Should My Child Use Fluoride?

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Parents often ask if fluoride is safe and whether their child really needs it. The short answer is yes, when used correctly, fluoride is one of the best tools we have to prevent cavities. At Pediatrics on Park in South Plainfield, NJ, we are here to talk to you more about fluoride, so you understand why it is used and how it helps.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and makes it harder for cavities to form. It’s found in many public water supplies, toothpaste, and professional treatments. If your child’s teeth are still developing, fluoride can help repair weak spots before they turn into cavities.

When you hear about the negatives of fluoride, it’s because of an inappropriate balance of its use. Use too little fluoride and your child’s teeth may be more prone to decay. Excessive use over time can result in faint white spots on the teeth, known as fluorosis. That’s why professional guidance matters.

How To Use Fluoride Safely

The important thing to remember is that you have to use fluoride safely. Here are a few general tips:

  • Use a dab of fluoride toothpaste for children under the age of three
  • Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for kids three and older
  • Make sure your child spits out excess toothpaste instead of swallowing it
  • Ask if fluoride treatments at the office would be helpful, and get them as needed

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment in South Plainfield, NJ

Have questions about fluoride or your child’s dental care needs? Call Pediatrics on Park at 908-291-8600 to schedule an appointment and get the support you need to help your child have a healthy smile.

Myths About Cavities

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Cavities are among the most common dental problems people have, and we see them every day in our office at Pediatrics on Park in South Plainfield, NJ. To help you and your child keep your teeth clean and healthy, we’ve put together this information about common cavity myths and what you need to know.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are permanently damaged parts of the teeth that create holes or openings. They form when plaque builds up on the teeth and makes acid. That acid wears down the enamel on your teeth.

When they don’t receive treatment, cavities can grow larger, leading to pain, potential infections, and even the need for extractions.

Myth 1: Cavities Are Caused Only By Sugary Foods

That’s untrue! Other causes of cavities include:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Bacteria in the mouth
  • A lack of fluoride
  • Hormonal changes
  • Certain medications

Myth #2: You Can Heal All Cavities

A small cavity in the early stages (known as demineralization) can potentially be reversed, but not all cavities can be. After a cavity pushes past the enamel, it is highly unlikely that it can heal on its own.

You’ll need professional treatment, such as a filling, crown, root canal, or extraction.

How Can You Prevent Cavities?

The best way to prevent cavities is through:

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day
  • Flossing twice a day
  • Limiting sugary drinks or acidic foods
  • Drinking water regularly
  • Getting fluoride treatments or dental sealants if recommended
  • Getting regular checkups and cleanings

Schedule an Appointment for a Cavity in South Plainfield, NJ

Cavities happen, but they often don’t need to. Through good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, it’s possible to keep them at bay or to treat them in their earliest stages. If you think your child has a cavity, don’t wait; we are here to help. Call us at Pediatrics on Park at 908-291-8600 to schedule an appointment.

What Is Enamel Hypoplasia? 

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Put simply, a diagnosis of enamel hypoplasia means you don’t have enough or quality enamel protecting your teeth. This condition occurs during tooth formation. Several factors might cause it, such as:

  • Genetics—Enamel hypoplasia often runs in families and can be a complication of another developmental disorder, like amelogenesis imperfecta.
  • Environmental—Many outside factors can disrupt enamel development, including poor nutrition, illness, or trauma.

Enamel hypoplasia might also be a complication of prenatal issues like a mother smoking or taking drugs during her pregnancy.

How Is Enamel Hypoplasia Diagnosed?

Often, there are physical signs of the condition that the dentist will see during a check-up, including:

  • Pitting or lines on the tooth enamel
  • Uneven texture
  • Discoloration

Your child also may have more cavities than normal or develop dark spots on their teeth.

What Is the Treatment for Enamel Hypoplasia?

The dental treatment for enamel hypoplasia involves a combination of treating the symptoms and trying to prevent damage to the teeth. Because teeth are susceptible to cavities, fractures, and disease, treatment may include:

  • Fillings—To fill holes that develop in enamel
  • Dental crowns—To cover and protect weak teeth
  • Veneers—To even out the texture and color of the teeth
  • Enamel microabrasion—Removes stains and improves the appearance of teeth
  • Teeth whitening—To help reduce the appearance of enamel problems

Regular check-ups are also a critical part of the care plan.

