Astonishingly, tooth decay, a very preventable disease, is the most common chronic disease among children ages 6-11. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, tooth decay is five times more likely than asthma and seven times more likely than hay fever. In fact, by kindergarten, more than 40% of children already have tooth decay.
As you can see, good oral habits are incredibly important and they need to begin at an early age. It is never too early to teach your children proper oral health habits. In fact, as soon as a child’s first tooth appears, good oral hygiene practices should begin too.
“A lot of people think they don’t have to brush baby teeth,” said Beverly Largent, former president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. ”You need to brush from the first tooth.” But brushing is just the beginning.
Oral Care Tips for Children
Proper Brushing and Flossing Habits: Good oral care begins with proper brushing and flossing techniques. Brushing should begin at the appearance of a child’s first tooth and flossing should begin when two teeth touch each other. And “[parents] have to clean the teeth until children are able to tie their shoes or write in cursive,” says Largent. Remember, it is these oral hygiene habits that lay the groundwork for your child’s future oral health.
“Baby Bottle Decay“: Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when sugars, like those found in milk, formula, fruit juice, and more, are left exposed to an infant’s teeth for an extended period of time. These sugars promote the growth of bacteria, which produce acids that attack the teeth. And if left untreated, baby bottle tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and the eventual loss of teeth.
Regular Dental Visits: Your child should have his/her first dental visit before their first birthday. And in case you needed any more motivation, a report published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that dental care costs were nearly 40% lower over a five-year period for children who received dental care by age one.
And that is just the beginning. To find out more, consult with your dentist.
Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics in Catonsville, Maryland
Dr. Leikin and Dr. Baylin of Leikin & Baylin Dental Care in Catonsville offer high quality, comprehensive dental care geared towards children and adolescents. In addition to offering unequaled dental excellence, we will make your child feel as comfortable as possible.
At Leikin and Baylin Dental Care we will ease your worries…We make visiting the Dentist Fun!
If you have any questions about Pediatric Dentistry, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
Dr. Leikin and Dr. Baylin of Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville offer high quality, comprehensive dental care.
When the gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth, exposing more of each tooth or even the root, this is what is referred to as receding gums. And while this may not seem like the end of the world, gum recession is actually a very serious condition and one of the first warning signs of gum disease. And if left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, which could result in tooth loss.
What Causes Gums to Recede?
Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Periodontal Disease: This bacterial gum infection destroys gum tissue and the supporting bone that holds teeth in their place.
Brushing your Teeth: Wait, what? Yup, sometimes brushing your teeth can be a bad thing…but only if you are doing it improperly. If you brush your teeth too vigorously or improperly, it can actually wear away the tooth enamel and cause your gums to recede.
Genes: Studies show that 30% of the population may be predisposed to gum disease.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in one’s hormones can make the gums increasingly sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession.
Smoking: Tobacco products lead to a buildup of plaque, which can cause gum recession.
Grinding your Teeth: This can put a lot of force on the teeth, causing the gums to recede.
Misaligned Teeth: Similar to grinding your teeth, when teeth do not properly align, excess pressure can be placed on the gums and bones, resulting in receding gums.
Poor Oral Hygiene: The best way to ensure that you are doing everything you can to keep your teeth healthy is to visit the dentist regularly. We recommend every 6 months.
How are Receding Gums Treated?
Mild Gum Recession: If not too severe, your dentist may be able to treat your receding gums by deep cleaning the affected area. Sometimes, antibiotics are used in conjunction with deep cleaning to treat any remaining bacteria.
Severe Gum Recession: If too severe for deep cleaning to have any effect, gum surgery may be required.
How can One Prevent Receding Gums?
Take good care of your teeth and mouth.
Brush and floss regularly.
Quit smoking.
Eat healthy.
Pay close attention to your oral health and changes in your mouth.
Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
If you have any questions about Receding Gums, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
Dr. Leikin and Dr. Baylin of Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville offer high quality, comprehensive dental care.
Here at Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, we offer Invisalign as a clear alternative to metal braces. For our patients who use the product or are interested in it, we have three easy tips to ensure a smooth orthodontic process.
Clean Your Trays Carefully
Because of the regular plaque that gets into your mouth daily, it’s important to keep your Invisalign braces clean. Refrain from using hot water because the heat will distort the aligner. This includes avoiding hot drinks while wearing your trays.
