Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Healthy oral habits generally start at a young age. Teeth can start to decay as soon as they come in which may be around six months. Infant tooth decay is generally referred to as baby bottle tooth decay and tends to appear in the upper front teeth. If caught early, the decay may be stopped but in severe cases, the teeth may need to be removed. A child’s deciduous (or baby) teeth are important for the permanent teeth to develop and come in correctly. If the child has to have a primary tooth taken out, that space may be taken up by the surrounding teeth which leads to overcrowding when the permanent teeth come in.
One of the most common causes of this decay is prolonged exposure to a liquid containing sugar, such as fruit juices, milk, and even breast milk. In most cases, the decay occurs because the child is put to sleep with a bottle of liquid. The sugary liquid pools around the teeth, allowing the bacteria in the mouth to flourish.
This decay is almost completely preventable. Wiping the gums down with a clean, soft cloth after feeding and brushing the teeth with a child’s size toothbrush when they start to emerge are recommended. Filling bottles with formula, milk, or breast milk instead of sugar water, juices, and soft drinks is also recommended. Finally, encouraging the child to drink from a cup by the age of one and not allowing prolonged use of the training (sippy) cup will also help reduce the appearance of baby bottle tooth decay
Source: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay - American Dental Association - ADA.org
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Dental Did You Know
Toothbrush Trivia!
The earliest toothbrush on record was discovered in Chinese literature around 1600 AD. The bristles of this brush were taken from the necks and shoulders of pigs.
The first modern toothbrush was created by William Addis of Clerkenwald, England around 1734.
The first electric toothbrush was not introduced until over 200 years later in 1939.
Source: Dental Tips and Trivia
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
The earliest toothbrush on record was discovered in Chinese literature around 1600 AD. The bristles of this brush were taken from the necks and shoulders of pigs.
The first modern toothbrush was created by William Addis of Clerkenwald, England around 1734.
The first electric toothbrush was not introduced until over 200 years later in 1939.
Source: Dental Tips and Trivia
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, July 16, 2012
News You Can Use
Mouth Sores
Many people occasionally suffer from mouth sores. I’d like to use this space to discuss the different types and the remedies that can be utilized for each. Canker sores and cold sores are the most common types of mouth sores. I will outline each in detail below.
Canker Sore
A canker sore is characterized as a small ulcer with a white or gray base and a red boarder. They appear inside the mouth and are not contagious. They are thought to be due to immune system problems, triggered by a viral infection, fatigue, stress, and even allergies. The best way to treat a canker sore is the over-the-counter topical anesthetics (follow instructions for use on the package) or antimicrobial mouth rinses (follow instructions for use on the package). Abstaining from eating hot or spicy foods is also recommended. For more information on tips for canker sores, click on the emergency dental tips tab above. If the sore persists for more than a week, contact the office.
Cold Sore
A cold sore is a fever blister that appears outside the mouth, generally around the lips, under the nose, and on the chin. They are very contagious and occur due to the herpes simplex virus type 1. These sores can appear at any time. We can prescribe antiviral medication to speed the healing.
Other types of common sores include leukoplakia and candidiasis. If a sore appears that does not fit the description above, contact the office for more information.
Source: Canker Sores, Cold Sores & Common Mouth Sores - American Dental Association - ADA.org
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Many people occasionally suffer from mouth sores. I’d like to use this space to discuss the different types and the remedies that can be utilized for each. Canker sores and cold sores are the most common types of mouth sores. I will outline each in detail below.
Canker Sore
A canker sore is characterized as a small ulcer with a white or gray base and a red boarder. They appear inside the mouth and are not contagious. They are thought to be due to immune system problems, triggered by a viral infection, fatigue, stress, and even allergies. The best way to treat a canker sore is the over-the-counter topical anesthetics (follow instructions for use on the package) or antimicrobial mouth rinses (follow instructions for use on the package). Abstaining from eating hot or spicy foods is also recommended. For more information on tips for canker sores, click on the emergency dental tips tab above. If the sore persists for more than a week, contact the office.
