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Dental care

Is your child getting enough fluoride?

Fluoride is the best way to prevent the development of cavities in your child. This mineral works like magic in fighting against harmful bacteria in the mouth, which may lead to the formation of plaque. Tooth decay or cavities can be painful and troublesome, especially for children. To save your child from this ordeal, make sure that they are getting an adequate amount of fluoride. It is a mineral with excellent benefits to you and your child’s health. Commonly found in soil, water and many food items, it is also incorporated in toothpaste, mouthwashes, etc.

Monitoring the amount of fluoride your child gets can go a long way in ensuring good dental health. Its main job is to provide strength to the enamel, which in turn prevents the development of cavities in teeth. It additionally reverses any damage that has already happened to your child’s teeth.

Sources of fluoride:

Fluoride is derived naturally from water, air and soil. It can also be found in certain food items. Consuming water added with fluoride can prevent and reverse many signs of tooth decay in both children and adults. Children can get adequate fluoride just from using the right toothpaste and mouthwash. Supplements of fluoride are also prescribed by healthcare professionals in case of its deficiency.

How to know that your child is getting enough fluoride:

The only way to know that your child is getting enough fluoride is to regulate the amount. Too much fluoride is just as harmful as too little.

Many countries add fluoride to their drinking water. This prevents the development of cavities or tooth decay in young children. Pick fluoride-containing toothpaste for your child. Make sure that they do not swallow it, as this can prompt difficulties in their oral health and wellbeing.

If your child consumes fluoride-free bottled water, they might be at risk of tooth decay. It has been observed that young children who drink bottled water develop more cavities than those who drink water containing fluoride.

Excess of fluoride can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis in young children. Using high doses of fluoride when the teeth are still forming inside the gum can lead to their discoloration. This can be seen as several white spots on the teeth. To prevent this, ensure that the children do not swallow the toothpaste and only use minute quantities while brushing.

Fluoride is extremely vital in maintaining good dental health. To keep track of whether your child is getting enough fluoride through their toothpaste, visit a dentist. They can make sure that no cavities are developing and the enamel of your child’s teeth is healthy and intact.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Categories
Dental care

What is the masticatory system?

Out of many functional systems that exist in a human body, the masticatory system controls the process of chewing, swallowing and speaking. Broadly speaking, it comprises the jaw, teeth, temporomandibular joints, lips, cheeks and masticatory muscles.

Mastication, which is known as chewing in layman terms, is the process of breaking down the food particles into smaller pieces which makes it easier for the enzymes to act on them. This enzyme further causes the chemical breakdown of the food. The chewed food is turned into a bolus after mixing with saliva, which makes swallowing easier. It is a vital automatic movement that ensures that the body can easily digest the consumed food to generate energy.

Parts of the Masticatory System

The masticatory system can be divided into three broad categories, each with a separate function.

  • The teeth – Humans have a set of 32 permanent teeth. These are made up of enamel which is the covering of the crown, cementum which comprises the roots, the inner layer of dentin and the pulp which has all the nerves and blood vessels. Teeth perform the main task of tearing the food particles into smaller pieces.
  • Periodontium – It comprises the gums or gingivae, jawbone and a cushiony periodontal membrane. The function performed by periodontium is holding the teeth in place to ensure easy chewing.
  • Articulatory system – This comprises the muscles of mastication, temporomandibular joints and occlusion. The masticatory muscles include masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoid. These muscles control the movement while the TMJ makes it possible for chewing to occur. Occlusion or how the teeth are arranged concerning each other is responsible for the grinding of food.

Role of the Masticatory System

This system aids in the first step of digestion. In the absence of this process, the food will have to be swallowed as a whole which would make the process of digestion or complete breakdown of food extremely difficult.

It is also relevant in the field of prosthodontics. The dental restorations are designed as per the chewing habits of the individual. This ensures that they can chew properly even after restoration.

The process of mastication is rhythmic. The opening and closing of the jaw make chewing possible. The lower brainstem regulates this rhythmic movement. The process can be fastened, slowed or even stopped voluntarily.

Disorders of the Masticatory System

Some of the major physiological problems associated with the masticatory system include-

  • Limited ability to open the mouth
  • Facial or ear pain
  • Headaches
  • Jaw joint noises
  • Pain in jaw joints
  • Pain in muscles of mastication

The masticatory system is thus a crucial part of the body that ensures that the food is easily digested by converting it to a smaller, more soluble form. This system has to function effectively to ensure the oral and overall well being of an individual. In conclusion, ensure to consult a trusted general dentist or orthodontist to avail suitable treatment for such conditions.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.