If you notice thinning or spots on your child’s teeth, call to schedule an appointment at Pediatrics on Park today. Our dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can evaluate your child’s teeth and treat them for enamel hypoplasia.

Regular Dental Checkups: More Than Just Cleaning

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When considering a dental checkup, do you imagine the basic teeth cleaning? That’s not surprising. One of the perks of going to the dentist is walking out with sparkling teeth that feel and look great. The fact is, routine checkups are the cornerstone of good health at any age. What is behind a dental checkup at pediatric dentistry in South Plainfield, NJ?

Checkups are About Prevention

The primary goal during a dental checkup isn’t to make your child’s teeth shine; it’s to detect early problems, such as:

The pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, will also ensure that your child develops good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Prevention is power in healthcare. It allows health professionals to spot changes from one visit to the next and take steps to strengthen the bone, teeth, and soft tissue if necessary to ward off injury or disease.

Dental Cleaning is an Important Part of Dental Care

Of course, getting those teeth cleaned to remove plaque and tartar buildup is an integral part of prevention. In addition, the dentist might suggest treatments to help support dental health and better understand oral development, such as sealants for vulnerable teeth.

A Holistic View of Overall Health

There is a strong connection between oral and overall health, too. So, regular dental checkups allow the dentist to see early signs of other health problems. For example, sores on the gum can be an early sign of diabetes or autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Other things the dentist will look for include:

  • Pale gums can indicate anemia
  • Teeth erosion can be a sign of an eating disorder or acid reflux.
  • Abnormal patches of cells in the mouth can be warning signs of oral cancer.

Learn more about what your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, does during regular dental checkups by making an appointment for your child at Pediatrics on Park today.

Unique Oral Health Needs Of Children With Special Needs

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A smile can light up any room, but for children with special needs, maintaining that smile can be a challenge. They may have conditions or developmental barriers that impact their oral health. They may have trouble sitting still long enough for a pediatric dental exam in South Plainfield, NJ, for example. Recognizing these potential obstacles is the first step in ensuring children with special needs keep their smiles.

Common Oral Health Challenges

Children with special needs can have both developmental and behavioral challenges that can impact oral hygiene, such as:

  • Delayed tooth eruption—Some genetic conditions may lead to a delay or malformation in tooth eruption. Children may have extra teeth or be missing some.
  • Misalignments—Some issues, such as defects in craniofacial development, can increase the likelihood of misalignments. Misalignments in teeth can make eating or speaking difficult.
  • Enamel Hypoplasia—Thin or absent enamel
  • Bruxism—Grinding of the teeth that can lead to enamel wear
  • Sensory sensitivity—This can make sitting in the dentist’s chair difficult
  • Physical limitations—Tremors and limited dexterity can interfere with oral hygiene.

This is just a short list of challenges some children face when it comes to taking care of their teeth.

Finding Tailored Solutions at Pediatrics On Park

Your special needs dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can collaborate with parents, patients, and caregivers to find solutions to these challenges. They will emphasize the importance of prevention strategies and establishing consistent oral hygiene routines.

We can help improve communication at home and provide information on adaptive tools that can supply solutions to these challenges, such as:

  • Adaptive toothbrushes—An electric toothbrush and a water flosser might help address some issues. There are also toothbrushes with special grips.
  • Flashcards—These can provide step-by-step instructions for brushing and flossing.

For children who struggle with visits to the dentist, we offer sedation options. Sedation dentistry uses medication to ease anxiety during dental cleanings and procedures. Call today to speak with a pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, to learn more about special needs dentistry.

4 Good Tooth Brushing Habits to Teach Your Child

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Kids learn important lessons from their parents. If you’re a parent, one of the great life lessons you can teach your child is how to brush their teeth. Good tooth brushing habits help set your child up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

The pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can show your child how to brush their teeth, but as a parent, you’re in a unique position to give your child daily tooth brushing advice. Not sure what to tell your child? We can help.