Cold Sore
A cold sore is a fever blister that appears outside the mouth, generally around the lips, under the nose, and on the chin. They are very contagious and occur due to the herpes simplex virus type 1. These sores can appear at any time. We can prescribe antiviral medication to speed the healing.
Other types of common sores include leukoplakia and candidiasis. If a sore appears that does not fit the description above, contact the office for more information.
Source: Canker Sores, Cold Sores & Common Mouth Sores - American Dental Association - ADA.org
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Thursday, July 12, 2012
News You Can Use
New Electric Toothbrush
At Smile Station Dental, we are always striving for better patient education and prevention of dental problems. To help us do this, we are now selling the Oral-B Triumph electric toothbrush in our office. Not only will you get a great price on the product but you will receive one of the best electric toothbrushes on the market.
The package includes the electric toothbrush, charger, and a wireless smart guide system. This smart guide system gives the user feedback as they brush, aiding them in brushing better. It times how long the user brushes and signals every 30 seconds, telling the user to switch to the next quadrant which ensures a more even cleaning. It also lights up and stops if the user is brushing too hard, helping the user to understand what pressure is appropriate (as brushing too hard can be damaging to the teeth).
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
At Smile Station Dental, we are always striving for better patient education and prevention of dental problems. To help us do this, we are now selling the Oral-B Triumph electric toothbrush in our office. Not only will you get a great price on the product but you will receive one of the best electric toothbrushes on the market.
The package includes the electric toothbrush, charger, and a wireless smart guide system. This smart guide system gives the user feedback as they brush, aiding them in brushing better. It times how long the user brushes and signals every 30 seconds, telling the user to switch to the next quadrant which ensures a more even cleaning. It also lights up and stops if the user is brushing too hard, helping the user to understand what pressure is appropriate (as brushing too hard can be damaging to the teeth).
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Dental Did You Know
Flossing
If you do not floss, you miss cleaning about 35% of your tooth surfaces.
More dental problems are caused by inadequate flossing than any other activity.
90% of the general population once they reach the age of 35 has some form of gum disease. Proper daily flossing and brushing would dramatically reduce this.
In North American alone, over three million miles of floss is purchased over the course of a year
Source: http://www.advanticabenefits.com/ResourceCenter/facts.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
If you do not floss, you miss cleaning about 35% of your tooth surfaces.
More dental problems are caused by inadequate flossing than any other activity.
90% of the general population once they reach the age of 35 has some form of gum disease. Proper daily flossing and brushing would dramatically reduce this.
In North American alone, over three million miles of floss is purchased over the course of a year
Source: http://www.advanticabenefits.com/ResourceCenter/facts.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
News You Can Use
FDA Warns Against Using Benzocaine Products on Children Under Two
The Food and Drug Administration recently released a warning against using oral products that contain benzocaine on children under the age of two. Most parents attempt to make teething easier on their toddlers by using gels or sprays that contain an anesthetic but using the wrong products could have serious side effects. The FDA found that benzocaine, the anesthetic commonly found in most oral gels, is associated with a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia. To simplify, methemoglobinemia is a disorder where the blood cannot carry as much oxygen and can be serious and sometimes fatal. The disorder can occur in adults and children over two but is extremely rare. It is much more common in children under the age of two.
Many of the over-the-counter gels specifically state that they are not to be used in children under two. The American Dental Association approves of two oral gels but both are not to be used in children under two as well. Only products specifically aimed at reducing teething pain should be used on toddlers. I also recommend the teething toys (especially the ones that can be frozen as they offer the most relief) and children's Tylenol (follow the label for dosing instructions) to help soothe the pains associated with teething.
