Dr. Murphy and his team are fully prepared to answer all your questions pertaining to your dental health and appearance. Attention to each patient�s oral health is an essential considering its direct link to your overall health, especially heart disease. We want our patients to understand the correct techniques and the importance of home care and professional cleanings to prevent gum disease. At each of your recall appointments your gums will be measured and any changes will be documented, which is significant for patients with periodontal (gum) disease and recognize the disease process.
It is also important that we provide our patients an understanding of changes in oral health, whether the changes are due to medications, health changes, hormone levels, or osteoporosis and how to manage or treat the development.
Most patients do well with traditional toothbrushes and floss. However, for our younger patients with time management concerns, or older patients developing dexterity issues automatic and �high-tech� electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of patients. Although not a replacement for flossing, oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, and are ideal for patients with braces.
Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gumline so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease and can also cause patients to experience sensitivity.
Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with Dr. Murphy. Sensitivity can be caused by a number of reasons including recession, sinus problems, bleaching, toothpaste choices, grinding your teeth or cracked teeth. Solving your sensitivity may be resolved by simply having Dr. Murphy apply a desensitizing agent to the tooth.
If your child has been seen regularly by the pediatrician, the first "regular" dental visit should be just after your child's third birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. For the younger patient we will �count� the teeth and introduce them to �dental stuff.�Often your child can be �introduced� to our office by bringing them to observe either you or a sibling getting their teeth cleaned. Unless there is a serious concern-rays are not generally taken until the six year molars are present. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate help with brushing fluoride at home, review fluoride needs, and may request a water sample. Most important of all, we will review with you and your child how to clean and care for their teeth.
Examine your child's mouth, teeth and gums.
Recommend sealants for cavity prevention.
The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby's teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2� years old.
At around 2½ years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6 the first.
Permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don't. Don't worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.
Consistency of a person's saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.
It has been shown in many studies that the bacteria in patients with gum disease, (periodontis), has been linked to heart disease.