Baby Teeth Removal: Is It Necessary?

From birth through adulthood, it’s only natural for parents to worry about their children’s physical and mental health and well being. We wonder if our kids’ height and weight is proportionate, if they are happy and adjusting well, if their intelligence is up to part with that of their peers, and the list goes on and on. In the early years, we worry about their teeth and whether they will need orthodontic intervention. One mistake many parents make, though, is believing that they don’t need to worry about their children’s teeth until the permanent teeth erupt. It’s true that baby teeth are temporary. But parents need to be on the lookout for problems early on.

Early Intervention May be Helpful for Kids Whose Baby Teeth Don't Fall Out as Expected

It’s true that in this day and age, parents have been accused of encouraging their kids to grow up too quickly. But when your child’s baby teeth steadfastly remain long after their peers’ permanent teeth are coming in (specifically 2 years longer), you should take action. “What action?” you may ask. Simply schedule a visit with an orthodontist. If your child is losing his or her primary teeth in the expected sequence, odds are that there is not a problem. Your child may simply be a “late bloomer” (toothwise!)

Intervention (tooth removal) may be warranted, though, if your child’s secondary molars begin to erupt and baby teeth are still present. Another reason why it may be smart to have baby teeth pulled is if they are crowding permanent teeth trying to erupt. The last thing you want is for stubborn baby teeth to adversely change the course of permanent teeth coming in. If you do nothing, the baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to come in at crooked angles. We all know what that means down the line: your child will need braces.

Sometimes the Best Course of Action is to Take No Action

In some cases, baby teeth stick around longer than expected but do no damage. If no permanent teeth are trying to erupt, the primary (baby) teeth should remain in most cases. Unless there is trauma or infection present, the baby teeth serve as place holders for the delayed-onset permanent teeth. Removing them prematurely could cause the gums to close up and make the eventual eruption of the permanent teeth painful and traumatic. In this case, it's best to simply be patient and let nature take its course.

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening? Beecroft Orthodontics

Orthodontia is a Lasting Gift You Can Give Your Child

If you are concerned about how your child’s teeth are developing, we encourage you to seek qualified orthodontic care sooner rather than later. Giving a child early orthodontic intervention is a gift that he or she will benefit from their entire lives. We have a wide array of satisfied clients from all over Virgina. We have patients who have benefited from Wildsmile braces in North Stafford, gold braces in Virginia Beach, and an array of different types of braces in Fredericksburg. Beecroft Orthodontics has offices in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and King George. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your child.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

Baby Teeth Removal: Is It Necessary?

How Dental Hygienist Cleans Teeth?

Whether you visit a traditional dentist or an orthodontist for kids in King George, both professionals are concerned with your teeth's cleanliness. From basic brushing to scaling, removing of plaque and tartar is also a priority. You'll meet several dental hygienists as you visit the dentist or orthodontist, but their cleaning methods may vary based on your dental history and the facility's rules.

• Tooth Evaluation First

Before any cleaning or polishing can occur, the dental professional must evaluate your teeth for any issues. Cavities and extreme tartar buildup must be examined for a swift resolution to be created. A dental hygienist may only polish your teeth if other issues need to be dealt with in follow-up appointments, such as filling cavities. Surgery or braces for adults could be necessary, requiring another appointment with further treatments. Hygienists follow the dentist or orthodontist's instructions to maintain consistent care for each patient.

• Helping the Dental Professional

Some dentists and orthodontists take pride in their cleaning abilities, insisting they perform the process themselves. There may be a scaling process necessary for your teeth. Scaling incorporates a vibrating tool into the cleaning process to jostle plaque and tartar off the tooth surface. Professionals typically want to see the results of this cleaning process themselves. Hygienists follow up with basic polishing to help the professional move on to the next patient.

• Polishing is Cleaning

Although the term "polishing" often reminds you of a basic glossy film applied to a surface, tooth polishing is different. If a dental hygienist only polishes the teeth, the surface may have been clean enough to skip the scaling or scraping process. The polish used in teeth work is actually full of abrasives. As the rotating tool works across the tooth, these fine or coarse grains clean the surface as they polish it too. Be aware, however, that this polishing process does remove some enamel from the teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay in the future.

