Mouth Guards

When a child begins to participate in organized sports, injuries can occur. 50-80% of sports-related dental and oro-facial injuries affect the upper incisors. A properly fitted mouth guard is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child's teeth. It should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.

Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard should stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe. Ask Dr. Anokhi about custom vs. store-bought mouth guards.

Dental Bleaching/Teeth Whitening

The desire for dental whitening in pediatric and adolescents has increased due to advances in cosmetic dentistry; and due to accessibility and availability of dental bleaching products in the marketplace. Dental bleaching, is usually NOT recommended until all permanent teeth are erupted. Some potential complications of over the counter and in office bleaching are tooth sensitivity and/or tissue irritation.

Dr. Anokhi can advise you and your child if teeth whitening may be indicated or advised for your child.

Intraoral and Perioral Piercing

The use of intraoral jewelry and piercings of the tongue, lip, cheeks, and uvula have been gaining popularity among adolescents and young adults; but you might be surprised to know just how dangerous these piercings can be.

There are many risks involved with oral piercings, including pain, infection, scar formation, chipped or cracked teeth, metal hypersensitivity, nerve damage, and speech impediment. Life-threatening complications have also been reported, including, bleeding, blood clots, as well as possible disease transmission (hepatitis, tetanus, tuberculosis).

Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling, and infection. Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood vessel or nerve bundle is in the path of the needle.

Dr. Anokhi, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association strongly oppose the practice of intraoral and perioral piercing.

Tobacco

Tobacco in any form remains the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. Some studies have shown almost one third of all smokers had their first cigarette before reaching high school.

Smokeless tobacco, also called chew, is often used by teens who believe that it is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. Studies show that chewing tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes. In just a few months, smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and produce pre-cancerous lesions.

If your child is a tobacco user you should watch for the following that could be early signs of oral cancer:

• A sore that won't heal.
• A white or red leathery patch in the mouth, especially under the tongue.
• Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips.
• A change in the way the teeth fit together.

Early signs of oral cancer are usually not painful. If it's not caught in the early stages, oral cancer can require extensive, sometimes disfiguring, surgery. Even worse, it can kill.

Dr. Anokhi will routinely examine your child for any oral signs of tobacco use. She encourages you to talk to your child about the dangers of tobacco. Help your child avoid tobacco in any form. If you need assistance, ask Dr. Anokhi for professional help.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are characterized by recurrent alterations in eating behavior that is intended to control body weight. This significantly impairs physical and mental health. Eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa primarily begin in adolescence. They are most common in females, but there has been an increase in the number of reported cases in young males as well.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA is characterized by a thin appearance with low body weight. Individuals affected by anorexia generally develop a preoccupation with food and have a distorted perception of their body image. This usually results in long periods of "fasting" and/or "food avoidance."

BULIMIA NERVOSA is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting, chronic use of laxatives/diuretics, and/or excessive exercise.

Both Anorexia and Bulimia can be life-threatening, and should be taken seriously. Both disorders can cause major damage to the body, altering normal bodily functions due to improper nutrition. The body is set into "starvation mode" and can cause dehydration, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalance. They can also cause irreversible damage to the teeth, oral tissues and salivary glands. Please discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child with Dr. Anokhi, she would be happy to help in any way she can.