Teeth Growing Behind Milk Teeth: What Parents Need to Know

At Leominster Family Dentists, we understand that, as a parent, seeing your child’s adult teeth growing in behind their baby teeth can be a bit alarming. Rest assured, this is a common occurrence and typically nothing to worry about. Our team in Leominster, MA, is here to provide you with the information you need to understand this phase of your child’s dental development.

Why Do Teeth Grow Behind Milk Teeth?

Teeth growing behind milk teeth, often referred to as “shark teeth,” occur when the permanent teeth start to erupt before the primary teeth have fallen out. This can happen for a few reasons:

  1. Timing Mismatch: Sometimes, the timing of the permanent teeth coming in and the baby teeth falling out doesn’t align perfectly. This is most common around the ages of 5 to 7.
  2. Lack of Root Resorption: Baby teeth roots typically dissolve (resorb) to allow for easy removal. If resorption doesn’t happen quickly enough, the permanent teeth can start to push through behind the baby teeth.
  3. Crowding or Lack of Space: In some cases, there might not be enough space for the permanent teeth to emerge in the correct position, causing them to grow behind the baby teeth.

What Should You Do if You Notice This?

Seeing “shark teeth” can be concerning, but here’s what you can do:

  1. Monitor the Situation: In many cases, the baby teeth will eventually become loose and fall out on their own. This process can take a few weeks to a couple of months.
  2. Encourage Natural Loosening: Encourage your child to wiggle the baby teeth gently to help them along. Eating crunchy foods like apples can also aid in this process.
  3. Consult with Your Pediatric Dentist: If the baby teeth do not become loose or fall out within a few months, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist. We can assess the situation and determine if any intervention is needed.

Possible Interventions

While most cases resolve naturally, there are instances where professional intervention is required:

  1. Extraction of Baby Teeth: If the baby teeth are particularly stubborn, our dentist may recommend a simple extraction to make room for the permanent teeth.
  2. Space Maintainers: In some cases, especially if multiple baby teeth are involved, space maintainers might be needed to ensure the permanent teeth have enough room to come in correctly.
  3. Orthodontic Evaluation: Early orthodontic evaluation can help identify potential crowding or alignment issues and provide a plan to address them as your child grows.

Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are crucial during your child’s development. Our team at Leominster Family Dentists is committed to monitoring your child’s oral health and development, ensuring any issues like “shark teeth” are addressed promptly and effectively.

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Teeth growing behind milk teeth can be a normal part of childhood development, but it’s always best to keep an eye on the situation and consult with our pediatric dentistry team if you have concerns. At Leominster Family Dentists, we are here to support you and your child through every stage of their dental journey. Schedule an appointment with us today to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright!

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Knocked Out Teeth: Next Steps for the Most Common Dental Emergency

Beyond Fistfights: Common Causes of Knocked Out Teeth

Forget Hollywood brawls. Knocked-out teeth, also known as avulsed teeth, happen more often than you might think. Simple falls, face injuries, and even contact sports can be the culprits. While it’s a common dental emergency, only 9% of Americans know what to do when it strikes. This guide equips you with the knowledge and steps to potentially save your lost tooth!

Quick Action is Key: Understanding the Timeframe

Time is crucial! Ideally, aim to see your dentist within 30 minutes of losing the tooth. However, with immediate action, successful reimplantation has even occurred after an hour. So, stay calm and focused, follow these steps, and increase your chances of salvaging your smile.

1. Locate and Handle the Tooth Gently:

  • Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (white, chewing surface), not the roots.
  • Rinse gently with lukewarm water for no more than 10 seconds if dirty. Avoid chemicals, soaps, or drying it. Excessive water or rough handling can damage the root cells needed for reimplantation.

2. Try Reimplantation (if Possible):

  • If the tooth is whole, gently push it back into the socket by the crown. Hold it there with your fingers or bite down softly.

3. Keep the Tooth Moist:

  • Never let the tooth dry out! If reimplantation isn’t possible, keep it moist at all times. Here are your options:
    • Place it in your cheek: The most natural and preferred method.
    • Store it in milk: A temporary alternative if cheek-storing isn’t possible.
    • Use an emergency tooth preservation kit: If readily available, follow the kit’s instructions.

