| |
| Here Dr. Oulton
answers some of the question that have been sent by you through this
Dental website. If you have any dental-related questions you can post
them here. Dr. Oulton will answer any questions
at the earliest opportunity and, if deemed relevant, will appear in
this section. |
|
Q
|
I am 39 years old with only a few fillings. My father gave me a flouride tablet every day as a child and I believe this has helped to strengthen my teeth against decay.
I now have two young children of my own. Should I give them flouride tablets too? Or, is there enough flouride in Melbourne water to accomplish the same result? |
|
A
|
Speak with your local water board on the fluoridation levels in the tap water. They may also offer a testing service of your tap water to confirm the levels. It is important not to over-fluoridate especially for children as this may cause distortion in their permanent teeth. Most importantly, children should be discouraged from drinking or eating sugary and acidic drinks and food before bedtime and not until they have performed a thorough toothbrushing and flossing routine. It is important to maintain a good saliva flow as this is the number one body defense against oral disease. If children are using medications on a regular basis, such as those for asthma, they will tend to have a dry mouth which can lead to dental decay. A topical, rather than a systemic, remineralisation is required. Ask your dentist about dental remineralising products for home use. |
| |
Question
sent by Anon on 11/11/2005 |
|
|
Q
|
My daughters is five years old and her new bottom front tooth is crooked. Everyone I've spoked to, besides a dentist, says that it will straighten when she looses her other baby teeths. Is this true? |
|
A
|
In some cases teeth do straighten out by themselves but more often they don't. You won't know for certain until you have consulted your dentist. |
| |
Question
sent by Anon on 10/10/2005 |
|
|
Q
|
My 7-year-old has sustained substantial damage to his teeth from grinding heavily for the last 3 to 4 years. What can I do to help him prevent this habit before causing damage to his new teeth? |
|
A
|
Children sometimes do this and then grow out of it. You should take them to your dentist and seek their advice. If they can't help you then it may be wise to see a Pedodontist (Childrens Specialist). |
| |
Question
sent by Anon on 10/07/2005 |
|
|
Q
|
This is my new question |
|
A
|
This is the answer to the question |
| |
Question
sent by on |
|
|
|
