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September 1, 2021 cocoonaGeneral Dentistry

Dental Health: Tips on Caring for Children’s Teeth

Speaking as a Dubai pediatric dentist, I really cannot emphasize this enough: caring for your children’s teeth is just as important when keeping track of their overall health, and good dental habits should be established from the onset.

More often than not, parents underestimate the importance of good dental hygiene practices starting from infancy. Perhaps there is a thinking that baby teeth are still temporary and it is fine to not maintain them that religiously yet, which is very wrong.

As parents, setting good dental habits at a very early age is a great start to ensure that our children will have healthy teeth and gums as they reach adulthood and that they will carry these habits throughout their lifetime. In principle, there is no such thing as too early when we are talking about kids’ dental hygiene.

Understandably, caring for children’s teeth can be a little taxing especially if you are unsure where or how to start. Read on and learn some fundamental advice and tips from Dubai pediatric dentists on caring for children’s teeth.

Infancy Stage: From 0 to 12 months old

  • Remember, just because there are no teeth yet doesn’t mean you can skip any form of dental cleaning. Babies are typically born with their first teeth already set in their jaws. Although every child is different, the first teeth would usually start to come out by the 6th
  • During the infancy stage, clean your baby’s gums by wiping them with a soft damp cloth or gauze pad. Using an index finger, gently run the cloth all over the gums. Cleaning should be done at least twice a day.
  • Once the first tooth or set of teeth erupts, you can switch the damp cloth with a soft-bristle baby toothbrush, or a finger toothbrush.
  • If your baby feeds during bedtime or naptime, make sure to clean their teeth afterward, even if they have fallen asleep.
  • Avoid introducing any sweets just yet, such as juice or other flavored drinks.
  • If your baby uses a soother or pacifier, never put any kind of sweetener on it.
  • Make sure to sterilize everything that is put in your baby’s mouth such as soothers and bottle nipples to rid them of bacteria that may cause tooth decay.
  • Finally, take your baby to their first pediatric dentist appointment in their 12th month, at the latest. Ideally, a dental checkup should be done within 6 months after their first tooth erupted.

Toddler Stage: From 1 to 3 years old

  • Perhaps there is no better time to teach kids dental hygiene practices than the toddler stage. Anything that you teach them at this stage and repeated over and over again can be carried on in the years to come, teeth brushing habits included!
  • Remember that children imitate adults around them, so parents should be good role models when it comes to brushing their teeth too! Train your child to brush their teeth on their own by showing them the proper way of doing it. Still, supervise them well and finish it off in case there are spots or food particles that they missed.
  • By the time they are 3 years old, children would usually have about 20 teeth on average. The dental floss should then be introduced as soon as any two teeth meet and touch.
  • During this stage, you may start to use fluoride toothpaste. A small smear to not more than a grain-sized amount should suffice. Make sure to teach your child not to swallow the toothpaste.
  • There is no need to rinse off the toothpaste after brushing so the fluoride can remain and work to its best effect.
  • Brushing should be done at least two times a day, and not less than 2 minutes each time. Instill in them the daily habit of brushing their teeth before bedtime.
  • Regularly check for any signs of tooth decay. Look out for chalky spots or brown discoloration, and give your pediatric dentist a visit if you see one.
  • It is best to wane your child off the bottle and pacifier during this age period as well. It is not a good habit to let them fall asleep with a bottle of milk or other drink as this can cause tooth decay.

Preschooler Stage: From 3 to 5 years old

  • The amount of fluoride toothpaste can be increased to not more than a pea-sized amount.
  • Even when they have learned to brush on their own, you should still make sure to check that they are doing it properly and that all surfaces have been covered.
  • Parents should help with flossing as this could still be quite a challenge for toddlers.
  • Aside from brushing at least two times a day, also teach them to rinse their mouth after snacking to make sure there are no food particles stuck in their teeth for long periods.
  • It is during this age period that some kids would feel like brushing their teeth is such a chore for one reason or another. To make sure that they keep up the habit, make dental hygiene a fun activity for your kids so they can actually look forward to doing it! One of the things you can do is to give them the freedom to choose the toothpaste flavor that they like or a toothbrush design and color that they prefer. When brushing their teeth, use a timer or play a song that is timed just right, so they don’t rush it. You can also give them some form of a reward when they keep up their great dental habits.