4. Time to See Your Dentist (Fast!):

  • Every minute counts! Call Leominster Family Dentists immediately and explain the situation. We prioritize emergency appointments.
  • If reaching our office immediately isn’t possible, head to the emergency room.

5. Post-Reimplantation Recovery and Options:

  • Healing time for reattached teeth can vary from 1-8 weeks. Regular checkups follow, and further treatment might not be needed.
  • If reimplantation is unsuccessful, your dentist will discuss tooth replacement options like bridges or implants after the socket heals.

Prevention is Always Best:

Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports and practicing good oral hygiene are your best defenses against knocked-out teeth. But if it happens, knowing what to do can make a world of difference. At Leominster Family Dentists, we empower you with the knowledge you need to care for your oral health!

Learn More About Dental Emergencies

Dental Crown Pros and Cons

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are an effective and versatile treatment option used to address a variety of dental issues. They are used to cap a tooth with a large filling or that has had root canal therapy, or for cosmetic purposes. They can also be used to attach to dental implants to replace missing teeth, as the implants provide extra support in the jawbone. Dental crowns also provide additional support for dental bridges, and when cared for properly, can be just as healthy and strong as natural teeth. While there are many benefits to getting a dental crown, it is important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros of Dental Crowns

  1. Durability: Dental crowns are extremely durable and are designed to last for many years. They are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys, so they can be customized to match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
  2. Improved Appearance: Dental crowns can be used to improve the appearance of your smile. Crowns can be used to cover up discolored or misshapen teeth and can even be used to make your teeth appear straighter or more uniform in shape.
  3. Increased Strength: Dental crowns can be used to reinforce a tooth that has been weakened due to decay or trauma. The crowns act as an extra barrier to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.

Cons of Dental Crowns

  1. Cost: Dental crowns can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Depending on the type of crown you choose, the cost can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
  2. Time: Getting a dental crown can be a lengthy process. It usually requires two or more visits to the dentist and can take up to two hours per visit. However, some dental offices are able to provide same-day crowns.
  3. Sensitivity: After getting a dental crown, some people may experience sensitivity in the area where the crown was placed. This sensitivity can last for a few days or even weeks and can be uncomfortable.

 

Dental crowns can be a great option for restoring and strengthening damaged teeth, as well as improving their appearance. However, they can be costly and involve a significant time commitment, and some people may experience sensitivity following the procedure. Before making a decision, it is essential to take into account all the pros and cons of getting a dental crown in order to determine if it is the right choice for you.

 

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Halloween Tips-for-Teeth

Halloween: A Candy Conundrum

Halloween can be a dream world of costumes, candy, and spooky fun. But for parents, it can also be a dental nightmare. Fear not! While sugar abounds, it’s all about balance and knowing your candy foes and friends.

Good Guys: Treats that Trick Cavities

  • Chocolate: Soft and sweet, it melts away, minimizing cavity risk. Opt for dark chocolate for a healthier, tooth-friendly treat.
  • Sugar-free Gum: Chew after eating to clean the mouth and boost saliva, your natural cavity fighter. Look for Xylitol-based gums for extra benefit.

Be Mindful: The Gooey Grey Zone

  • Sticky Candies: These cling to teeth, feeding cavity-causing bacteria. Skip caramels, gummy worms, and taffy.
  • Hard Candy: Suck, don’t bite! Chewing can crack teeth, and sour varieties are acidic, damaging enamel.
  • Popcorn Balls: Delicious but tricky! Loose kernels can get stuck, attracting bacteria. Enjoy these in moderation and floss thoroughly afterward.

Dental Saviors: Your Guardian Angels of Grin

Remember, even good candies can pack a sugar punch. Here’s your arsenal for a victorious smile:

  • Brush Twice, Floss Once: This is your golden rule, Halloween or not.
  • Mouth Rinse: Use a fluoride rinse after sugary treats for extra protection.
  • Limit Treats: Spread out the candy bounty over days or weeks, rather than indulging in one epic sugarfest.

Happy Halloween! Trick-or-treat the smart way and your teeth will thank you for it.

