Irvine Dentist Solutions | Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry

By Michael Choi, DMD

Regular dental check-ups at Smile By Design should begin no later than 18 months of age. One of the easiest problems to spot is a build-up of plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky layer of bacteria, which is constantly forming on the teeth.

Usually it is invisible to the naked eye, but when a person is not brushing adequately, it can build up to where it appears to be a thick whitish coating on the teeth at the gum line. If not removed, it can lead to gum disease.

Another potential problem, which is easy to spot, is missing teeth. Many patients Dr. Choi sees assume that if they are still able to eat, they are O.K.

But very often, losing just one tooth can lead to the loss of support, and teeth begin to drift into the empty space, causing a change in the bite. It also forces the remaining teeth to carry an additional load, sometimes past their ability to adapt. In most cases, when even one tooth is lost, the remaining teeth suffer and are more likely to be lost as well.

Special Concerns for Pregnant Women

Many mothers have experienced gum disease, dental pain and/or tooth extraction during or shortly after their pregnancy. This is often seen as being a "normal" side effect of being pregnant. However Dr. Choi feels that dental disease, which is an infection of the teeth and/or gums, is not "normal" for any patient.

There are three basic events that happen during pregnancy which make the patient more susceptible to dental disease:

• First, hormonal changes may make the gums more susceptible to gum disease.
• Second, pregnant women tend to eat smaller, more frequent meals, exposing their teeth and gums to sugars and acids more often.
• Third, cravings for "junk foods" and inadequate oral hygiene pose an increased threat to the teeth and gums.

Pregnant women are advised to schedule a dental evaluation and receive preventive dental care at Smile By Design. Personalized oral hygiene instruction by Dr. Choi will be given to fight disease and promote overall good health for the mother and her baby.

Questions from Patients of Dr. Choi:

"Dr. Choi, when should my child first see a dentist?"

First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. An early examination at Smile By Design and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.

"Should my child be using fluoride products Dr. Choi?"

Fluoride, in proper dosage, has been shown to significantly reduce dental decay. When fluoridated water has less than the ideal amount or is not available, fluoride supplements are recommended. (A call to your local water district is all that is necessary to determine whether your water has fluoride or not.)When supplements are needed, the administration of fluoride supplements should begin shortly after birth and continue through the time of eruption of the second permanent molars (approx. 12 years of age).

At Smile By Design we want you to enjoy healthy teeth for a lifetime; call us for a free consultation.