Do Kids Get Periodontal Disease?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Gum disease treatment

kids gum disease treatment Florissant

Most Florissant parents are concerned about cavities. And rightly so. Tooth decay in children is a serious and widespread health condition.

What about kids’ gum disease? Are kids at risk for an oral ailment that is common in the adult population?

Short answer: yes.

Let’s discuss it.

Children and adolescents are at risk of gum disease and the more advanced form called periodontal disease.

What causes gingivitis and periodontal disease?

Gum disease (gingivitis) and periodontal disease are caused by plaque buildup.

Food particles mixed with saliva produce a sticky film called plaque. Plaque produces bacteria. If it is not removed regularly with brushing and flossing, the bacteria multiply. The plaque builds up on the teeth.

The gums respond to the bacteria by becoming sore and inflamed. Plaque buildup hardens into calculus. Calculus cannot be removed by a toothbrush or dental floss. Calculus can be removed during a professional dental cleaning.

The American Academy of Periodontology recognizes three kinds of gum disease in children and teenagers:

  1. Chronic gingivitis
  2. Aggressive periodontitis
  3. Generalized aggressive periodontitis

Chronic gingivitis

This is the most prevalent type of gum disease in children. The gums swell, turn red, and may bleed. Gingivitis is usually caused by substandard dental hygiene. Proper oral hygiene includes daily brushing and flossing.

Gingivitis can be prevented or reversed with daily oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. If the child doesn’t practice proper dental hygiene, however, the condition can become more severe.

Aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis results in bone loss. It may affect only the first molars and incisors. It rarely occurs before puberty. Surprisingly, children with this type of the disease may have minimal plaque or calculus.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis

This type, though less common, is most likely to occur at the onset of puberty. It may be present throughout the entire mouth. It leads to severe gum inflammation. There are significant amounts of plaque and calculus.

If left untreated, the bone loss becomes so acute the teeth become loose. Then the child is at risk of tooth loss.

4 key findings about gum and periodontal disease in youngsters:

  1. Children and teenagers who are generally healthy can have gum disease.
  2. Hormonal fluctuation that transpires with puberty increases the risk of periodontal disease. Researchers believe hormonal changes decrease the ability of the immune system to resist the bacteria in dental plaque.
  3. Epidemiologic studies indicate that gum disease of varying severity is nearly universal in children and adolescents.
  4. Periodontal disease is more likely to occur in youth ages 12-17 than those younger than 12.

Signs of periodontal disease:

  • Swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Gum recession
  • Bad breath
  • Unusually large spaces between teeth
  • Pus between the gums and teeth
  • Changes in bite alignment

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we treat all pediatric oral conditions including gingivitis and periodontal disease. Twice-yearly dental cleanings and examinations are important. If you are looking for an experienced, friendly pediatric dentist, we invite you to call us today and schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and your child!

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=p01865

https://www.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies–recommendations/periodontal-diseases-of-children-and-adolescents/

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63031

ArticleID 8217

Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS Treats 3 Urgent Dental Issues

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Categories: Emergency dental care, General Dentistry, Root Canals

fix knocked out tooth after hours Florissant

Our mouth and teeth work hard for us. Consider how much they withstand day after day. It’s not surprising that occasionally problems develop.

As an urgent care dental practice, we are uniquely qualified to treat a broad range of oral troubles.

Here are three of the most common:

1. Abscessed Tooth

An abscess is a serious infection accompanied by pus, pain, and swelling. It transpires deep down in the root of a tooth. The infection can destroy tissue and even bone it left untreated.

A root canal procedure is used to remove an abscessed tooth root.

2. Knocked-out Tooth

This is the quintessential dental emergency. We hope it never happens to you.

But if it does, follow these important instructions:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) NOT the root.
  • If it’s dirty, carefully rinse the tooth with warm water, being careful not to remove any tissue attached.
  • Put the tooth back in the socket immediately (if possible). Gently set it into the socket. Bite down slowly and carefully. If it’s a small child that has suffered the injury, don’t risk swallowing or choking. Put the tooth in milk. Don’t use tap water.
  • Make sure the tooth stays moist at all times.

Visit Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS within 30 minutes. Our number is listed below.

3. Painful Wisdom Teeth

Whether wisdom teeth have erupted or not, they can cause a lot of oral problems. They move around and bump into other teeth. They can be problematic to clean and increase the risk of cavities. They can become painful and inflamed. At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we treat wisdom teeth-related issues.