Bonus Tip: Swap some candy for non-sugary treats like mini toys, books, or glow sticks. Your child will have just as much fun, and their teeth will be grateful.

Now go forth and conquer that candy bag with a mindful smile!

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers: Unveiling the Best Material for Your Dream Smile

Whether you’re looking to have only a few teeth or all of your front teeth covered by dental veneers you might be wondering; which material is the best, composite or porcelain? Dental veneers can be used alongside other cosmetic dental procedures to dramatically change the look of your smile. It’s an important question, so let’s dive in.

How Long Will Your Smile Last?

The lifespan of any type of dental veneer depends upon several factors. The most important of those is hygiene and overall oral health. Under ideal conditions, if a patient follows brushing, flossing, and twice annual dental checkup recommendations, both porcelain and composite veneers can last for many years. A common estimate for the lifespan of composite veneers is between 4 to 10 years. Porcelain veneers are estimated to last between 10 to 15 years if not longer.

  • Porcelain: A Legacy of Longevity (10-15+ Years). Porcelain is generally fragile but after it is bonded to a tooth it becomes extremely durable.
  • Composite: A Shorter, Repair-Friendly Journey (4-10 Years). Composite materials are strong as well but once attached are more prone to chipping than porcelain. However composite veneers can be repaired, similar to fillings for normal tooth enamel, while porcelain veneers must be replaced entirely if they are damaged.

Speed vs. Precision in Veneer Application

  • Composite: In-and-Out Convenience (One Appointment). Composite veneers have the advantage of a faster application process compared to porcelain. Composite veneers can be fabricated in the office and can be applied during the same visit in which your teeth are prepped for them. Any dental veneers require some tooth material to be ground away to make room for them. With composite veneers, your dentist can complete that work, fabricate your veneers, and apply them all in the same visit.
  • Porcelain: Two appointments for unmatched craftsmanship. Porcelain veneers generally require at least two appointments. Your dentist will remove the necessary material from your teeth, take an impression mold, and then will have to wait for a special lab to fabricate your veneers. Temporary veneers are available between appointments, so it’s not like you will walk around with obviously incomplete dental work, but if time is a factor this is worth considering. At your second appointment, your porcelain veneers will then be applied.

Porcelain veneers are also generally more expensive than composite. Because porcelain veneers cannot be fabricated in-office and are of a higher quality material they cost more to create and apply. The initial cost of porcelain veneers compared to composite often becomes equal over time however when considering the upfront costs versus repair and replacement costs over the lifetime of each material.

Achieving the Most Natural-Looking Smile

  • Light-mimicking perfection for unmatched appearance. Porcelain veneers compared to composite veneers look more natural. The way that thin porcelain catches light mirrors a white tooth very closely.
  • A natural choice, with staining considerations. Composite veneers still look quite natural but when considering cosmetics porcelain does have the edge. Porcelain is also more stain resistant, related to its general durability edge, compared to composite. Because composite veneers can stain that does mean they will naturally wear and change color just like your other teeth. Porcelain veneers on the other hand may start to stick out more over time compared to the teeth surrounding them. This might me you will need to consider whitening your teeth to match the shade of your porcelain veneers as time goes on.

Which Dental Veneers Are Best?

There are pros and cons to both composite and dental veneers. The best material for your veneers is ultimately something you will need to decide for yourself based on your lifestyle and preferences. There’s a question of lifespan, upfront versus lifetime costs, look, and time to consider when deciding between the two. If you’re still not sure, our dentists and staff are happy to help guide you through the decision-making process. There’s yet more information that can be provided to you and guidance that can be tailored to your specific needs and unique oral health situation.

 

Our Dental Veneers

Going All-In on All-On-Four?

Having a healthy smile that you’re proud of has a major positive impact on your self-confidence. On the flip side, poor dental health can have a major impact on your physical health, but also on your emotional health as well. When you don’t feel confident in your smile, it can be difficult to feel sure of yourself at all. Losing a singular tooth or multiple teeth makes you confront the physical and emotional issues that ensue. Thankfully, there is hope to have a full smile once more!

