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When should I first
bring my child in?
Should I wait until all of the baby teeth are
out?
Can my family dentist perform orthodontics?
When is the best time to brush my teeth?
When, how, and why should I floss my teeth?
Got any recipes for mouth ulcers?
Is there really a tooth fairy?
When
should I first bring my child in?
The first thing to remember is that there
is no single age that can be specified to first bring your child
in, because we all develop at a different rate, (I’m still
waiting to grow up). The best thing to do is to ask your family
dentist about any concerns you ,as a parent, have regarding crowding
or an unusual appearance. Certain types of problems, like a reverse
bite (crossbite), where the teeth hit opposite of the way they should,
or a finger sucking habit, are just some of the many problems that
will correct best when started at an early age. The American Association
of Orthodontists recommends seeing your orthodontist at age 7. Personally,
I feel this is often a little young, but let your family dentist
guide you here. Your dentist can pick up small and large problems
early, so ask his/her opinion about a particular concern.
Should
I wait until all of the baby teeth are out?
Here the answer is a resounding NO! The baby
molars are actually larger than the permanent teeth underneath them,
giving an orthodontist a jump on conserving the space that may be
required to eliminate crowding, or removal of some permanent teeth
later. Early treatment, or as I call it in my offices, Phase one,
or Interceptive Orthodontic Therapy, give us a "jump start"
on most problems, and is usually accomplished using orthodontic
appliances that are almost invisible, and that are worn behind the
front teeth. Here we want to start early, with baby teeth in place,
so as to maximize the eruption of the permanent teeth, while minimizing
future crowding. An age for this type of treatment? Anywhere from
age 8 to 11.
Can
my family dentist do orthodontics?
Of course, but family dentists are not specialists
in the field of Orthodontics, and don’t have the multi-year
training and certification that a licensed specialist has. Orthodontists
in the state of New Jersey are required to have Specialty Permits,
(Dr. Shagam's specialty permit in NJ is: 2831) that must be shown
in advertisements, on stationary, and on their business cards. This
is done to protect the public from some practitioners that can "do"
orthodontics, but don’t have the state and national recognition
and, most importantly, the educational requirements, of a qualified
specialist.
When
is the best time to brush my teeth?
After every meal. If you can not brush right
away, rinse well with water.
When,
how, and why should I floss my teeth?
WHEN? Nightly after brushing.
HOW? Use floss threader between gums and braces.
WHY? Removes plaque toothbrush misses.
Got
any recipes for mouth ulcers?
This is a series of vitamins, amino acids,
and other naturally occurring substances that appear to either reduce
the amount of time it takes for a "mouth ulcer" to heal,
or prevent recurring outbreaks of these lesions. As with all supplements,
do not take those that you know you might be allergic to, and if
you feel it necessary, check with your physician before taking.
For most people there are no negative reactions to this naturally
occurring group of supplements. During severe breakouts, this regimen
can be taken twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the evening.
Some people, take these pills every day, and seem to feel they actually
help prevent the annoying ulcers.
Where noted, I happen to prefer
specific brands of these items, like "Twinlab" or "Solgar"
as they seem to break down in the body better, and are therefore
more easily utilized. They are just a bit more expensive, but, in
my opinion, are well worth it. All are available at better health
food and vitamin stores, or at Zagara's or Fresh Field's stores:
Dr.
Shagam