for
Shari C. Kohn DDS, PA
Produced to improve your dental health and awareness
Spring 2014
From the Dentists
Shark Teeth
Sharks are well known for having multiple rows of teeth.
As one set of teeth sheds, the successors are close behind
them and quickly move into place. Humans, on the other
hand, have two sets of teeth – the primary, or “baby,” teeth
and the permanent teeth. Typically, a baby tooth gets loose
and then falls out before the adult tooth emerges into the
mouth. We usually lose our first tooth around the average age
of 6 and this process continues until all the primary teeth are
lost at the average age of 12. However, there is a wide variation
as to when children lose their teeth and it can be 2-3 years
younger or older than the average age. Humans have 20 baby
teeth and 32 permanent teeth – with a few exceptions.
We see patients quite frequently who have baby teeth
that remain in the mouth as the adult grows in or “erupts.”
This happens for several reasons. In our lower jaw, the adult
incisor teeth (the front teeth) naturally develop behind the
root of the baby tooth, close to the tip of the tongue. If the
root of the baby tooth does not dissolve properly as the
adult tooth emerges, then a double row of teeth may exist
temporarily. The other common reason to see two rows of
teeth is a condition called ectopic eruption. This occurs when
the adult tooth tries to erupt in the wrong position. This can
happen with any tooth in the mouth whether it is in the front
or the back.
Dr. Evancho, Dr. Kohn, and Dr. Prada
When should we intervene?
If the baby tooth is loose when your child develops
a double row of teeth in the front, encourage him or her
to wiggle and twist the baby tooth. Foods like apples,
carrots and corn on the cob can help as well. If the baby
tooth is causing your child discomfort or is not mobile
or loose at all, please follow up with us within 1-2 weeks.
Very often, we can remove the baby tooth with little or no
discomfort. In certain circumstances, allowing a baby tooth
to remain “over-retained” can alter the path of the adult
tooth. This may have orthodontic consequences.
If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate
to ask us. Our friend, Andrew, recently visited us with an overretained baby tooth. We removed the baby tooth and now the
permanent tooth can move forward into the correct position.
He and his mother
were kind enough to
share pictures of his
experience with
all of you. Andrew
earned many prizes
for his bravery!
T ha n k y ou fo r a l l y ou r r efe r r a l s . W e app r eciate them !
Your Toothbrush Is Not
Meant For Sharing!
eal
Great D st
e
from Cr or
f
is
- all th
$30
Included in the kit:
l Rechargeable Oral B electric
toothbrush
l Crest For Me toothpaste
l Crest For Me Fluoride Rinse
l Crest Bag of Flosser Sticks
l Cool Carry bag
According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay
is the number one chronic infectious disease among children. Did you realize that
tooth decay is considered an infectious disease? The bacteria that cause tooth decay
(Streptococcus Mutans) can be transmitted from one mouth to another. These germs
can be passed by sharing toothbrushes, kissing, or even sharing cups or utensils. Be
aware that if you have active decay in your mouth,
your child is at a higher risk for decay. The same
is true of siblings that have decay…
New Pr
especially when sharing cups. Be mindful
o
Alert Tw duct
if you or other family members do not
oot
Timers! h
have healthy teeth and gums!
American Dental Association Update On Fl
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that
has tooth protective qualities. People exposed
to fluoride get fewer cavities than those that are
not exposed. In addition to hardening developing
teeth, it has been proven to decrease the risk
of cavities in teeth already present in the mouth.
Fluoride is antibacterial and hardens enamel
crystals naturally. It is either over the counter
or a prescription drug depending upon the dose
and should always be kept out of reach of small
children so that they don’t accidently eat it.
There are many questions surrounding fluoride,
its usage and safety.
One of the most common questions we are
asked at D4K is “When should my child start
using fluoride toothpaste?” This question of
when to begin the use of fluoride toothpaste has
been a subject of research and debate for a long
time. One concern about early use of fluoride
toothpaste is that some children may not be
able to effectively spit until around the age of six
years old. Clearly, children should not swallow
large amounts of fluoride because it can result in
something called fluorosis. Fluorosis will result
in teeth that are very hard and not susceptible
to decay, but they can also have brown or white
spots that can be unsightly.
On the other hand, it is important to be aware
that children can get cavities as soon as they
get teeth! That is why fluoride toothpaste is so
very important. If fluoride toothpaste is used
and monitored properly, it can be safely and
effectively used with younger kids. It is a parent’s
responsibility to brush their kid’s teeth at young
ages. Parents must be extremely careful about the
amount of toothpaste they are putting on their
child’s toothbrush. In fact, a tiny amount of tooth
paste, as we will illustrate, is all that is needed.
Young children – especially those younger than
age 6 - should never be unsupervised when using
fluoride toothpaste.
The current American Dental Association
recommendation, based on the latest research,
just came out this past fall. Young children that
cannot spit should use a fluoride
toothpaste - only with adult
“Smear” of
supervision – in small
Toothpaste!
amounts. Parents must
dispense the correct amount
of toothpaste. Here are the
current recommendations:
l Children under 3 years of
age – should use a “SMEAR” sized
amount - the size of a grain
of rice – see photo
l Children 3-6 years of
age – should use a “pea sized”
amount – see photo
“Pea Sized”
l Older Children have
usually learned the art of spitting
Good Habits
Start Young
Multiply the benefits – 2minX2!
luoride Toothpaste
(and some have mastered it) and should be
encouraged to do so and not swallow toothpaste.