There are numerous kinds of dental implants that are available in the dental world today. Some implants cover a single tooth, while dental bridges cover multiple teeth. For some people, there are no viable teeth left in the mouth. Previous implant surgeries would require 6-8 different implant points in order to restore a dental arch (all of the teeth on either the upper or lower jaw). In the early 1990s, a new technique revolutionized the dental world: the All-On-Four implant was created.

What is the All-On-Four and Why is it Special?

As the name implies, the All-On-Four technique implants all of one of your dental arches (all of the teeth on either the upper or lower jaw) and it only uses four points of the implant. This significantly reduces the number of implant points needed to restore your smile. By only using 4 implant points as opposed to the previously used 6–8, it significantly reduces the amount of post-implant pain, recovery time, and risk of complications. For people who have osteoporosis or other issues where there isn’t a lot of bone material to work with, the All-On-4 technique requires no bone grafting in order to place the implants. For just 4 points of contact, you can have an entire arch of teeth put into place. While this still may be a bit uncomfortable, IV sedation is available to help with the discomfort that may be experienced.

What are the Limitations of All-On-Four?

As with any type of dental implant, there are limitations that apply to All-On-Four as well. One of the main disadvantages of the All-On-Four technique is the cost involved. In order to do the procedure, doing just one dental arch can cost upwards of 10-30 thousand dollars, varying widely by what kind of material is used. Luckily, most insurances cover a portion of the cost. Another disadvantage is that depending on the material used, dental restorations may be necessary later down the road. This could be a potential financial burden. However, most dental All-On-Four implants last well over 20 years with the potential to last a lifetime.

If you are ready to have a full smile and learn more about the All-On-Four technique, give us a call at 978-534-9216 or visit our website to see all our services.

How To Prevent Cavities & Tooth Decay

Cavities, often referred to as tooth decay, are tiny holes that develop in the hard surface of your teeth. They are most common in children and teenagers, but they can affect everyone including infants and toddlers. Take a closer look at what causes cavities and how you can prevent them.

Causes of Cavities

Cavities typically occur as a result of poor oral health habits but other various factors can increase the risk of getting a cavity, including:

  • Dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps wash away food stuck on the teeth and it counters the acid produced from bacteria in the mouth, which reduces the chance for cavities.
  • Foods and drinks. Certain foods aren’t as easily washed away from saliva, making them more likely to cause decay. Foods you should limit include: ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, cake, chips, cookies, and hard candy.
  • Constant snacking or sipping. Drinking or eating frequently throughout the day results in increased bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria produce the acids that attack tooth enamel.
  • Lack of fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities and can reverse the early stage of tooth decay. Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help reduce your chance of cavities.

Cavity Prevention

Regular dental visits and daily brushing and flossing are the best protection against cavities. If you get a cavity, it should be treated right away. But, cavities left untreated get larger and larger, affecting the deeper layers of your teeth. Deeper cavities result in higher chances of experiencing severe toothache and infection. So, when it comes to cavities, prevention is key. Below are some of our cavity preventions tips:

  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste. Brush and floss twice a day, ideally after each meal.
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque that builds up overtime which isn’t removed by regular brushing and flossing. Going to the dentist twice a year is one of the best cavity prevention options.
  • Dental sealants. Sealants protect the tooth enamel from harmful plaque and bacteria.
Learn More About Fillings and Sealants

What is the Role of Fluoride in Dental Care?

Fluoride is one of the most researched nutrients, with over 50 years of peer-reviewed scientific studies confirming its various dental health benefits. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by remineralizing and strengthening your teeth. It also lowers the risk of cavities and strengthens tooth enamel

Fluoride, a component of saliva and the hardest natural substance found in the earth’s crust, when combined with calcium and phosphate to form tooth enamel, is often referred to as a cavity-fighting mineral. Nevertheless, water fluoridation has been around since the 1940s. And its importance has not diminished; today, fluoride continues to play a crucial role in dental care.

Why Do You Need Fluoride?

Fluoride is absorbed by the teeth and protects against tooth decay.Your teeth are constantly under attack by acids and bacteria. If these are left unchecked, these acids and bacteria will break down your teeth over time by causing tooth decay in the form of cavities. Cavities usually begin as microscopic damage to your tooth, but fluoride acts as concrete poured into a crack, protecting against such damage and even reversing early tooth decay.

