Dental Caries in Young Children

THE INCIDENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG VERY YOUNG CHILDREN-BETWEEN THE AGES OF 2 YEARS AND 5 YEARS-HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS…..



The incidence of caries overall has been declining, unfortunately, this is not the case among very young children. Fluoride is one of the most important tools in the fight against dental caries and, when used in conjunction with additional strategies, can make a significant impact in the reduction of caries rates in this patient population.


Some of the reasons for this increase are:


*Rise in consumption of fermentable carbohydrates… ie; Soda, juices, candy, sugary snacks.


*Although, they may see a pediatrician, they don’t see a dental professional until they are significantly older.


*Lower socioeconomic status.


*Vertical transmission of bacteria from mother/caregiver to child.


*Living in nonfluoridated community.


Caries is a totally preventable disease and starting prevention efforts early is the key.


*Children between 2 and 6 years old should use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste


*Professional application of fluoride varnish or gel is very effective in caries prevention


Caries risk varies over time and so our young patients need to be consistently reassessed and monitored. Regularly visits to the dentist every 6 months, x-rays at recommended intervals, fluoride treatment as needed and education are the best way to reduce the incidence of this very preventable disease…….. To be continued………..

For the smile of your life

Porcelain veneers can make dramatic changes to your smile.  They are wonderful solutions for correcting a wide variety of aesthetic problems you may have with your smile, including:

       *  Chipped, damaged, or broken teeth
       *  Crooked or misaligned teeth
       *  Gaps between teeth
       *  Stained teeth
       *  Discolored fillings
       *  Worn teeth

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are permanently bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth.  They can be applied to just one tooth or multiple teeth, depending on the amount of correction you desire.  Porcelain veneers can even be used in some cases to straighten teeth that would normally require braces.

Digital X-rays

Did you know that we use digital x-rays? 

      We have been using digital x-rays for the last year.  We made the change because digital x-rays use less radiation than film x-rays.  This is very important to our patients and to us.  Another big benefit of using digital radiographs is that we are able to look at these images on a larger scale and can zoom in or out depending on what we are trying to see. This helps us in our diagnosis.  Our patients love that they can see these images on the monitor as we are discussing treatment with them.  This is state-of-the-art technology and definitely better for the environment because they do not use chemicals to develop them.   

Dental Implants

      A great alternative to replacing a missing tooth is a dental implant. It is really the closest thing to a natural tooth. This patient was missing a bicuspid. The two teeth next to the space have no fillings or restorations, so we did not want to crown them to place a bridge. This first picture is with our abutement positioned in the implant that was placed four months earlier.

       The second picture is the final crown cemented on the abutement. The result looks very natural and our patient can brush and floss like it is a natural tooth. It is permanently cemented so the pateint forgets it is even there.

   



















                                                              

     

Cosmetic Bonding

Composite bonding is a great alternative to porcelain veneers in a young patient. This is a recent case completed to close space after orthodontics. The nice thing about composite bonding is that it is a one appointment procedure and 100% reversible. Our patient was extremely happy and his parents were even more so with how affordable it was compared to porcelain veneers.

Dr. Rathburn and LuAnn spend a day volunteering

Dr. Tara Rathburn and her assistant LuAnn spend a day volunteering at the CO Mission of Mercy event. The event is put together by the Colorado Dental Association and provides low income patients with free dental care. It was quite amazing seeing so many patients receiving treatment at the same time. Both Dr. Rathburn and LuAnn were exhausted after working from 5:ooam till 5:00pm, but felt the rewards were worth every minute and plan to do it again next year. They say they received many a"thank you, a few hugs and LuAnn even got a kiss on the cheek.

Testimonial from a previous "dental scaredy-cat"

"I moved to Boulder two years ago from California where I had used the same family dentist my entire life. When I realized I was in serious need of dental work, I started asking around my office for recommendations, and was sent to Dr. Tara Rathburn with the highest referrals.
My experience in this office has been so much more than I could ask for. These women are not only talented and professional but so supportive and welcoming. Dr. Rathburn's approach to all of the care I needed was efficient, successful and so calming.
Being one of their patients has changed my dental lifestyle and shown me such a positive dental experience."
- Megan