Keep Your Aligners Safe
Take out the Invisalign aligner for every major meal to avoid damaging them as you’re eating. Brush your teeth prior to putting the aligners back in to help keep them from building up plaque. Additionally, keep all previous aligners in a safe place—at some point, your orthodontist may recommend returning to a previous set.
Wear Your Aligners as Much as Possible
It’s important to keep the aligners in place for at least 22 hours per day. Don’t force the aligner to fit into your mouth if you have neglected wearing them, and don’t clench your teeth when the aligner is in place, because it can distort the aligner. If you lose your aligner, then contact your orthodontist immediately.
If you have any questions about Invisalign, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”
Every sixth months, you visit the dentist for your scheduled dental cleaning. Every six months, your dentist or dental hygienist tells you that you should floss. And every six months you completely ignore this advice. But why?
The Importance of Flossing
Supplement Brushing: Just brushing twice a day is not enough to remove plaque from your teeth. In fact, flossing does about 40% of the work. Each of your teeth has five separate surfaces. So if you don’t floss, you are leaving at least two of these surfaces unclean.
Gum Disease: Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is caused by an accumulation of plaque around gums and between the teeth. Flossing is the only way to remove this plaque.
Prevent Bad Breath: Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, is caused by the metabolism of the plaque in your mouth. As we have mentioned already, flossing is one of the only ways to remove the plaque in between your teeth.
Tartar Buildup: Tartar is plaque that has become hard from saliva calcification. While flossing cannot actually remove tarter, it can slow down the accumulation of tartar.
Tips for more Efficient Flossing
Flossing Technique: Using a 15-18 inch piece of floss, slide it up and down in between your teeth, wrapping it around each tooth in a “C” shape.
Blood is Okay: Bleeding can be an indication that your gums are inflamed from an overabundance of plaque. If this is the case, flossing is a must and a little blood is okay. Bleeding a few days after flossing, however, could be a sign of periodontal disease.
Floss Holder: Using a floss holder can help make the process a lot easier on you.
Happy Flossing!
If you have any questions about Flossing and Plaque Buildup, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”
Bruxism, more commonly referred to as teeth grinding, is not harmful when it occurs occasionally. However, grinding your teeth on a regular basis can damage your teeth and lead to other oral health problems. But because most people grind their teeth at night, many are completely unaware they of they do it.
Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Headache
Sore jaw
Grinding noise heard by others
If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist at your earliest convenience.
Common Causes of Teeth Grinding
Stress
Problems Sleeping
Abnormal Bite
Crooked or Missing Teeth
Complication of Teeth Grinding
Chronic teeth grinding can result in several health problems, including:
Wearing down of teeth
Fractured teeth
Loose teeth
Loss of teeth
Jaw problems
Hearing loss
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Treatment for Teeth Grinding: Custom Night Guards
Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville offers custom-fitted night guards, the most widely used treatment for bruxism. This device slips over the teeth, preventing contact with the opposing teeth, relieving the pressures of grinding and clenching.
If you have any questions about Teeth Grinding, Bruxism, or Night Guards, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”
Despite being almost entirely preventable, cavities are the most common infectious disease among children. And, for the first time in 40 years, instances of cavities in children are the rise!
Causes of Cavities
Cavities are caused by bacteria that live in the mouth. Over time, these bacteria make excessive acid that contributes to the loss of the hard mineral coat that covers the tooth. And without this protective layer, the tooth becomes vulnerable and may decay.
Preventing Cavities
Regular Brushing and Flossing: The key to avoiding cavities is to suppress bacteria in the mouth. This starts with regular brushing and flossing.
Avoid Sugary Foods & Drinks: Sugary foods and drinks encourage bacterial growth and acid.
Dental Visits: Good dental care and regular dental checkups can go a long way!
Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics from Leikin & Baylin Dental Care
Dr. Leikin and Dr. Baylin of Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville offer high quality, comprehensive dental care geared towards children and adolescents, including regular dental visits, preventative treatments, fillings, aesthetic restorations, mouth guards, and much more!
In addition to offering unequaled dental excellence, we will make you feel as comfortable as possible. Going to the dentist can be an anxious experience, but at Leikin and Baylin Dental Care we will ease your worries. We make visiting the Dentist Fun!
If you have any questions about Cavities, Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics, or Oral Health, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”
As a parent, you are faced with many tough decisions. When to take your child to the dentist doesn’t have to be one of them. So when should you take your child for his first dental appointment?
The answer is quite simple. A child should make his or her first visit to the dentist before the age one. This first visit serves many purposes, including:
This is a good way to educate parents about how to care for baby’s teeth.
