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Dentistry/Slight chipped tooth

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Question
My nine year old just chipped her front tooth slightly, biting down on a fork. She
says there is no pain. Is this something we can address at her next dentist appt. 2
months from now or is it in a vulnerable spot? Also this tooth looks thin and frail
all along the bottom edge and she tends to get yellow teeth kind of easily. Is this
a sign that her teeth are weak? If so, would more calcium in her diet help much?

Answer
If that chip in the front tooth is slight and does not extend into dentin then it can wait for another two months.  If the fracture extends into the dentin then it should receive attention soon.  As for the yellow stain, this is probably a surface stain which can and should be removed either by careful and thorough daily oral hygiene or by a professional cleaning.  Taking additional calcium will not help the teeth and is not recommended.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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