Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

SUMMER as fast it came is almost over. Now kids and parents are onto their last-minute preparations for school. Buying school supplies, new wardrobe and enjoying the tail end of their vacation. Through it all, don’t forget to schedule back to school dental visits for your children.

Tooth decay is the biggest cause of tooth loss in children; sealants are still effective in preventing cavities. These are the clear plastics which are painted into the grooves of children’s teeth. They make teeth so slippery and smooth that food and plaque are kept out of the crevices of the teeth. Too bad we do not have those when we were growing up. These would have helped us avoid root canals crowns and possible dentures.

Seventy percent of youth have gum problems. Correct way of brushing and flossing are best ways to prevent the disease. So when the children come in for exam, we make sure we check how they’re doing with their oral hygiene and review the techniques with them. We also check for gingivitis and treat them at the earliest stage.

When children come in for exam, we also check if your child’s teeth are crooked, crowded or misaligned, we may recommend braces. When they’re misaligned, teeth are more difficult to brush and floss and more prone to decay and gingivitis. In the field of orthodontics there have been new developments. Today braces are almost invisible and treatment times are shorter.

Most of the time children and adolescents oral hygiene are better improved right after an exam and cleaning they get motivated by what the dentist or hygienist say. While teenagers probably won’t listen to your dental reminders, they might pay attention when we show graphic pictures of hazardous effect of tobacco and cigarettes smoking. Tobacco, in whatever form, can cause irreparable damage to your child. As routine we screen for oral cancer.

For free consultation, please contact us at (650) 697-9000.

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If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com . She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on September 3, 2009 in Asian Journal Northern California p. B5 )