If you still have your wisdom teeth and want to avoid future problems, come into our office for an exam and consultation. We can take an X-ray and advise you on a course of action.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63031

ArticleID 8221

Hiccups In Your Dental Routine

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Categories: Clear braces, General Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Chesterfield cosmetic dental veneers

The most common times people stop to brush their teeth are morning and night – either before or after breakfast, after dinner, or at bedtime. Common concerns that come with this routine involve hiccups in the schedule, from family life, shift work or exhaustion.

Sometimes after dinner isn’t super cut and dried. Many St. Louis families face irregular weeknight routines. As the school year progresses, some have games to attend, band concerts, play practice, youth groups or other weeknight commitments. An irregular schedule usually disrupts regular dental maintenance.

Many St. Charles workers have daily commutes or shift work to battle with. Due to the changing landscape of Florissant’s job market and the greater variety in shift schedules we see patients who are adjusting to irregularities in sleep patterns. This leads to exhaustion and often sleep takes priority over consistent brushing – either morning or night.

The most important time to be sure to brush is after eating sugar or carb-intensive foods. These foods kickstart bacteria growth on the teeth without vigilant attention.

Highly acidic foods weaken the enamel, so it is best to swish with water immediately after consuming acidic foods to reduce the acid. Then brush about 30 minutes later when the mouth is less acidic. The fluoride in toothpaste helps remineralize the enamel.

Dr. Martin Buchheit’s hygiene staff at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS has been assisting Missouri families since 1987 to prevent hiccups in their dental routines. See how we demonstrate professional and educated instruction at http://www.kochparkdental.net/about-us/.

Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS provides more than just cosmetic dentistry or general dentistry. In addition to Invisalign, restorative dentistry, dental implants, and root canals there is hygiene education, teeth whitening and cleanings to be discussed. Sure, the cost of cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers, invisalign braces and dental bridges can all seem confusing. The key is to stay on top of the critical habits that you can control. We can help you make sense of the other stuff.

Regular checkups are important for catching decay, infection or other troubles early so let us make an appointment for your next preventative visit and keep those hiccups from causing permanent damage. Call us at 314-837-7744 to schedule!

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

ArticleID 6829

After Hours Dentists Solve Problems Without Complicating Your Schedule

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

smile makeovers Florissant

There is no doubt that a beautiful smile positively affects one’s life. It lets us convey confidence and friendliness in business and social settings. A healthy and beautiful smile also affects our personal relationships.

When we smile, we appear (and feel!) younger and more attractive. Smiling reduces stress, improves performance, and conveys empathy.

If you have dental problems, you may feel insecure about your smile.

A smile makeover is the solution to your problems.

9-5 dental offices can’t always accommodate your lifestyle. Smile makeovers involve multiple procedures. Multi-procedure appointments take a while. Of course, the results are worth the time spent in a dental chair, but a long appointment can be difficult to fit into a packed calendar.

Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS offers quality cosmetic dentistry with business hours that fit your life. There is always a solution to both dental and scheduling obstacles.

Straightening teeth, fixing chips, replacing missing teeth, re-shaping teeth, and bleaching teeth are some of the services we offer.

If you are worried about the cost of a smile makeover, remember there is a way to make it happen. When you and your dentist decide on your smile makeover plan, budgeting becomes part of it. We’ll make a plan to carry out your smile makeover in a timely, affordable manner.

 

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63031

 

ArticleID 8179

3 Critical Things You Didn’t Know About Kids’ Cavities

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

prevent kids cavities Florissant

It’s time to think differently about childhood tooth decay in Florissant. Unless you’ve been keeping up with the research (and who does?) you might have an incomplete understanding.

Here are three vital things to know about children’s dental health.

1. Tooth Decay Is The Most Common Childhood Disease

Over 4 million preschoolers have tooth decay. Another grave fact; tooth decay in young children is on the increase.

Why? There are several factors. Many young diets contain more sugar. Fewer children drink water that has been adjusted for fluoride levels. Many families don’t have dental insurance to help pay for care.

2. Tooth Decay Bacteria Can Spread

In a way, tooth decay is contagious. Huh? Let’s explain. Bacteria that cause tooth decay are in the mutans streptococcus family. The bacteria mix with sugar. This mixture creates a powerful acid. The acid reduces the calcium in tooth enamel. When the bacteria stays on teeth, it produces a yellowish substance called plaque. Plaque is brutally effective at drilling into tooth enamel.