To make the “smear” size for children age
3 and under, dip the very end of the bristles of
the small soft toothbrush into the toothpaste as
shown. (This tube of toothpaste will now only
be used for this particular child as to not cross
contaminate or spread germs and bacteria.)
This is such a tiny amount that if ingested or
swallowed it will not cause any problems.
For ages 3- 6, a pea sized amount is just
the size of a small green pea. Again, this small
amount, if swallowed will not cause problems.
Early teaching breeds lifelong good habits.
We should never discourage young children
from brushing and can even make it fun. If your
young child wants to play with the toothbrush
and brush their own teeth, you can have them do
so with a fluoride free toothpaste or just water
on the toothbrush. Then, you can introduce the
fluoride toothpaste with adult supervision. We
do not recommend fluoride free toothpaste when
you brush the teeth. Night time is the MOST
important time to use the fluoride toothpaste.
Fluoride toothpaste is very important in
helping to prevent tooth decay and allowing
children to have healthy and long lasting teeth.
We welcome your concerns and questions.
Please feel free to ask, call or email us at
any time.
You may have seen the ads from the Ad Council Partnership –
“Healthy Mouths for Healthy Lives” in magazines or on billboards.
Healthy Mouths for Healthy Lives, a partnership with over 35
organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry,
has developed a website www.2min2X.org. On the website you will
find videos, games and mobile apps (that you can download) to help
bring your kids up cavity free!
As children get older, you can work with them to make brushing
a fun routine. You will still need to supervise your child but you can help
make it an engaging activity that you can do together.
To keep it simple for your kids, 2Min2X means brush 2 minutes
2 times a day – morning and before bed. Use a soft bristled toothbrush
and fluoride toothpaste. In young children use only a smear or pea sized
amount of fluoride toothpaste as described in the article on page 2 of
this newsletter.
Here’s a chart you can use to show your kids their progress!
A note from Dr. Kohn
I would like to thank all our practice families
for their patience and understanding over the last
several months. It’s been a rough year. Between
having emergency surgery last September and the
illness and ultimate death of my father, life sometimes
gives you lemons and we just have no choice but to
make lemonade. The outreach and kindness in your
cards and letters was heartfelt. I am so fortunate
to have wonderful doctors, Dr. Evancho and Dr. Prada, along with a dedicated,
hardworking and amazing staff. More than anything, however, I am also blessed
to have great patients and parents who were so sympathetic and considerate.
Thank you all!
28273-86363 CUSTOM INSIDE
Spotlight On Staff
Courtney Bisset joined the team at D4K in 2010 and is a part-time dental hygienist.
Courtney first learned about our office soon after it opened when she brought in her own
children, then toddlers, as patients. The rest, they say, is history. Courtney has worked
in general dental practices in the area but her natural talents with children made her
an ideal match for D4K. It is always a FUN day when Miss Courtney is in the building.
She is always smiling, and her upbeat personality is totally contagious. Make sure she
Miss Courtney Bisset
teaches you the “wiggle dance” for loose teeth.
Courtney spends most of her free time at home with her family. She enjoys cooking healthy meals “from scratch”
for her family. You may even spot her running on the NCR trail or around the neighborhood! Her husband’s family
manages River Valley Ranch – a well known Christian Summer Camp for Kids in Carroll County. She is very involved
in working at “the Ranch” as well. Courtney lives in Monkton with her husband, Jon, and their two children Anna (11)
and Aidan (8) along with her kitty, Ashes.
It’s That Time Again!
As many of you may recall, D4K is a big supporter
of Ecuadent, a charity dedicated to bringing healthcare
to poor children in Ecuador. This year, our full time
hygienist, Miss Danielle traveled once again, to Ecuador from February 27th to
March 9th on an Ecuadent dental mission trip. The Ecuadent group trekked to
a different location than the previous two
years. The mission location was Esmeraldas,
for
Ecuador, which is located in a coastal area of
Ecuador approximately 20 minutes (by boat)
Shari C. Kohn DDS, PA
to Colombia. As always, many orphaned
Melena Evancho, DDS
and poor children received treatment and
Elizabeth Prada, DMD, MPH
presents from the American Dental Team.
Christine Bartholomey - Office Manager
100 Sparks Valley Road, Suite C
Dr. Kohn and her dental assistant, Bekah,
Hunt Valley, MD 21152-9234
could not make the trip this year but have
Office Hours
promised to resume their charitable work
Mon-Fri
8:00 am– 5:00 pm*
in
the future.
Select Saturdays 8:00 am– 1:00 pm*
* by appointment
Contact Information
Office
(410) 771-8200
Fax
(410) 771-8201
Email sparksvalleydental@hotmail.com
Website
www.toothfairy2.com
Don’t Forget To “Friend”
Us On Facebook®!
Dentistry For Kids,
Hunt Valley MD
Information included is not dental or medical advice. For your specific
information be sure to consult our office. If you do not wish to receive
this newsletter, please contact us directly.
Find the letters…
and the secret word!
c
g
p
y
l
w
k
v
d
m
j a q
e
f
t
n
z
i
o
x
What alphabet letters are
missing from the tooth?
Danielle enjoying the many new friends
she made in Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
Use the missing letters to
spell something you must
do at least twice a day.
Kids’ Corner puzzle answer: brush
Keep up with the whereabouts of our
staff and exciting things happening
at D4K (Dentistry for Kids) including
weather updates and more!!!
Kids’ Corner
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28273-86363 CUSTOM
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