Why Should Children Spit their Toothpaste?

When children learn to brush their teeth, it is important for them to know to spit the toothpaste out afterward. People may wonder why that is. The answer is fluorosis, the discoloration of teeth due to excessive fluoride consumption, and we at the dental offices of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk want our patients to understand more about it.

When children’s teeth are forming, an excessive amount of fluoride can cause staining on a deep level. Fluorosis is not common and most cases are only apparent to dental professionals doing an examination. But in the worst-case scenarios, it can cause teeth to appear brown or to have white web-like patterns on them. Fluoride helps to prevent cavities and dentists commonly apply it to children’s teeth in order to protect them, but a child who swallows their toothpaste is at risk of consuming too much.

When children are learning to brush, parents should emphasize the importance of only using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and of spitting. Parents also should not give their children fluoride supplements unless instructed to do so by one of the child’s doctors. If the teeth do get stained, the issue is only cosmetic and may be hidden with bonding or veneers.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Bleeding Gums

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wreaks havoc on a person’s body, and unfortunately, the gums are not spared. Severe periodontal disease threatens the stability of a person’s teeth, which is part of the reason why the dentists of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk want our patients to understand why people with RA need to be especially careful about their oral hygiene.

Unlike some other forms of arthritis which are caused by wearin down of cartilage over a lifetime, RA is an autoimmune disorder. That means the body’s immune system has turned against its own tissues, resulting in inflammation. Studies by Johns Hopkins have found that most people with RA have gum disease, and six times as many people with RA have severe gum disease as in the general population. Gum disease was also common in people whose RA was in its early stages, suggesting the inflammation was not just due to difficulty brushing.

Scientists are currently examining whether better oral care can reduce RA symptoms. Regardless, the evidence shows that regular brushing and flossing do help people with RA to fight gum disease. For those with difficulty holding a manual toothbrush, an electric alternative may be preferable. Throat moisteners can also help people suffering from dry mouth as a side effect of RA medication.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.