October 12th, 2010
What is the role of the dental hygienist in a children’s dental office?
Dental hygienists are licensed health care professionals focusing on preventative oral health. Traditionally the role of the dental hygienist is to evaluate and gather information about each patient through x-rays and exams. Next, it usually involves a plan for treating any periodontal (gum and bone) condition, by cleaning the teeth and helping the patient maintain good oral habits. The hygienist’s most important role is patient education, teaching patients and parents how to prevent cavities and other dental diseases.
In many children’s dental offices the hygienist is often counted on to help out with restorative procedures. This usually includes giving local anesthetic and placing fillings. One difference between an adult and children’s practice is the hygienist may be more involved with the restorative treatment of children. This varies based on the state, but hygienists in Washington are trained in expanded duties.
Becoming a hygienist requires about 4 years of school, including 2 years in dental hygiene school. In Washington State, additional training is given beyond the scope of traditional dental hygiene. Hygienists are taught how to administer local anesthesia and to place and carve restorations (fillings). Clinical and written board examinations are required to demonstrate competency in these areas.
At Children’s Dentistry of Wenatchee the hygienist spends a good portion of the day administering anesthesia for patients and placing the fillings after Dr. Cara has prepared a tooth for restoration. Your child will typically get a “hygiene check” during a cleaning visit to scale off any calculus (a.k.a. tartar) as well as get oral health recommendations. During this time the hygienist will evaluate each child’s mouth for areas that need improvement, and always make sure to praise good work. The assistants are very involved in patient education and checkups. Working closely with the assistants to make sure that each child has an enjoyable experience is key to the success of your child’s visit.
Above all else the hygienist is a coach helping to instill lifelong healthy habits. By connecting with children at a young age dental problems cannot only be treated, but kids will be given knowledge as a preventative tool. Hygienists are a great resource on oral health. So bring your smile and questions to your next visit!
Morgan
October 5th, 2010
There are so many to choose from. What is the best tooth brush for my child?
We are often asked for “the best” toothbrush recommendation. I have only one toothbrush that I strongly believe will make a difference in the oral health of your child and that is the Sonicare. Sonicare For Kids is specifically designed to help parents teach their child (ages 4-10) to brush, then help them transition their child to independent brushing.
Parents often ask if the “spin” type brushes available in stores at a lower price will do the same thing. The answer is NO. The carefully researched and patented sonic combination of approximately 31,000 brush strokes per minute and the specific reach of the brush head as it sweeps back and forth are what create Sonicare’s unique “beyond the bristles” cleaning action. Most power toothbrushes have either a different stroke frequency or bristle amplitude and do not have the same powerful, yet remarkably gentle fluid activity as Sonicare.
When children come into the practice 99% of the time I am able to identify by looking at their gum tissue and overall dental health whether or not they are Sonicare users. That was a powerful message and solidified for me as a mother and a dentist that the Sonicare for Kids toothbrush IS the best.
August 17th, 2010
My child has two rows of front teeth. Is something wrong?
Well, yes and no. Yes, it needs to be addressed and no, your child is not really a baby shark! It looks strange and does often cause parents concern. I actually see this quite often. The baby teeth have not come out like they were supposed to - it is most common with the lower front teeth when the child is six years old.
In the normal course of events, the permanent tooth slowly dissolves the root of the primary tooth as it comes up underneath. Eventually, there is not much root left, the baby tooth gets loose and falls out. The permanent tooth then comes in where the baby tooth used to be. Well, it just doesn't always happen like that.
If the child doesn't have enough room for the permanent teeth, then the permanent tooth may not come in right up under the baby tooth. Even when there is lots of room, the new tooth may not be able to resorb the baby tooth root fast enough. It then takes the path of least resistance, which is to come in behind the baby tooth. That means there is nothing "pushing" the baby tooth and there may be quite a lot of primary root left.
The good news is the permanent tooth will tend to move forward into the correct position on it's own IF there is nothing in the way and there is enough room. A lot of parents hold out hoping the baby tooth will fall out on it's own. Some children are very aggressive in wiggling their teeth. Some just let them hang there! This can create a not so nice plaque trap, which leads to red and irritated gum tissue.
Often the retained baby teeth need to be taken out. This may involve making more room by removing the adjacent baby teeth or making the baby teeth more slender by "disking" them. If the new tooth hasn't come in very much (you haven't waited too long), then the new tooth will slowly move forward. This takes a few weeks or months. The tongue is a strong muscle and with the pressure it applies you may be surprised how quickly these teeth move into a better position!
