1.   Why do we need teeth ?

 We need teeth to chew food, to grow up, to speak clearly, to smile,... in a word we need them to enjoy life with relish.

2.   Do Child's baby teeth also important  ?

 Primary teeth allow normal development of face. Its guide the permanent teeth into position and hold their space. The first lacteal tooth surfaces between 6 and 12 months. It is a high time for parents to begin baby's teeth cleaning. At average 3 years most primary teeth are in. Baby will have 20 deciduous teeth. It is a primary dentition. Permanent dentition will take place since 6 to 12 year olds.

3. What is dental caries ?                                                                                   "top"

 Dental decay is an infectious disease.  It's the third world scourge according to the World Health Organization. Dental decay is also the most frequent affection in school children in Tunisia.

4. How can we get dental caries ?

Bacteria that live in the mouth break down certain food into sugar and produce acids which lead to enamel demineralization and a cavity will result. 

5. What is baby tooth decay ( nursing caries syndrome ) ?          

 Excessive baby's bottle feeding with a sweet liquid, particularly when sleeping can lead to special dental affection called baby tooth decay or nursing syndrome. All teeth are concerned except lower incisors. 

6. When must we take child to the dentist ?

As early as possible, and before that child complain of pains caused by sweet or cold foods, parents must take him to dentist.  Some dentists think  that  child must have their first dental check-up by the age of two and half when they got all their deciduous teeth and before that if parents see anything unusual in baby mouth.

7. How do dentist treat dental caries ?                                                          "top" 

 Dentist must, when indicated, clean the cavity with hand or rotary instruments and then fills it with dental materials, as amalgam or glass ionomer.

8.   How can we prevent dental caries ?   (according to AAPD)

 - brush carefully teeth twice a day (after breakfast and before sleeping)

- have balanced diet and snack moderately

- get enough fluoride through drinking water or when indicated through fluoride supplement.

- visit dentist regularly at least twice a year

- have preventive filling (sealant applied to the chewing permanent molar surfaces)

9.  Does diet important in dental cavity development ?                 "top" 

According to recent research a relationship between diet and dental caries seems now evident. Indeed, If sweet, candies, caramel, some kinds of chocolate and sweet beverage can foster tooth decay,  fruits, vegetables and cheese  can  protect against them. However, food's texture, consumption  frequency and time retaining in the mouth are more important than consumption quantity in dental caries development. 

10.  At what age must we begin teeth brushing ?

 Parents must begin mouth cleaning with gauze for baby  before tooth surfaces. With the first tooth a gentle brushing with a soft bristle brush is necessary.  In oral hygiene, parents must start by being a good role model and motivate their children until they develop tooth brushing into a habit.

11.   What is teeth crowding (malocclusion) ?

 Early loss or damage of primary teeth that keep space for permanent ones can conducted to tooth crowding and malocclusion (abnormal dental biting) in permanent dentition. Generally, a space maintainer is needed after early deciduous teeth extraction.

12. What is dental fluorosis ?

While there is no doubt that fluoride supply is beneficial in dental decay prevention, over-fluoridated water consumption give dental fluorosis which is revealed by teeth discoloration. So in some countries where water is enough fluoridated, dentist must advise parents against fluoride supplement. However we are completely agree with authors who said that caries lesion is more dangerous and more ugly than fluorosis lesion.

If you have any other question, please let us know .