Toothspot - All About Teeth

Anatomical Background of Cavities Your teeth break the food you eat into pieces that can be readily swallowed and digested. Teeth are alive. The pulp at the heart of each tooth contains blood vessels and nerves that sense heat, cold, pressure, and pain. A hard substance called dentin surrounds the pulp. On the crown (the part of the tooth above the gum), the dentin is covered by a layer of enamel. The root of the tooth lies below the gum and and is covered by a protective layer of a bone-like material called cementum. In health, the gums fit tightly around the teeth; the roots of the teeth fit into sockets in the jaw bone. A shock-absorbing material, periodontal ligament, lines the socket of each tooth and protecting the skull and jawbone from being jarred. Enamel is the hardest material in you body; however, acids produced through bacterial action can erode enamel and lead to decay, If left unchecked, decay will progress through the dentin and into the pulp resulting in pulpa

How to Avoid Cavities in Your Kid's Teeth Children 6 to 8 Months Avoid using the bottle as a means of comfort. Also, avoid prolonged periods with the bottle in their mouth. The longer the teeth are in contact with sweet or acidic foods or drink, the greater the likelihood of decay.  Ideally, water should be given for thirst. Always consider the acidity and sweetness of anything you place inside your child's bottle. Cleaning Teeth - As soon as their first tooth erupts, start cleaning their teeth everyday. Teething - Stay away from using lemon juice on the gums once your teeth begin to emerge. The high acidity will lead to demineralization of the erupting teeth and put your child at an early disadvantage for decay.  For more info., see my blog on teething.  Pacifiers - Don't dip them in any food stuffs (ie. honey) or liquids.  Their first cup - Consider introducing the cup between the ages of 6 to 8 months. Children 18 to 21 Months Ideally, water should