Preventive dentistry is a lifelong procedure 
that starts along with pregnancy and childhood then becomes habitual during life.

 

PREVENTION DURING PREGNANCY<<
 

1) For the infant

Knowing that the teeth start its development between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, dentist should be in good contact with the mother’s Gynecologist considering any medicaments that might affect the primary teeth development, calcium deposition and discoloration.

What the mother eats during the nine months of pregnancy affects the development of her unborn child including teeth, so it is important that she receives sufficient amounts of nutrients especially calcium, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D. Other medications that will interfere or suppress teeth formation should be avoided during pregnancy.

 

2) For the mother

During pregnancy, many women have the desire to eat between meals. While this is a normal urge, frequent snacking on carbohydrate-containing foods can be an invitation to tooth decay.

Pregnant women develop gingivitis so commonly, caused by an increased level of the progesterone (Hormone of pregnancy), for that reason it is called “Pregnancy Gingivitis” which will fade after delivery.

Tips for caries prevention during pregnancy

• Eat nutritious, well-balanced meals and try to resist the urge to snack constantly. When you need a snack, choose foods that are nutritious for you and your baby and not carbohydrate containing such as raw fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

• Follow MIDC regimen for proper mouth cleaning

 

PREVENTION DURING CHILDHOOD

 

A child's primary teeth, sometimes called "baby teeth", are as important as the permanent adult teeth. Primary teeth begin to appear when a baby is between the age of six months and one year.

A dental visit at early ages is important; besides checking for tooth decay and other problems, MIDC can demonstrate how to clean the child's teeth properly and how to evaluate any adverse habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, teeth grinding and so on.

Primary teeth are important because:

• They help children to chew, speak and have a good-looking smile.

• They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are developing under the gums. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space. When it's time for the adult teeth to erupt, there may not be enough room. This can cause crowded teeth.

• They aid in jaw bones and facial development. 
   

1) Baby bottle tooth decay

 

Baby bottle tooth decay is a fast destructive decay that often occurs in the upper front teeth of infants and children, caused when sweetened liquids are given through the bottle and are left clinging to an infant’s teeth for long periods.

Tips for prevention:

• After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad.

• Begin brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth erupts.

• Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk.

• If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, give the child a clean pacifier.

• If the local water supply does not contain enough fluoride, ask your dentist how your child should get it.

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2) Ordinary tooth decay

 

Tips for prevention:

• Apply Sealants; Which are dental materials that are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to act as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.

• Follow MIDC regimen for proper mouth cleaning.

• Visit the dentist for Dental care twice a year.

• Avoid dental psychological trauma to allow proper follow up and treatment (especially with children).

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3) Badly aligned teeth and malformed bone

 

Tips for prevention:

• Avoid early loss of primary teeth whenever possible.

• Avoid thumb sucking that may cause problems with the 
  proper growth of the jaw bones and alignment of the teeth.

• Use space maintainers:

  • If your child loses a baby tooth early the child's other teeth could shift and begin to fill the vacant space. When your child's permanent teeth emerge, there's no enough room for them. The result is crowded teeth and difficulties with chewing or speaking. To prevent that, MIDC inserts a space maintainer to hold the spot left by the lost tooth until the permanent tooth emerges then the device will be removed.

• Use the trainers (pre-orthodontic appliances):

  • Pre orthodontic appliances are made of rubber (colored or transparent) which apply pressure to the child's bone. The constant pressure stimulates the child's bone to grow. Hopefully, the bone can be guided into a normal growing pattern and assists the child developing a pleasing and beautiful smile.

  • Pre orthodontic appliances may also help in:

    • Directing the teeth to a normal alignment thus eliminating or decreasing teeth overlaps.

    • Eliminate bad habits as mouth breathing, thumb sucking, teeth grinding and hyperactivity of tongue and lips.

    • May be filled with Re-calcifying material that prevents caries and strengthens the enamel structure.