Helps acclimatize children to the dentist and the importance of proper dental care.
This visit will identify any pressing dental issues that may be plaguing your child.
After this initial visit is when the standard every-six-month dental visit recommendation begins.
Leikin & Baylin Dental Care: Affordable Dental Care for the Entire Family!
In addition to offering unparalled dental excellence, we will make you feel as comfortable as possible. Going to the dentist can be an anxious experience, but at Leikin and Baylin Dental Care we will ease your worries.
Catonsville Dental Care makes visiting the Dentist Fun!
Dr. Leikin and Dr. Baylin of Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville offer high quality, comprehensive dental care geared towards children and adolescents. Our pediatric dental services include: regular dental visits and preventative treatments, fillings, aesthetic restorations, mouth guards, and much more!
If you have any questions about Family Dental Care or Children’s Dentistry / Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”
Sugar is your teeth’s worst enemy. Most people think that by passing up candy, ice cream and even cake that you can avoid sugar.
However, it’s foods that have “high fructose corn syrup” or hidden sugars found in seemingly harmless foods that can also cause cavities.
Hidden Sugars
Oatmeal: Avoid the pre- packaged, flavor variety packets and dress up your oatmeal with nuts and fruit.
Protein Bars: Unsalted almonds or peanuts are a healthier choice.
Salad Dressing: Low fat salad dressing can be chock-full of sugar. Go for vinegar or lemon juice with olive oil instead.
Granola: There’s a health-halo effect for granola. People think that by munching on it, it can help your diet. However, it’s thickly coated with sugar. Opt out of it for a healthier option, like actual fruits.
Milk: All milk has sugar in it, so be wary when you pair it with sugary cereals. It may not bode well with your dental health.
Iced Tea: Unsweetened tea is your best option since natural tea doesn’t have any sugars. Sweet teas are filled to the brim with sugar.
Sports Drinks: It’s a great way to quench your thirst after a long work out but it’s not as healthy as you think it is. One drink has 310 calories. You would need to run several miles to burn that off.
If you have any questions about Cavities and how to prevent them, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”
Proper dental care and regular trips to the dentist are both extremely important, especially for growing children. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist be right before their first birthday. This is important for several reasons, including:
It teaches your child, at an early age, about the importance of proper dental hygiene.
Check to see if there is any baby bottle tooth decay.
Ensure that your child’s gums are healthy.
Make sure your child’s teeth are coming in correctly.
Once all your child’s primary teeth have come in your pediatric dentist will start applying topical fluoride to harden the tooth enamel.
Dental sealants can also be applied to protect the teeth from bacteria.
But, let’s face it; children are far different than adults. And because of this, they need to see a dentist that specializes in pedodontics, also known as children’s dentistry.
Dr. Leikin and Dr. Baylin of Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville offer high quality, comprehensive dental care geared towards children and adolescents. Our pediatric dental services include: regular dental visits and preventative treatments, fillings, aesthetic restorations, mouth guards, and much more!
Make sure the kids ask to see Dr. Baylin’s famous magic tricks!
Don’t wait until your child has a full set of teeth to visit the dentist, call Leikin and Baylin Dental Care today!
If you have any questions about Pedodontics, also known as Children’s Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry,or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”
Do you wake up in the morning with a headache or a sore jaw?
Do you clench or grind your teeth?
You may have a condition known as “bruxism,” which is the grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep. And because you are asleep when you may be completely unaware you have this condition.
The best way to diagnose bruxism is with regular visits with your dentist. He/she will be able to identify abnormal wear spots on your teeth, the first signs of bruxism. Other warning signs of bruxism include waking up with…
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Toothaches
• Sore Facial Muscles
• Sore Jaw
• Tender Joints
Besides causing pain, bruxism can eventually damage dental restorations, tooth enamel, and temporomandibular joints – the joints on each side of the mouth that connect the lower jaw to the skull. Bruxism can also loosen teeth, cause the cracking and fracturing of teeth, and make the tooth extremely sensitive to changes in temperature or pressure.
Common Causes of Bruxism
• Stress
• Problems Sleeping
• Abnormal Bite
• Crooked or Missing Teeth
Treatment of Bruxism
One of the most popular treatments for bruxism is the use of a custom-made night guard. This device slips over the teeth, preventing contact with the opposing teeth. This relieves the pressures of grinding and clenching.
Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville offers custom-fitted night guards, mouth guards and tension-headache relieving appliances.
If you have any questions about Custom Night Guardsor wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”
