Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Though baby teeth are temporary, they are important for setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Baby teeth are prone to cavities and this tooth decay that occurs in toddlers and infants is called baby bottle decay. Baby bottle tooth decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, though others can be affected. The common cause is frequent exposure to sugary beverages. Our doctors at Vista Dental are here to help parents prevent this condition in their child.

After feeding your child, wipe his or her gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth. Begin brushing his or her teeth without toothpaste once the first tooth is exposed. Clean and massage the gums and make sure your child is getting enough fluoride to ward off cavities. Depending on your child’s age, he or she may be a candidate for dental sealants to prevent tooth decay.

If you have questions or concerns regarding pediatric dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

The Process of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. Tooth decay originates with dental plaque that isn’t removed between the teeth during brushing and flossing. A person is more likely to develop decay if they suffer from poor oral hygiene, a diet that is high in refined sugar, tooth roots exposed by receding gums, and/or reduced flow of saliva. To prevent tooth decay, it’s important to visit our doctors at Vista Dental twice a year for professional cleanings.

Tooth decay occurs in stages. The first stage of decay begins when chalky white areas on the surface of the tooth appear, due to the loss of calcium and plaque buildup. Acids will begin to deteriorate tooth enamel and will eventually start breaking underneath the tooth’s surface. If decay is left untreated, the dentist will begin to dissolve, resulting in potential tooth loss. If you experience tooth pain of any kind or are concerned about a cavity, schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options.  

If you have questions regarding oral care for orthodontics, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Dental Sealants

What if there was a way to seal out cavities so that you never got one again? Well, there just might be. Though our doctors at Vista Dental cannot guarantee that you’ll never develop another cavity, we can help you prevent them. Dental sealants consist of plastic material that is placed on the chewing surface of the back teeth to help protect them from bacteria that leads to decay. Allow us to explain the benefits of dental sealants.

Both children and adults can benefit from dental sealants, however, the sooner you receive them the better. Sealing teeth as soon as possible is the best thing to do for cavity prevention. Sealants are applied quickly and painlessly. Before placing the dental sealant, our doctor will dry the tooth and place an acidic gel that hardens and forms a strong bond between the crevices of your teeth. Sealants are safe and effective and can last for several years before they need to be reapplied.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental sealants, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.