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Back to School: The Anatomy of Your Permanent Teeth

Back to School: The Anatomy of Your Permanent Teeth


  • Incisors: An incisor is a narrow-edged tooth at the front of the mouth. Incisors have adapted for cutting to crush foods, making them easier to swallow. Most people have four incisors on the upper jaw and four on the lower. These include your front two teeth and the teeth on either side of them.
  • Canines: These are the four sharper, pointed teeth on each side of the incisors. They are similar to incisors. They are located on each quadrant: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. Canine teeth are called so because they bear a resemblance to dog fangs.
  • Premolars: These teeth are also referred to as bicuspid. They sit between your canines and the teeth in the back of your mouth. They also help you tear and grind food into smaller pieces to make it easier for consumption.
  • Molars: These are the teeth in the very back of your mouth, which are predominately used for chewing. In most adults’ mouths, there are 12 molars, three in each quadrant. Your molar teeth include your wisdom teeth.

Preventing Tooth Decay in Children by Pit and Fissure Sealants

Preventing Tooth Decay in Children by Pit and Fissure Sealants


What Are Pit and Fissure Sealants?

Pit and fissure sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, especially in children. These back teeth often have deep grooves where food particles and bacteria can get trapped, increasing the risk of decay. Sealants act as a barrier, preventing food and plaque from sticking to these vulnerable areas.

Why Are Sealants Important?

Children are particularly prone to cavities because their brushing habits may not be thorough. By applying sealants, you can provide an extra layer of protection to the teeth most susceptible to decay. Sealants are quick and painless to apply and can last for several years, making them a simple yet effective preventive measure.

How Are Sealants Applied?

The process of applying sealants is straightforward. The dentist first cleans the tooth, then applies an acidic gel to roughen the surface. This helps the sealant adhere better. After rinsing and drying, the sealant is painted onto the tooth, where it hardens and forms a protective shield.

Benefits of Sealants

  • Prevents Cavities: Sealants protect the teeth from food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities.
  • Easy and Painless: The application is non-invasive and can be done in one dental visit.
  • Cost-Effective: Preventing cavities with sealants reduces the need for costly fillings and treatments later.

When Should Children Get Sealants?

It’s best to apply sealants when the permanent molars come in, typically between ages 6 and 12. Dentists can monitor the sealants over time and reapply them if necessary to ensure continued protection.

Conclusion

Sealants are a proven method to safeguard children’s teeth from decay. Talk to your dentist about whether pit and fissure sealants are right for your child and take proactive steps toward maintaining their oral health.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES

Understanding Early Childhood Caries (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)


Early Childhood Caries (ECC), commonly known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, is a dental issue affecting infants and toddlers. It results from prolonged exposure to sugary liquids like milk, formula, or juice, especially when babies fall asleep with bottles. This can lead to severe tooth decay, particularly in the front teeth.

Key Causes:

  1. Sleeping with sugary liquids.
  2. Continuous use of bottles or sippy cups with sugary drinks.

Prevention Tips:

  1. Avoid bedtime bottles with sugary liquids.
  2. Clean the baby’s gums with a washcloth after feeding.
  3. Encourage healthier sleep habits using soft toys or pacifiers.

Why ECC Matters:

  • ECC can cause pain, infection, and even loss of primary teeth, impacting speech and eating. Early dental visits and proper oral hygiene from infancy are crucial in preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

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