Tooth Worms? The History of Cavities and Tooth Fillings

March 1st, 2023

Scientists have discovered tooth decay in specimens that are more than 15,000 years old. The ancients once thought that cavities were caused by something called “tooth worms” … Eew! They didn’t exist, of course, but how else could humans explain the holes that cavities make in teeth? The appearance of cavities on a widespread basis…
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When do children usually lose their baby teeth?

February 22nd, 2023

Many parents worry that their children’s teeth are not falling out on time. A lot of concerned parents want to know: When will my child lose his or her first baby tooth? At what age should the last tooth fall out? Is there a specific order in which the teeth are lost? Dr. Rugama and…
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Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

February 15th, 2023

Depending on how long the thumb sucking or constant pacifier use continues, and how aggressively the child sucks a thumb or the pacifier, it can indeed be an oral health issue. Generally speaking, most children outgrow these behaviors or are able to be weaned off them successfully sometime between ages two and four. When children…
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What are Sealants?

February 8th, 2023

Sealants offer many benefits, but the best is their ability to protect your molars. Molars are full of small caverns that can be the perfect breeding ground for tooth decay and plaque buildup. Use of protective sealants prevents this buildup from happening. Although children often receive sealants for routine preventive care, they aren’t the only…
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