How Do you Keep Your Teeth Clean with Braces On?

• Specialized Visits

You may be visiting the dental or orthodontic office for a follow-up or other appointment. If you've just had a scraping or scaling, a dental hygienist will often only polish the teeth. This situation also occurs when you've just had braces installed. Because of the brackets and wires, dentists can't access all the tooth surfaces. Hygienists may just polish the exposed surfaces while working around the orthodontic hardware.

• Asking Questions

There is no harm asking your dental hygienist about their procedures. You won't offend them because they're often flattered that you care about their specialized skills. They may even offer a play-by-play of their steps. If your dental situation doesn't fit into any of these scenarios, it's natural to be curious. The dentist or orthodontist could go over these questions with you as well. Understanding tooth care is just another step to maintain your overall health. If you want more than just a polish, a hygienist may oblige your concern and ask for a thorough cleaning.

Regardless of your orthodontic needs, such as gold braces Fredericksburg has to offer, the dental hygienist performs their duties for the good of your health. If you have any questions about your treatment, contact Beecroft Orthodontics. They proudly serve the Stafford, Fredericksburg and King George areas with their expert care.

Beecroft Orthodontics 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200

How Dental Hygienist Cleans Teeth?

Can A Cavity Be Reversed Naturally?

Dental care is one of the most important factors of overall health because gum and tooth decay contribute to other bodily ailments. One major dental issue involves cavities caused by starches and sugars eating the protective tooth enamel away. A complete cavity cannot be reversed naturally because it exposes the gum with little minerals left in the tooth itself. However, there are a number of preventive measures you can take to stop early decay from becoming a complete cavity.

• Fluoride Treatments

If your teeth show early signs of decay, fluoride treatment is a viable option to fight off permanent cavities. Whether it's through gels or fluoride-treated water, this substance helps the teeth create minerals for their own healing processes. The enamel isn't completely broken at this point, allowing fluoride to encourage natural bodily healing. However, neglected teeth cannot be repaired naturally when cavities have set in. Regardless if you visit a dentist or the best orthodontist in King George, you'll still require a filling.

• Miracle Gel

Scientists are currently looking at melanocyte-stimulating peptides to cure cavities without the traditional filling. Although this treatment is a long way off from being accepted at the local dentist's office, this gel shows promising results. Patients would be free to avoid the drill and painful filling if nature would take its course. However, it's much better to prevent cavities in the first place than to fix them in severe stages.

• Sealant Help

A smart preventive step against cavities is using sealants. Ask your dentist about sealants applied mainly to the molars. Cavities often start in these areas because they're the site of food grinding. Particles become stuck there and encourage cavities. Sealants create a protective barrier against harmful acids and stuck food particles. Their use doesn't mean patients should miss any brushing or flossing. The sealants are mainly there as a secondary protective measure, requiring basic hygiene to stay healthy.

• Scaling and Polishing

Visiting your dentist regularly allows you to avoid cavities altogether with professional cleaning. Scaling is the process of vibrating plaque and tartar off the teeth to stop further decay. These substances directly influence cavity creation. Polishing processes aren't just a glossy finish, but actually exfoliate the teeth to remove any other debris or films. When dentists and hygienists employ both these procedures, you'll see a brilliant white smile for many months ahead.

• Saliva's Influence

Saliva is a powerful force inside the mouth. Along with its obvious use in digestive processes, this liquid maintains the acidity and alkalinity in the mouth. As you go about your day, saliva keeps bacteria from forming and eating away your teeth. If you drink or eat a lot of sugary food, however, this balance is interrupted. Allow your saliva to work its magic by not eating right before bedtime and avoiding a lot of sugary foods. Cavities are no match for a healthy mouth.

Whether you need invisible braces or lingual braces in Fredericksburg, contact Beecroft Orthodontics for all your dental needs. While your dentist takes care of those cavities, Beecroft helps your smile by straightening teeth and correcting improper bites for a gorgeous appearance each day.

Beecroft Orthodontics 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200

Can A Cavity Be Reversed Naturally?