Pediatric Dentistry

A child’s teeth actually start forming before birth. Believe it or not, at birth, your baby has 20 primary teeth, some of which are fully developed in the jaw. Although these teeth may not be visible yet, starting your child off with good dental care can help protect their teeth for decades to come. Even babies can develop tooth decay if proper feeding habits aren’t practiced. This is why Dr. Iryna Yelisetty at Sharon Springs Dental strives to assure that this generation and future generations of young patients grow up with the healthiest conceivable smile.

While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines. Even before your baby starts teething, run a clean, damp washcloth over gums to clear away harmful bacteria. Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or completely prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be given a water bottle or a pacifier.

Your child’s first visit to the dentist should take place before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with the dental team. In addition, taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child’s teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.sharonspringsdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Iryna Yelisetty at Sharon Springs Dental in Cumming, GA, call 470-253-1747. 

Gum Disease: Symptoms and Risk Factors

Excellent oral care is important in preventing dental issues. If you don't brush well or often enough, your gums could become inflamed and cause gum disease. Minor gum disease is called gingivitis. If this disease progresses, it leads to periodontitis, which affects the bone and can cause your teeth to fall out. If you're noticing a bit of blood in the sink while brushing your teeth, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Iryna Yelisetty at Sharon Springs Dental to prevent this condition from getting worse.

Symptoms
- You may have gum disease if you notice the following signs:
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Pain when chewing
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Bad breath 

Risk Factors
If the following apply to you, you have an increased risk of developing gum disease:
- Hormone changes: When girls start puberty or when women enter menopause, hormone levels change, making gums more sensitive.
- Serious illnesses and treatments: Diabetes, cancer, and AIDS - as well as treatments for these diseases - can increase the risk of gum disease.
- Certain medications: Many prescriptions reduce saliva flow, and this can be detrimental since saliva protects your mouth.
- Smoking: Smoking not only increases the risk of gum disease but makes treatment less successful as well.
- Genes: Some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease.
- Age: Those in their 30s and older are more likely to develop gum disease.

Don't Overlook the Symptoms
If you think you may have gum disease, seek dental help right away. If you wait too long, you could end up losing a tooth, which can be a traumatic experience. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.sharonspringsdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Iryna Yelisetty at Sharon Springs Dental in Cumming, GA, call 470-253-1747.