Latest discussions in dental dentistry group - April 2008
--- hazim wrote: is it normal that no tooth at all has erupted in a child
who is 14 months old ?
bimbo giwawrote: Technically speaking, no.
at that age, central and lateral incisors at least should have erupted.
maybe not so the lower lateral incisor cos that may take up to 16 months to erupt.
u might want to investigate:
-that teeth are actually present to erupt
-any existing local abnormality
-any systemic conditions associated
having said that, 6 months either way is generally accepted as limits for waiting.
however, i guess one could wait for up to 9 months/1 year. it might be
beneficial to investigate this child though.
thank u docotor bimbo , but i would like to know what kind of investiagtion
should be done to this child?
to add, a good history is very impt, that might help implicate or exclude
genetic/systemic/nutritioal causes. child's growth also impt cos may have delay in
other developmental milestones.
also birth weight cos a low birth wt implicated in delayed eruption - Bimbo Giwa
in investigating, can take oblique lateral radiographs. that will give u an
overview of whether teeth present. at the child's age, any radiograph is a
challenge but i reckon u could get away with an extraoral view.
Dear Hazim , You should investigate that is there any thyroid or paratyroid
gland disfunction or abnormality, and also syndroms must be investigated (like
cleidocranial dysostosis, Ectodermal dysplasia, Rieger and Witkope)
of course there are many causes of delayed eruption that includes
genetic,systemic , local factors or cogenital syndroms as hypothyroidism
orosteogenesis imperfecta
-you should see other growth parameters as if the child dont walk and dont talk
and so on
-you should ask if there is any bone deformity or mal formation
-you should ask if there is malnutrition and so you can give supplimentry food
-if there is systemic disease ,refare to specialist
-you could make investigations as xtra oral or periapical x-ray but it is not
valuable as there is nothing to do at this age even surgery if you find the couse
extensive thick mucosa or any intereference if there is partial or complete
congenital absence of tooth buds ,just follow up and every thing will be fine
good luck - Ola etuf
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Weaning Your Baby: Cup Feeding
Weaning is the time when your baby learns to take liquids from a cup instead of from a breast or a
bottle. The weaning age varies depending on your baby. Most babies are ready to learn to use a cup
by 9 or 12 months of age. When you begin to wean your baby from the bottle make sure that the baby
is able to sit up well without support.
You should start encouraging your child to give up using the bottle when your baby shows any of the
following signs:
- If your child shortens the nursing time
- Gets distracted when held for feeding
- Wants to hold the bottle alone
How to Begin the Weaning Process
At about 9 months of age, most babies are ready to begin weaning. An ideal way to try is to place an
empty cup within your baby’s reach so that your baby can become familiar with the cup. As you begin
to drink from your cup, your baby may begin to try and imitate you by bringing the cup to his or her
mouth.
The easiest way to begin weaning your baby from breast or bottle feeding is to replace one of those
feedings with a cup feeding. A great place to begin is the feeding that offers the least amount of
resistance from your child. As soon as your child adjusts to the cup feeding, replace a second breast
or bottle feeding. Giving your child a bottle before or while in bed is not recommended. If your
child takes one to bed eliminate this feeding first.
Why Healthy Baby Teeth Are Important
It is important to keep your baby’s teeth clean and healthy because baby teeth have so many different
purposes while in the baby’s mouth. Baby teeth hold spaces open for permanent teeth to come in. They
help form the shape of your baby’s face, help the child to talk more clearly and help the child to eat
and chew more easily.
Tooth decay can result when baby teeth are not cared for. Tooth decay will cause discomfort for your
baby or child. Some cases of tooth decay, depending on the severity, can cause an infection. One sign
of an infection is the mouth is in discomfort or swelling around the tooth or gums. The baby will also
not eat or drink his or her favorites. Another sign may be a pimple-like mark on the gums above the tooth.
If this should happen, consult your dentist as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the plaque that forms on the teeth. When the child eats, drinks, or
takes medicine that has sugar in it, the bacteria produce acid. The acid destroys the teeth, or in other
words, causes tooth decay.