6 years old and beyond

  • Upgrade your child’s toothpaste to one that contains not more than 1,500ppm of fluoride, or upon your pediatric dentist’s recommendation.
  • At this age, they should be able to independently brush on their own, however, it’s still best to check from time to time if they are doing it properly. Make sure they are flossing diligently too!
  • Typically, the primary or baby teeth will start to fall out at around 6 years of age, and gradually be replaced by their permanent teeth as the years’ progress. On average, one would have a full set of 32 adult teeth by their 20th

Fundamentally, it is the first 6 years or so that are crucial in developing your children’s good dental hygiene. It is this time that they have their primary teeth which are prone to tooth decay due to their thin enamel covering. It is important to take great care of your kids’ primary teeth as they will eventually guide the permanent teeth into their correct positions.

Good Dental Hygiene: Make It A Habit

Indeed, good habits that are formed during childhood make all the difference. It is up to us parents to instill good dental hygiene in our children from the onset so they can have the best and healthiest smiles as they grow.

Here are a few more guidelines to keep in mind to keep your children’s teeth healthy:

  • Avoid letting your child eat too much candy or sugar-laden foods, as well as sugary drinks as these are common causes of cavities
  • Instill healthy eating habits and consuming healthy foods that are rich in calcium which is vital in maintaining your children’s healthy teeth
  • Ensure to choose the right, age-specific toothbrush for your child
  • Replace a toothbrush regularly and do not use it for longer than 4 months
  • Keep the toothbrush squeaky clean by rinsing them thoroughly after use, and storing them upright to dry well
  • It is best to replace a toothbrush after having the flu to make sure there is no virus or bacteria left over
  • Finally and most importantly, take your child to dental visits regularly, usually every 6 months.

Dubai Pediatric Dentists at the Cocoona Center for Aesthetic Transformation

Choosing the right pediatric dentist is an important consideration for your child’s comfort. Children should be able to get to know their dentist and click with them well so they can look forward to every visit, instead of fearing it.

When choosing a Dubai pediatric dentist, look no further than Cocoona, The Center for Aesthetic Transformation. We care for your children’s dental health as much as you do, and we make sure that every child’s visit to our clinic will be met with a welcoming and comfortable environment.

At Cocoona’s Dental Clinic in Dubai, our enthusiastic pediatric dentists are highly experienced and trained in pediatric dentistry, and are passionate about their mission to making every child’s dental visit a fun and engaging one.

With us, make your child’s visit to the dentist as comfortable and worry-free as possible. Book a free consultation now.


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August 16, 2021 cocoonaGeneral Dentistry

Getting Braces? Here’s What You Need To Know

Gone are the days when having dental braces is seen as one of the classic symbols of puberty as commonly portrayed on movies and TV shows. That braces-laden middle school graduation photo was probably the ultimate portrayal of the days of awkward past.

Not anymore though! In this day and age, having dental braces is now widely accepted. Getting braces is not just for kids of pre-puberty age anymore. Adults, celebrities, and models even get dental braces at typically any age. It has become so widely popular that some even go as far as considering it a fashion statement.

No matter the evolution in their reputation, dental braces still serve the same purpose as has always been. Aside from the self-image boost of having an aesthetically pleasing smile, aligned teeth also equip you to prevent cavity and tooth and gum diseases. Dental braces also help to fix misaligned jaws or bad bites (underbite, overbite, or crossbite) that could lead to several dental-related impairments such as tooth loss or chipping, and even speech disorders.

If you are considering getting braces or think that your child needs it, read on so you can equip yourself with essential information of what to expect before, during, and after getting dental braces.