Mothers, fathers, siblings, and caregivers can transmit bacteria to babies. Of course, toddlers can get decay if they don’t have this bacteria. But the presence of it ups the risk.

Some kids are better at resisting this bacteria. How do you know if your child has an increased risk? If parents have a lot of tooth decay, the child is more vulnerable to it. The child’s diet and daily oral hygiene also affect the risk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) counsels pediatricians to ask parents about their dental health. Parents whose children are at a higher risk for cavities should talk to a pediatric dentist. They can help your son or daughter beat the odds and emerge from childhood without a mouthful of fillings.

3. Weakened Enamel Can Repair Itself (Up To A Point)

If the teeth are consistently assaulted with juice, milk, and snacks, the enamel never has a chance to re-harden. The juice, milk, and snacks create dangerous acid. Acid and plaque decreases the enamel and may cause a white spot. This is a sign of mineral loss. It’s the first step in the formation of a cavity. At this point, you can reverse the mineral loss. Minerals in saliva and fluoride help enamel re-mineralize. Fluoride does three important things, 1) It replaces minerals. 2) It prevents further mineral loss, 3) It decreases acid-causing bacteria.

Your child can get fluoride from toothpaste, fluoridated water, fluoride rinses, fluoride gels, and fluoride supplements. Ask your pediatric dentist which one is best for your child.

Two essential things to know about fluoride:

1. If kids get too much fluoride, it can stain teeth. Your pediatric dentist can advise you on the proper amount.

2. Most bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride. If your child only drinks bottled water, they may miss out on the benefits of fluoride-adjusted municipal water.

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we help parents keep their kids’ teeth healthy. Make sure you bring your toddler in for an exam and consultation when their first tooth appears. If you wait until they are three or four, your son or daughter may already have tooth decay.

http://www.mychildrensteeth.org/assets/2/7/1718.pdf

 

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 8110

How Dental Assistants Ensure Quality Dental Care

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Categories: General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Six Month Smiles

Florissant Dental Team

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, each dental professional on our team helps us operate smoothly and provide a high level of care.

Today’s article focuses on the role of a dental assistant.

Dental Assistants Play An Important Role at Our Practice

You possibly think of the dental assistant as: “The one who suctions my mouth while the dentist is working on me,” or “The one who attaches the bib around my neck,” and you are right.

However, his/her knowledge of patient care and dental lab procedures is probably more extensive than you realize.

Competent dental assistants work behind the scenes at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. They assist Dr. Martin Buchheit during dental procedures including basic oral examinations, tooth prep, and cavity filling.

They work tirelessly and patiently during lengthy smile makeovers involving multiple procedures. Our skilled assistants also work with our dental hygienists during dental cleanings and patient instruction.

The Dental Assistant Makes Sure The Room is Ready For You

When a dental patient arrives for his/her appointment, the dental assistant has already been preparing for your specific procedure. Before you are escorted to a chair in one of our comfortable patient rooms, the assistant has prepared the room.

Dental Assistants Help Keep Our Practice Clean and Sterile

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, infection control is always a fundamental duty. Our dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists are vigilant about the sterilization of dental instruments and follow strict infection control protocols. The health of our patients and employees is our highest priority.

Dental assistants also prepare tray setups, make impressions for restorations, schedule appointments, take X-rays, and maintain patient records. They must have an astute eye for detail and an excellent memory as they organize and stock the many different dental supplies in a typical office.

We hope today’s post has given you a greater appreciation for these indispensable members of our dental team.

 

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 2248

Our Team Takes Care of Your Child

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, each dental professional on our team helps us operate smoothly and provide a high standard of care. Today’s message will focus on the duties of a dental assistant.

You possibly think of the dental assistant as: “The one who suctions my mouth while the dentist is working on me,” or “The one who puts the bib around my neck,” and you are correct. However, their knowledge of patient care and dental lab procedures is probably more extensive than you might realize.

Competent dental assistants work behind the scenes at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. They assist Dr. Martin Buchheit during all dental procedures including basic oral examinations, tooth prep, and cavity filling. Our competent assistants also work with our dental hygienists during dental cleanings and patient instruction.

When a patient arrives for their appointment, the dental assistant has already been preparing for the necessary procedure. Before they are escorted to a chair in one of our comfortable patient rooms, the assistant has made sure the room is ready.

Whether your child is receiving porcelain veneers, undergoing a routine orthodontia adjustment, our dental assistant has set the stage for a comfortable and efficient procedure.

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, infection control is always foremost in our minds. Our dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists are vigilant about the sterilization of dental instruments and follow strict infection control protocols. The health of our patients and employees is our highest priority.