How Do You Receive Fluoride?

Unfortunately, the amount of fluoride obtained through food is not sufficient to protect your teeth. Throughout both childhood and your adult years, your dentist will apply fluoride treatments at appropriate intervals. These fluoride treatments are put directly on your teeth and are usually in the form of a rinse, gel, or foam. You leave the fluoride in your mouth for a minute or so before either spitting it out or having it rinsed away. This is typically the part in your dentist visit where your dentist asks you the type of flavor you want!

 

Fluoride is an incredibly important part of your oral routine. You should go to your dentist every six months for a checkup, where you should get a fluoride treatment. This will help prevent tooth decay and help fight any decay that has already happened. Give us a call today at 978-534-9216 and we’ll schedule an appointment for you to come in and get a fluoride treatment with your cleaning.

How to Know If Your Tooth’s Enamel Is Damaged

Enamel isn’t something we think about every day, or even all that often. However, it is one of the most important things about your oral health. Enamel is the tooth’s outer covering. Over time, enamel can become chipped, worn or even lost due to dental trauma, dental procedures or problems with the supporting tissues of the mouth. While calcium can naturally repair to some degree, damage sustained over time may leave your tooth vulnerable to further enamel loss.

It can be difficult to know if your tooth’s enamel is permanently damaged. We’ve created a list to know if yours is damaged to make it easier for you!

Tooth Sensitivity

One of the most common signs your tooth’s enamel is damaged is sensitivity. You may notice discomfort while eating or drinking something with hot or hot temperatures. The more your enamel gets damaged, the more extreme your sensitivity will become. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, make sure to talk with your dentist as soon as possible!

Color

Another way to know if your enamel is damaged is if the color of your teeth has changed. This color change often occurs first on the central incisors, which are your very front teeth. Those teeth might become transparent around the outer edges. As the enamel continues to erode, your teeth might turn a gray or yellowish color.

Shape

If your teeth change shape, it’s a good indicator that you have enamel damage. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial. Eventually, you may notice cracks in your teeth.

How to Stop Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel loss puts your teeth at increased risk for tooth decay. Some tooth enamel loss occurs naturally with age, but you can help stop harmful tooth enamel loss by following a regular oral care routine of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. Your tooth enamel is the first line of defense for your teeth against the tooth decay.

Here at Leominster Family Dentists, we are always happy to help. If you think you are experiencing enamel damage, give us a call at 978-534-9216, and we’ll set up an appointment. We’ll look at your teeth for any signs of erosion, and talk with you about your options if you do have damage.

Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

Tiny, but important ― that’s how baby teeth are referred to, especially by dentists. While most parents would look at their babies’ tiny teeth and wonder what in the world they could be thinking about, dentists realize early on that these tiny teeth aren’t just for looking at cute smiles and giggles.

Taking good care of your baby’s teeth early on is crucial to their oral health now and for the rest of their lives. We’ve come up with several reasons why you want to keep your baby’s teeth in tip top shape.

  • These teeth are crucial to your child’s health and development. They help with the development of permanent teeth by saving space for them in the jaw. When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift to the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in.
  • Baby teeth aid in speech development. Taking care of your child’s teeth will help them speak and communicate better.
  • They help your child maintain good nutrition by permitting him/her to chew properly.
  • Baby teeth help children feel good about themselves and their smile. It’s so important for children to feel confident from a young age and keeping their teeth healthy is imperative.

What happens if baby teeth aren’t taken care of?

Baby teeth can get cavities, just like adult teeth. In addition to the pain caused by cavities, they can also lead to dental infections. Tooth decay is a serious, infectious, and transmissible disease that can spread quickly and lead to infection. If a tooth needs to then get extracted, this can cause the teeth to drift, which may lead to overcrowding and difficulty for the adult teeth to grow in.

Be sure to visit a dentist within six months of your child’s first tooth appearing and definitely by the time they reach the one year mark. Our team will check for cavities and any other pediatric dental problem. We’ll also help show you and your child how to properly take care of their teeth. Give our office a call today at 978-534-9216!

Front entrance of Leominster Family Dentists

Leominster Family Dentists

81 West Street
Leominster, MA 01453
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Hours

Monday & Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (alternating)