Revealing Data: 4 Shocking Dental Facts

The world of dental health is very fascinating. Here are four interesting dental facts:

Most people will get cavities at some point

Research shows that most people can expect to get a cavity during their lifetime. In fact, nearly 80 percent of Brooklyn residents will experience their first cavity before turning 18 years old. Although tooth decay is extremely common, it can be prevented by practicing good dental hygiene.

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit

A child's first year of life is filled with many important checkups to ensure his or her health. In addition to checkups with the pediatrician, it's also important to take your son or daughter to the dentist. Knowing what to expect at your  baby's first dental exam can help put both of you at ease.

Oral Evaluation

The first thing that your Bronx dentist will do is perform an oral evaluation of your child. The dentist will look at how many teeth your child has. The dentist will also evaluate the condition of those teeth. The rest of the mouth, including your child's palate, tongue, gums and jaws will also be looked over by the dentist.

Discussion About Oral Care

Your child's dentist will provide you with hints and tips about how to care for your child's teeth. You'll learn about the best types of toothbrushes and toothpastes based upon your child's age and development. You'll also learn techniques on brushing your child's teeth and how to gain your child's cooperation in performing oral hygiene.

Overview of Healthy Dental Habits

If you have questions or concerns about dental health and habits, your dentist can answer them at the checkup. You may want to ask about habits such as thumb sucking, the use of pacifiers or when to stop using a baby bottle. The dentist will also give you tips about foods that are good for the baby’s oral health.

Filling You in on Composite Fillings

A composite filling is a plastic and glass mixture that is tooth-colored and is used to restore decayed teeth. It is ideal in filling fractures, as it provides the durability and toughness needed to endure pressure from the stress of constant chewing. Composite fillings may be used for both front and back teeth, and are also more aesthetically pleasing than amalgams.

Typically, it takes a longer time to apply composite fillings compared to the metal variety. After preparation, the dentist will lay the composite in layers while hardening it with a specialized light. Afterwards, the composite is shaped to fit the tooth. Finally, the composite is polished to prevent any staining and early wear. Composite fillings necessitate the cleaning of the tooth while the cavity is being filled.