How important is Fluoride? It is an element, which has been shown to be beneficial to teeth. Little or no fluoride will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white discoloration of the permanent teeth. Children often get more fluoride than parents realize and being aware of your child’s potential sources of fluoride can prevent the possibility of dental fluorisis.

Parents can take the following steps to decrease the risk of fluorosis in their children’s teeth:

*Use baby toothpaste.

*Place only a pea sized drop of toothpaste on brush.

*Account for all the sources of ingested fluoride before requesting fluoride supplements from your child’s physician or dentist.

*Avoid giving any fluoride-containing supplements to infants under 6 months of age.

*Obtain fluoride level test results from your drinking water before giving fluoride supplements to your child.

Bite Problems-Terms like underbite, overbite, crossbite and “buck tooth” are words we are familiar with.

Why should a patient worry about malocclusion?  If left untreated, it may lead to TMJ disorder, receding gums, enamel wear and uneven jaw growth. TMJ disorder can cause chronic jaw pain and headaches. Receding gums can cause tooth sensitivity, enamel wear can lead to chips, cracks and breaks in the teeth and uneven jaw growth can lead to unnatural facial appearance. 

If you think you may have any of these issues; make a visit to Wayzata Dental & Smile Spa/Dr. McDowell and learn more about INVISALIGN- a clear alternative to straighten your teeth without bands, brackets or wires.

For your health, Dr. McDowell and Dr. Ehlen at Wayzata Dental & Smile Spa use ViziLite Plus: What is this-you may ask?

~ViziLite Plus is a simple technology that aids the early detection of oral cancer. The exam is quick and painless, pateints rinse with a cleansing solution, then our dentists use a specially designed light to exam your mouth.

~Early detection can save lives. When oral cancer is treated early, treatment is 90% successful.

~Using ViziLite Plus will help Dr. McDowell and Dr. Ehlen in idenifying abnormal areas that are otherwise difficult to see.

~If a lesion looks suspicious it will be marked with blue dye and documented.