DENTAL

Location: George A. Dame Community Health Department

2804 W. Marc Knighton Court

Lecanto, Fl 34461

Phone: (352) 249-9258 ext 249

Fax: (352) 249-9262

Map of New Dental Clinic

The Citrus County Health Dept. has a wonderful dental team. Our dental clinic offers dental services for children from the ages of 4yrs to 18 yrs. We offer a wide variety of treatment such as: cleanings, fillings, extractions and sealants. Our dental clinic accepts Medicaid, Comp Benefits and Children's Medical Services and Pedi Care.

** We are also seeing some adults on an emergency cash basis and doing some extractions. Medicaid will pay for adult extractions if you have the coverage.

Our new dental clinic hours are Monday – Friday from 7am until 5pm.

Links:
www.toothinfo.com
www.aapd.org
www.dentalresource.org

www.ada.org

www.compbenefits.com

BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY

About Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
This single condition may cause more pain and suffering in small children that all other conditions combined. It is a dental problem that can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child.

This type of tooth decay occurs when liquid (other than water) is exposed to a child’s teeth for long periods of time. For example, when putting a baby to bed with a bottle, the teeth will have liquid on them overnight. Sugary liquids from the bottle will cause the teeth to decay. Examples of sugary liquids are milk, formula, soda pop, fruit juice and most other sweetened liquids.

The Tooth Decay Process
Teeth are covered with a sticky film called plaque. The bacteria in plaque uses sugar to multiply and provide a constant supply of acid to damaged teeth. During sleep, saliva decreases, allowing sugary liquids to pool around teeth for a longer period of time. The sugar stays in the mouth, allows acid to attack longer, and causes more damage and destruction to the teeth.

Effects of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Although, the upper front teeth usually are the first to be affected, all of the first set of teeth, commonly called “baby” or “primary” teeth, can be damaged. This can cause:

• Permanent teeth development problems (crooked permanent teeth)

• Cavities

• Difficulty eating

• Delayed speech development

• Ear problems

• Staining brown spots

• Poor eating habits

• Social problems (self-esteem issues can be found in small children)

• Pain

• Gingivitis

• Bone structure damage (periodontal disease)

• General health problems

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

• Begin oral care early. Schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist around the age of two or three, unless there is a problem that requires an earlier visit.

• Begin brushing your child’s teeth when the first tooth appears.

• Check your child’s teeth for brown or discolored spots.

• Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth after feeding, even before the first tooth appears.

• Never allow a baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle of milk or sweetened liquid. Substitute water if you feel a bottle is necessary.

• Never allow sleeping with a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.

• Check your child’s teeth on a regular basis.

• Alert your dentist of any changes or discoloration immediately.

• Teach your child to use a cup at about six months of age. By the age of one the bottle can be eliminated.

• Make sure your child receives a form of fluoride.