Dental assistants may also prepare tray setups, make impressions for restorations, schedule appointments, take X-rays, and maintain patient records.

They must have an astute eye for detail and an excellent memory as they organize and stock the many different dental supplies in a typical office.

Our dental assistants help us provide outstanding pediatric dental care.

 

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 8189

Which Tooth Whitener Works Best?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Teeth cleaning, Teeth Whitening

Dazzling White Teeth in Florissant What is the best professional tooth whitening system to use in Florissant?

There are two types of dentist-supervised tooth whitening systems available in St. Louis. In order to determine the best choice for your teeth, schedule, and budget; you need to understand the differences in the systems.

Both systems use a bleaching agent containing peroxide. Florissant dentists who offer professional in-office tooth bleaching use a whitening gel with a high concentration of peroxide. Some Maryland Heights in-office tooth whitening systems use a light that causes the tooth bleaching agent to work faster.

When a special light is shined at teeth on which the whitening gel is applied, it causes the peroxide to break down into free radicals, which are active oxygen molecules. This process naturally occurs without the light, but the light makes it happen faster. That is why you can get whiter teeth in just one hour.

Most Florissant cosmetic dentists also offer take-home tooth whitening systems. Although these procedures take a bit longer to work, they achieve the same dramatic results. For many St. Charles and Chesterfield patients, this is the most affordable teeth whitening system.

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we offer safe and effective teeth bleaching. Our Florissant cosmetic dentistry patients can’t believe how great their teeth look when they remove the stains and restore the brightness. If you would like to learn why our system is superior, schedule a consultation by calling our office at 614-451-2100.

 

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

614-451-2100

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 1372

Take 5: Straight Talk About Braces

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Categories: Clear braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health

invisible braces FlorissantHello, I’m Dr. Martin Buchheit at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. I support healthy oral hygiene and regular, consistent check-ups. Hygiene for braces is a bit different.

Here are five important concerns to keep in mind with braces:

1. Be Careful What You Eat
Sweets and extra food jammed into tight spaces may lead to plaque and yellowing around the braces in your mouth. Avoid sweets, juices, sodas, anything that will stain your teeth. Also, sticky sweets like gum and caramel can damage the braces in your mouth.

2. Consider a Mouthguard
Sports are the center of life for many Florissant families. We’re an active community. I love that. A quality mouthguard provides important protection for both your teeth and braces.

3. Take Time for Gum Health
Maintaining healthy gums requires deliberate brushing and flossing. In the past, two minutes of quality brushing was acceptable. Braces are trickier to clean. What’s another minute to make sure every nook and cranny is taken care of?

4. Check the Mirrors
Humans are exceptional at noticing flaws. Check your smile often in a mirror to stay free of food particles.

5. Smile with Confidence
At first, people will notice the change in your smile. But if you’re relaxed about your new braces, soon your friends will simply look past them without even noticing.

Thanks for visiting my blog today, hope it helps.

I’ve been treating patients in St. Louis, Maryland Heights, St. Charles and beyond since 1987. You name it – cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry—we do it.

Meet with me today and we can go over the possibilities and simple options to meet your needs. Can’t wait to see you!

 

 

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 6430

Feel Like A Movie Star With A Smile Makeover

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St. Charles Best Teeth Whitening

Most celebrities flash stunning smiles that don’t appear to have any flaws. Some may be natural. Some may be Photoshopped.

Have you ever noticed that some famous individuals with perfect smiles didn’t have the best teeth early in their careers? Those that wanted to improve their smiles took advantage of cosmetic dentistry. Whether it’s porcelain veneers or a complete smile makeover—cosmetic dentistry can improve any smile.

Can ordinary people obtain a celebrity caliber smile? Absolutely!

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the accessibility of state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry.

The truly amazing thing about cosmetic dentistry is that it’s one Hollywood perk that is available to almost everyone.

Whether it is a relatively minor alteration, such as teeth whitening, or a more involved procedure such as a complete smile re-design, more and more dentists are giving people just like you the beautiful teeth they have always wanted.

If you are looking for a quality restorative and cosmetic dental care, give us a call here at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. Ask us about teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, clear braces, and smile makeovers.

Most of us will never star in a movie or walk the red carpet at the Oscars. But all of us can have a smile every bit as beautiful as our favorite actor, singer, or supermodel. (Who wants to constantly be harassed by annoying paparazzi anyway?)

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 4557