Before Getting Braces: The Low-Down

  • Know that there are now different types and makes of dental braces that you can choose from. First is the good old, traditional metal brace. Another is its ceramic version, which serves as a good camouflage due to its appearance and color being the same as teeth. There’s also the lingual brace, which is typically the same make as the traditional metal, only that it is placed on the inner or tongue side of the teeth. If you prefer a removable and trendy option to teeth alignment, then an invisible aligner or Invisalign is the way to go which works as a clear plastic tray custom-shaped to your teeth.
  • Getting dental braces in Dubai starts at 10,000AED (3,000USD). The final cost varies with each person, as it will depend on the severity of misalignment, which also often determines if you will need additional extractions or related procedures, as well as the type of dental braces you choose to have. Investing in dental braces is a hefty cost, however, most clinics offer friendly financing options. In some cases, health insurance plans even cover a portion of the cost.
  • The entire process of getting braces is not as easy as 1-2-3. An orthodontist will have to do a thorough assessment of your case. Before the actual installation of the braces to your teeth, you may have to undergo several procedures first such as an x-ray, extraction of 1 or more teeth to create the ideal space for movement, or a palate expansion to widen the jaw. Again, each case is different so you can expect your orthodontist to walk you through the whole process.
  • It’s understandable to feel scared thinking of how painful it will be, but it is wise not to panic and just manage your expectations from the onset. We have different pain tolerance levels, after all. To some, the pain during the installation of braces is very mild, the sort of pain that you can easily manage with an over-the-counter pain reliever pill. To others, there is no pain at all, but just a feeling of discomfort and pressure while the orthodontist is doing the twists and turns of the installation process.
  • The application of the braces itself takes no longer than 2 hours on average, however, there is no definite answer as to how long you will need to have your braces on. It can go anywhere from 8 months to 2 years, even longer. The treatment duration is dependent on each case’s severity, and there are times when your orthodontist will recommend extending according to how the alignment process is responding.


Life With Dental Braces: From Adjustment Pains to Normalcy

  • As with any new experience, the first few days after getting dental braces will be one heck of an adjustment period. Put simply, it will be uncomfortable. You will talk differently and with a lisp. Your lips will pout. The inner portion of your mouth will suffer from abrasions from the metal before they get trained to toughen up. The list goes on. The silver lining is: it will get better as you eventually adapt and get used to it. Before you know it, you won’t even feel like it’s there at all.
  • Your choices of food and how you eat them will have to adjust as well. Steer away from foods that are too hard, chewy, sticky, and stringy. This does not mean that you’ll have to survive on smoothies alone, but in general, you will have to be mindful before eating anything that might get stuck or cause damage to your brackets.

  • That being said, having braces means taking your brushing and flossing to a whole other level. Food will definitely get stuck in one way or another, so it is wise to bring a handy dental kit with you all the time. Brushing and flossing with braces is basically a skill, with all that nook and cranny you have to get into. However, as with any other skill, you’ll learn to be an expert in no time.
  • In many ways, having dental braces is a commitment. For one, dental braces adjustment is done on a regular schedule, usually every four weeks. During your routine check-up, your alignment progress will be checked and tightening adjustments will be done. This process can be uncomfortable to some in the hours or days after, but nothing that can’t be relieved with ice, cold drinks, or pain relievers.

Life After Braces: It Will Be Worth It

  • Do know that after getting your braces off, you will still have to wear retainers to secure that your newly aligned teeth will stay put. You may also consider having your teeth whitened afterwards as having brackets for a long period of time may cause some uneven discoloration.
  • One thing is for sure, nothing compares to the feeling after you’ve had your braces taken off. The first look in the mirror will feel like looking at a completely different person. Earning a smile that you can be proud of and feel your absolute best is unlike any other. All the pains you went through will be absolutely worth it.

Get Your Dental Braces in Cocoona Dubai

All other things considered, one of the most important things that you have to know before getting braces is to make sure to choose an orthodontist that will be with you every step of the way on your dental braces journey.

When looking for where to get dental braces in Dubai, look no further than Cocoona Center for Aesthetic Transformation. Our dental clinic is fully equipped with modern and advanced facilities, as well as highly experienced orthodontists. Get the best advice and book a consultation with us.


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February 24, 2020 cocoonaGeneral Dentistry

A ‘Hollywood’ Smile Makeover is a cosmetic procedure that aims at achieving a beautiful, perfectly shaped, righty colored and sized teeth for an individual.  The procedure is performed using thing Veneers which are placed on top the individual’s existing teeth.

Almost 100 years ago, in 1928 Dr. Charles Pincus invented veneers to change the appearance of an actor’s teeth temporarily. Which later on became the preferred procedure for celebrities to correct their smiles and always be ahead in the game. Hence the name Hollywood smile makeover.

Today, the Hollywood smile makeover is a very common procedure, especially in Dubai. You will hardly find a known personality or an individual with the means, who cares about his or her appearance and was not born with a perfect smile, who has not had a smile makeover.

Let’s talk about What are veneers?