Source: Dental News - Dental Care Concerns - MouthHealthy
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
The Food and Drug Administration recently released a warning against using oral products that contain benzocaine on children under the age of two. Most parents attempt to make teething easier on their toddlers by using gels or sprays that contain an anesthetic but using the wrong products could have serious side effects. The FDA found that benzocaine, the anesthetic commonly found in most oral gels, is associated with a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia. To simplify, methemoglobinemia is a disorder where the blood cannot carry as much oxygen and can be serious and sometimes fatal. The disorder can occur in adults and children over two but is extremely rare. It is much more common in children under the age of two.
Many of the over-the-counter gels specifically state that they are not to be used in children under two. The American Dental Association approves of two oral gels but both are not to be used in children under two as well. Only products specifically aimed at reducing teething pain should be used on toddlers. I also recommend the teething toys (especially the ones that can be frozen as they offer the most relief) and children's Tylenol (follow the label for dosing instructions) to help soothe the pains associated with teething.
Source: Dental News - Dental Care Concerns - MouthHealthy
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, July 9, 2012
News You Can Use
Amalgam Versus Composite Restorations
Two of the most popular materials used for filling restorations include amalgam and composite. I would like to take the time during this post to outline some of the characteristics of each material.
Dental Amalgam is a stable alloy made up of a combination of silver, mercury, tin, copper, and possibly other metals. It has been a popular restorative material for some years now as it is durable, easy to use, and resistant to wear. They can withstand a lot of chewing and therefore are used more commonly on posterior molars. Some of the disadvantages of amalgam include the silver color, which is more noticable in the tooth, as well as the sensitivity to hot/cold. The metal filling might expand and contract with hot and cold foods, causing temporary discomfort.
Dental Composite is a mixture of a quartz filler with a resin base with the result being a more tooth colored restoration. The composite restoration is durable and resistant to fracture. The dentist also does not need to remove as much of the natural tooth therefore the resulting restoration is smaller than with amalgam. Composite restorations are also bonded directly to the tooth as compared to amalgam restorations that are a mechanical retention.
Recently, there has been a concern about the fact that amalgam restorations contain mercury. While the mercury level is minimal and it has not scientifically been found to be a health concern, it is continually brought up and revisited.
Here at Smile Station Dental, we use primarily composite to complete restorations. One of the main reasons is that the metals in the amalgam restorations expand and contract with hot and cold temperatures leading to more spontaneous fractures of the tooth while composite expands and contracts as a normal tooth would. Our experience has been that most people prefer the appearance of composite over more noticeable metal restorations.
Source: Amalgam (Dental Filling Options) - American Dental Association - ADA.org
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Two of the most popular materials used for filling restorations include amalgam and composite. I would like to take the time during this post to outline some of the characteristics of each material.
Dental Amalgam is a stable alloy made up of a combination of silver, mercury, tin, copper, and possibly other metals. It has been a popular restorative material for some years now as it is durable, easy to use, and resistant to wear. They can withstand a lot of chewing and therefore are used more commonly on posterior molars. Some of the disadvantages of amalgam include the silver color, which is more noticable in the tooth, as well as the sensitivity to hot/cold. The metal filling might expand and contract with hot and cold foods, causing temporary discomfort.
Dental Composite is a mixture of a quartz filler with a resin base with the result being a more tooth colored restoration. The composite restoration is durable and resistant to fracture. The dentist also does not need to remove as much of the natural tooth therefore the resulting restoration is smaller than with amalgam. Composite restorations are also bonded directly to the tooth as compared to amalgam restorations that are a mechanical retention.
Recently, there has been a concern about the fact that amalgam restorations contain mercury. While the mercury level is minimal and it has not scientifically been found to be a health concern, it is continually brought up and revisited.
Here at Smile Station Dental, we use primarily composite to complete restorations. One of the main reasons is that the metals in the amalgam restorations expand and contract with hot and cold temperatures leading to more spontaneous fractures of the tooth while composite expands and contracts as a normal tooth would. Our experience has been that most people prefer the appearance of composite over more noticeable metal restorations.
Source: Amalgam (Dental Filling Options) - American Dental Association - ADA.org
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
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