits. Young children are constantly soaking up information and learning from their family, friends, and environment. While persuading kids to properly brush their teeth can prove frustrating to most parents, oral hygiene is an important component to their overall health. Here are some great tips to help motivate children to brush their teeth.

Start Early

Even before teething, start caring for your infant’s mouth. Use “training” toothbrushes to massage the gums or gently wipe down the inside of the mouth after feedings. Once teeth break through the gums, start brushing their teeth for them. Children who are used to having their mouths cleaned will be more receptive to brushing their teeth on their own.

Brush Your Teeth Together

Lead by example, and brush your teeth together twice every day. This shows children how important oral hygiene is, while also allowing them to learn from your experience. They can pick up good techniques, and you can show them how to brush those hard-to-reach places.

Let Them Choose Their Own Toothbrush & Toothpaste

If children are excited about their toothbrush, they will also be excited about using it. Take your child shopping and allow them to pick out an age-appropriate toothbrush. These days, many toothbrushes boast beloved cartoon characters and can even play music. Likewise, children’s toothpaste comes in milder flavors and visually appealing packaging.

Make It Fun

Play music and let kids use their imaginations. If it seems like a mundane chore, most children will attempt to avoid it at all costs. There are even smartphone apps designed to encourage positive brushing habits.

Create a Rewards Chart

Children love positive reinforcement, and small incentives go a long way. Create a reward chart yourself, or find one to download online. Children can keep track of their tooth brushing, and you can pick a small reward for the job well done.

Contact us for with questions about positive brushing techniques or to schedule your appointment today!