Veneers are thin, yet very strong layers material which are placed over a tooth. Veneers not only improve the aesthetics of the smile; but also protect the tooth’s surface from damage.

There are two main type of materials used to make a veneer – porcelain and composite. Porcelain is stronger than composite, as it is made in labs. Composite is also strong, but not as strong as porcelain, though offers the advantage – that they can handcrafted directly in the mouth of the individual. Which gives more control to the dental doctor and individual on how the outcome is. The shape, color, size can be enhanced to achieve perfection immediately on-site. Whereas in porcelain veneer, the teeth impressions are taken and send to a lap to fabricate the veneers and it’s very difficult to make changes once the veneers are fabricated. Though we make temporary veneers first in case we are doing porcelain veneers, to ensure the new smile suite the individual and is happy with it. And we can make the changes needed, before the final veneers are fabricated in the lab. This does add more time to deliver the new smile and can take 3-4 weeks to finish the full makeover. Whereas in composite based makeover, I can do it in a single sitting.

What to expect when going for veneers or smile makeover?

First things first. The Dentist will evaluate the individual’s oral heath first to see are you a right candidate for the procedure. At my practice here at Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation Dubai, I see about 5-6 news patients every week looking for a smile makeover. Not everyone is an ideal candidate to start immediately. Some needs simple correction before we are able to proceed, some need lengthy orthodontist treatments like braces before we proceed with the smile makeover. Examination and correcting the necessary is the most important not only to achieve a perfect smile, but also to ensure the life of the veneers.

During this stage we take X-rays and impressions of the teeth as well, to analyze everything thoroughly.

Once both me and patient are satisfied with the outcome of the examination it will be time to choose the new smile.  I then counsel the patient on the kind of smile that will look nice on him or her. First, we decide the shape and number of the teeth, I show them pictures, actual samples of veneers and advice on what can be achieved. During this stage is when we decide on the number of veneers needed.  Some patients with minor imprecations only need one or two, some need only the top 5 ,but most of the patient need 10 top and 10 bottom teeth which are visible in smile.. The number entirely depends on how many teeth are visible when the individual smiles.

An import thing I insist on while advising my patients on the shape is: Perfection is not in having perfectly even teeth. It having a smile that make the other person admire it beyond his or her control. I like natural shapes and contours as oppose to the common box shaped teeth, that run through an individual’s mouth. Such smile may stand out from a mile, but will tell everyone that you have had a smile makeover. The beauty and art of a smile makeover is in delivering a smile that people lovely madly and cannot tell if was from birth or made in a clinic.

Now we move on to the next step, which is deciding the color. This is easy, most people want white, but the right shade of white that complement the complexion of the individual is also very important. So we ensure we have the right shade. I always want the veneers to look as natural as real teeth , so for that I always prefer the veneers with translucency and this can be done with porcelain veneers.

Now we finalize the material: porcelain or composite. I take the patient through the advantages and disadvantages of both kinds, the steps and time involved for treatments and the associated costs. I also recommend what will work best for the individual based on her/his oral health, kind of corrections needed and results wanted. More information can be found at here

How to differentiate, with a smile makeover.

The answer to this is simple, keep it as natural as possible. We don’t want our patients to look like billboard for a smile makeover, we want you and your teeth to look healthy, beautiful and perfect.

After care process for Veneers:

It’s very important to take care of one’s oral hygiene. I recommend all my patients:

  1. to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day and preferably after every meal.
  2. Floss at least once a day.

These two steps are critical to minimize the risk of gingival (Gum) diseases and teeth decay.

  1. Regular dental examination with Dentist. It is recommended to do checkups each six months for scaling or cleaning and polishing of your veneers. This as well will let your dentist to detect any sign of dental cavities or issues.
  2. I also advise on using a night guard, if the individual has teeth grinding habit. A night guard will protect your Veneers and give you a sounder sleep.

 

About me.

I am Dr. Homeira Ahmadi , graduated from Ajman University and have five years’ experience in UAE. At my dental practice here at Cocoona in Dubai I do the following treatments and procedures.

  1. Veneers
  2. Root canal therapy
  3. Crown and Bridges
  4. Scaling and polishing
  5. Teeth whitening
  6. Pediatric (children) dental treatments
  7. Extraction
  8. Preventive Dental treatments

You can read more about me at here

 


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