Q:How important are baby teeth ?

Q:What is Plaque?

Q:What is Calculus (Tartar)?

Q:What is a Cavity?

Q:How does a Cavity Form?

Q:Why does my baby gets diarrhoea during the teething period ?

Q:My tooth has fractured what do I do? My teeth has fallen out by accident / trauma Can the same tooth be fitted back?

Q:Is dental extraction painful? Is there need of antibiotics before extraction? What happens if I have diabetes or hypertension and I want to go for removal of teeth? Can I extract teeth when I have swelling ?

Answer. Baby teeth are very important. Most of us tend to ignore the health of baby teeth thinking that they are going fall out but once
ignored the baby teeth tend to decay which may cause pain to the child the child may not eat proper finally effecting the child's health. Also baby teeth act as space maintainers for permanent teeth. Removal of baby teeth
may cause closure of spaces for permanent teeth to erupt leading to crowding of the permanent teeth. When front baby teeth are missing the child may develop speech problems, may lack confidence,may develop an altered lip support etc. Thus care for baby teeth is of utmost importance.

Answer. Plaque is the accumulation of bacteria, microorganisms and their products which sticks to the tooth surfaces. Dental plaque is soft and easily removed by brushing and flossing the teeth. Accumulation of plaque can lead to gum disease (gingivitis) and periodontal disease, as well as tooth decay.

Answer. Calculus is dental plaque that has mineralized. Calculus can form when plaque is not removed from the tooth surfaces. This plaque becomes old and eventually forms into calculus. Calculus can form above or below the gumline. The bacteria that sticks to calculus can cause gum disease (gingivitis) or periodontal disease. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. A dental hygienist checks for calculus formation when you visit the dental office. It is removed with special instruments designed to adapt to the tooth surface affected without causing trauma to the soft gums.

Answer. A cavity is the destruction of the tooth enamel, dentin, cementum and may involve the tooth pulp.

Answer. The formation of a cavity is due to many factors. For example, the tooth itself plays a role (how strong it is); the mouths ability to cleanse itself (your flow of saliva); diet (frequency and selection of sugary foods); the bacteria in your mouth (good or bad); and the length of time the tooth is under attack by the bacteria in your mouth.Good Habits to Help Prevent Cavities regular visits with your dental professional on an appointment schedule that he/she recommends based on your own needs.

Regular visits will ensure you have the benefits of preventive care and early diagnosis, as well as, treatment for any dental problems. Guidance about home dental care can also be provided to avoid future problems .

Answer. During the teething period the baby is restless and there is an itchy sensation in the mouth. To curb this irritation the baby tends to chew on various objects which may be unclean. In such cases bacteria travel within the baby's body through the oral cavity. This most frequently leads to diarrhoea.

Answer. Trauma to the tooth may cause the whole tooth to fall out or it may fracture.
Whole tooth falling out : This is known as avulsion. An avulsed tooth may be filled back into its original position. Carry the tooth saliva or milk to your local dentist. Do not rub of the tissue tags attached to the tooth.

The dentist fits the same tooth back and holds it in place by wiring or bonding. Once the tooth is firm it is treated with root canalling or cropping.

Fracture of tooth :Vertical fracture usually need removal of the tooth. Horizontal fracture may be treated with bonding or root canalling and capping.

Answer. Dental extractions are done usually under local anesthesia. The prick of the needle is the only pain felt which is also mellowed down by using surface anesthesia jelly. Extraction under local anesthesia is not painful. Antibiotic coverage is advised before extractions as it helps control the infection and any swelling that is there will subside. If there is a swelling it is advisable till the swelling subsides. Medical problems like hypertension or uncontrolled diabetes are a contradiction to extraction. Hypertension may lead to bleeding problems.

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