To prevent tooth decay clean your baby’s teeth with a soft cloth after each feeding. As the child grows
older, a toothbrush may be used, as long as someone supervises the child’s brushing. It is suggested that
toothbrushing be supervised until about the age of 8 or 9. Try not to give your baby or child large amounts
of sugary foods on a daily basis. Use the candy as a reward every once in a while. Brushing your child’s
teeth with toothpaste is recommended only if you are using one of the ADA approved toothpastes with some
amount of fluoride. Such toothpastes (e.g., Crest®, Colgate®, Aim® and Aquafresh®) can be found in local
grocery stores. Almost all brands make a children’s flavor toothpaste.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
A severe case of tooth decay can occur when the baby is allowed to use the bottle or the breast as a
pacifier. When the baby goes to sleep with a bottle of apple juice or milk in his or her mouth, the acid
that is formed breaks down the tooth enamel very quickly. Instead of the child swallowing the liquid it
sits and covers the teeth all night long; that causes the enamel to break down and cavities to form.
To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, try and avoid bedtime and naptime feedings or long frequent feedings.
Use the bottle at feeding time only, and not as a pacifier. Do not let your baby run around sucking on
the bottle all day long. Wipe your child’s teeth off after each feeding and before he or she goes to bed.
Teething
As your child’s teeth start to appear in the mouth, your child may have some discomfort.The baby’s gums
may become sore and irritated, and he or she may become cranky or fussy. To help reduce the irritation
we suggest rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger. Gently massaging the area will help the
discomfort of your baby’s mouth. Letting your child chew on something cold (like a chewing ring) will
help a lot. The teething process will not make your child ill. It often seems that your child has a cold
or mild fever along with the drooling and chewing. If your child is or becomes ill call your physician.
How Many Teeth and When
The first teeth are already present inside the child’s jaw at the time of birth. Usually by the 6th month,
the first tooth will start to appear in the mouth. By the time the child is 2½ to 3 years of age the child
will have 20 teeth present in the mouth. Around the age of 6, the child will begin to loose his or her
teeth. The upper and lower front teeth are the first to fall out. The primary molars are lost between
the ages of 10 and 12 years old.
Sealants
The sealant is a liquid material that flows through all the grooves on the chewing surface of a tooth and
is hardened. They are used mostly in molars of adult teeth. The sealant protects the chewing surface of
the teeth from the formation of cavities. They do not protect in between the teeth. The research done on
pit and fissure sealants are showing they last 7-15 years, with some research finding they last a lifetime
with the proper maintenance.
How Fluoride Can Help
Using fluoride is one of the best ways to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride makes the tooth surface
stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride can be found by prescription from your dentist, in
vitamins and in water that you drink.
Thumbsucking and the Use of a Pacifier
Sucking is a natural need for all babies. Usually no damage will occur from thumbsucking or a pacifier,
unless the child continues past the age of 5. At this point in time, the child can begin to cause a change
in the growth pattern of the jaws. Watch this habit closely when your child reaches 3 to 4 years old.
If thumbsucking or use of the pacifier causes changes in the jaws, the best form of treatment will be
orthodontics. If the problem persists call your dentist.
Snacking Habits: Good Diet Equals Healthier Teeth
Learning early eating habits that are healthy will lead to healthy teeth. A lot of the snacks that children
eat these days are terrible for the teeth. Foods such as Jolly Ranchers®, Fun Fruits®, Shark Bites®, Now
and Laters® or foods that are caramelized and stick to the teeth, are the worst kinds of snacks for young
children. It would be better for a child to eat snacks that crunch or melt in their mouth like cookies or
ice cream. If your child has good oral hygiene habits and is not prone to having a lot of cavities, then
snacking, in moderation, is acceptable. This includes brushing at least twice daily with a fluoridated
toothpaste and visiting your dentist regularly
- Dr Joseph Sciarra
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From: Dr Vohra
To: dentalindia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 6:55 AM
Subject: [dentalindia] Urgent Advice sought..........
Dear Group,
Hi! I have a query, my brother-in-law's son is 1 year old & does
not have even one tooth erupted , what do you suggest should be the
next plan of action as I am very concerned with radiation exposure
for X-Ray,also full mouth OPG is not possible as the child cannot
keep his head stationary for such a long time.
Thanking you all in advance, Rahul.