Q: I have read that it is important to use a toothbrush with
soft bristles. Wouldn't harder bristles remove more plaque?
A: Choosing the best toothbrush begins with choosing the
right bristles. Bristles are vital because they directly
contact the teeth. Choosing correct bristles is a valuable
"insurance policy" against gum disease and tooth decay.
Consider bristle type, shape, and arrangement before you
purchase any toothbrush.
Bristle Type:
Today, bristles are made of nylon and/or polyester. We have
certainly...
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Q: Would you recommend any type of gum care prior to
eruption of a child's first tooth? I want to provide good
dental care for my infant.
A: It is important to get an early start on preventative
dental care.
Some hospital-oriented prenatal courses invite dentists to
provide instruction for prenatal and postnatal dental care.
This counseling serves several functions. Expectant mothers
often experience swollen, bleeding, and sore gums (i.e.
pregnancy gingivitis). It appears that meticulous oral
hygiene reduces this...
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Q: My daughter has a runny nose. Is this a sign of teething?
What are the usual symptoms of teething?
A: A runny nose is not commonly associated with teething.
The runny nose is more likely caused by a cold, allergy, or
some other condition. If this is a constant occurrence, you
should have a pediatrician examine your daughter.
Common signs of teething include discomfort, restlessness,
irritability, loss of appetite, and waking during the night.
Chewing on toys...
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Q: What are the safest teething toys?
A: Teething rings are commonly used by infants to help
soothe teething pain when primary teeth erupt.
Teething rings or similar objects made from resilient and
easily cleaned latex or silicone reduce infant teething
pain. Teething toys and pacifiers made of latex or silicone
do not contain the potentially harmful chemical diisononyl
phthalate. Consider discarding worn teething rings even if
they are phthalate free because rough edges can abrade an
infant's soft...
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Q: My husband would prefer our newborn to suck a pacifier
rather than her thumb. What are your thoughts on this?
A: There is some logic to this thinking. First, there are
pacifiers which are manufactured to be "orthodontically
correct." While this labeling should not lull parents into a
false sense of security as far as developing orthodontic
problems, these pacifiers are preferred by most dentists.
Thumbs or fingers are not "orthodontically correct."
The other part of the...
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Q: I am currently working on a research paper that deals
with the pros and cons of pacifiers. Do you have any
information about the dental and language development of a
child that has been using a pacifier for a while?
A: Using a pacifier during the early years of child
development generally does not permanently alter the
position of the teeth or jaws. Occasionally, the upper jaw
(i.e. maxilla) can become somewhat deformed causing the
upper teeth...
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Q: In our playgroup there has been much discussion about
kissing babies and possible cavity transmission. Is it
possible to give your baby cavities if you kiss them on the
mouth?
A: Numerous studies indicate that Streptococcus mutans, the
main bacteria implicated in causing dental decay, or caries,
is transmissible. While this bacteria can be transmitted
between various family members, there appears to be a strong
link between mother and child. The mode of transmission
appears to be through...
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