Dental Flashcards
First dental visit
when teeth erupt (by age 1)
Number of primary teeth
20
When do all primary teeth erupt by
age 3
Spacing is good in primary teeth because
allows room for larger permanent teeth
Enamel in primary teeth
thin; teeth can decay quickly
Timing for eruption of primary teeth
3 mo (as late as 14) - 3 YO
Premature baby tooth eruption
May be delayed; may have enamel defects
Exfoliation/shedding
loosing primary teeth; starts with lower incisors
1st permanent molar eruption
age 6
Eruption of permanent dentition
age 6 until age 12
Decalcification
white spots that don’t wipe off; sign of early decay; reversible with plaque removal and fluoride; refer to dentist
Caries progression
Decalcification, moderate, severe
Moderate careis
brown/black spots, smooth and/or chewing surfaces, dental refer ASAP
Severe caries
risk of fracture; affects chewing and self-esteem; often requires tx in OR under anesthesia; refer ASAP; places child at risk for serious infection
Early Childhood caries (ECC)
transmissible (<5), decay/destruction; dependent on refined carbs; virulent
High risk for caries
premature/low birth weight low SES/education caregiver with cavities siblings with cavities children w/ special health care needs children who use a bottle after 15 months or have sweets/starchy snack more than 3 times a day
Breast milk
not cariogenic unless combined with carbs
Teeth care
must be cleaned following feedings whether breast or bottle
Eliminate bottle
by 1 year old
Introduce sippy cup
as soon as child can sit up unsupported
Drinks at bed or nap tim
ONLY WATER
When can kids have juice
meals only (water and milk between meals)
Feeding guidelines
healthy foods, avoid pre-tasting/pre-chewing (shares bacteria), avoid stick foods, discourage grazing (especially carbs)
Teething tips
something cold, teething ring, clean finger to rub gums, dispense acetmainophen
Most discontinue sucking habit
2-4 YO (causes teeth and jaw problems if not)
Toothbrushing
<1: clean w/ soft toothbrush
1-2 y: parents should brush w/ smear of fluoride toothpaste 2x/day
2-6 y: pea-sized fluoride 2x/day parent performed/supervise
>6 y: brush with fluoride 2x/day
Fluoride
prevents decay; found in tap water and some bottled water
Fluorosis
excessive system fluoride; causes brown spots on teeth
Threat of fluorosis disappears
age 8
When to begin flossing
as soon as teeth touch; assist children until 8-10 yo
Number 1 chronic infectious disease
childhood caries
Most common structural birth defect
orofacial clefts (more common in males)
Types of clefts
unilateral vs. bilateral
cleft palate, cleft lip and palate
bifid uvula
Risk factor for clefts
maternal smoking, alcohol use, diabetes and obesity
Feeding babies with cleft
have difficult forming negative pressure to suck; overcome by using longer nipples; frequent burping due to baby swallowing air; feed more upright (>45 degrees)
Ear problems with cleft
slack palate muscles close middle ear space leaving no mechanism for drainage; bacteria from nasopharynx accumulate in fluid leading to infection myringotomy may be required; chronic inflammation leads to impairment and possible permanent damage
Four speech problems with cleft
- retardation of consonant sounds
- hypernasality may remain after surgical repair
- dental malocclusion (abnormal bite) and abnormal tongue placement may produce an articulation problem
- hearing problem
Associated anomalies with cleft
clubefoot/neuro disturbances (30%), congenital heart disease (10%), mental retardation (10%)
Goals of tx for cleft
produce face that does not attract attention, create vocal apparatus that permits intelligent speech, dentition that allows optimal funciton and aesthetics
Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM)
shapes nose and improves nose as early as 1st week; worn 24 hrs a day; unilateral clefts (3 months) and bilateral clefts (6 months); precursor for surgery; aids with feeding
Dental problems with cleft
absence of teeth or supernumaris (extra teeth); can affect development of upper jaw
How often should you have a dental visit
every 6 months