1. Time How Long You Brush

Children and adults should brush their teeth for two minutes each time. This is important because brushing for too long can damage your child’s gums.

You can help your child with this by giving them a plastic two minute sand timer. If your child uses an electric toothbrush, choose a model that times their tooth brushing session and shuts off after two minutes.

2. Use the Right Toothbrush

A good toothbrush will have soft bristles that are gentle on your child’s teeth. The toothbrush your child uses should also be an appropriate size for their age. Toothbrushes are only good for three months. Make a point of helping your child choose a new toothbrush four times a year.

3. Brush All Quadrants

Imagine your child’s teeth are divided into quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left). Show your child how to brush each quadrant for equal lengths of time. Help your child reach the teeth in the far back where the toothbrush may not reach well.

4. Don’t Brush Too Hard

It’s important not to push hard when brushing. Pushing too hard can erode your child’s tooth enamel and may cause gum recession. Show your child how to brush their teeth gently.

Need help? Ask the dentist to show your child how to brush their teeth during their next pediatric dental exam in South Plainfield, NJ. Patient education makes a big difference in how kids care for their teeth. At Pediatrics on Park, we’re here to help your child establish healthy tooth brushing habits.

How Screen Time And Diet Are Affecting Children’s Oral Health

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In today’s world, children have access to many glowing screens that shape their world, including what they eat. While screen time and poor diet might seem inconsequential to oral health as long as they brush and see their pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, they can cause a cascade of dental problems.

Screen Time and Oral Health

Extended screen time can impact medical and dental health in numerous ways, starting with snacking.

Snacking

The more time you spend in front of the screen, the stronger your desire to snack may be. The solution is twofold.

First, break the habit of having something to eat in front of the screen. When you provide your kids with a snack, make them eat it at the dinner table without a screen nearby.

Second, if stopping snacking in front of a screen is problematic, provide them with healthy alternatives in small portions such as whole fruit or nuts. These foods scrap teeth as they bite down, helping to improve their oral health.

Poor Hydration

Kids engrossed in a TV show or playing a video game may not hydrate properly. Poor hydration leads to dry mouth, and saliva plays a critical role in removing debris and bacteria from the mouth.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Children watching a screen while they brush may not give it the focus it deserves. They may also be less inclined to brush and floss regularly.

More Serious Oral Health Issues

Excessive screen time can lead to developmental issues with facial muscles and speech. It can also trigger bruxism or teeth grinding. When a child’s focus is so intense on the screen, they may tighten their jaws.

If you have questions about setting screen time limits for your kids, talk to your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, for insight.

How to Protect Your Child’s Teeth from Sweet Treats

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Sugar is a primary cause of childhood cavities. Still, it’s not practical to think you can eliminate all sugar from your child’s life. The key is to find a healthy balance. Along with a balanced diet, there are ways you can protect your kids’ teeth when they do have sugar and minimize the risk of decay.

Eliminate the Obvious Culprits

Removing all the sugar from your child’s diet might not be possible, but you can eliminate some of the foods that tend to cause cavities. Sugary drinks like soda or juice are good examples. Encourage your child to drink water as much as possible. This will flush any sugar they do get from their mouth.

Smart Timing

Time their sugary drinks or treats with a meal. The mouth will produce more saliva during a meal when they are eating a variety of foods, as opposed to just having a sweet treat. The saliva will also help flush the sugar from their mouths.

Make Snacks Crunchy, Not Just Sweet

Certain foods can satisfy that sweet tooth and clean it at the same time. Choose crunchy fruits and vegetables for snacks, like a raw apple or carrot. When they bite down, they scrape their teeth, helping to clean them.

Partner With Your Pediatric Dentist

Think of your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, as your partner in your child’s oral health strategy. First and foremost, see the dentist regularly. That allows our dental team to examine your child’s teeth and fix any problems like cavities early.

Also, talk to the dentist about treatments that help protect the teeth from sugar. Finally, the dentist and hygienist can help ensure your child is brushing and flossing correctly to keep their teeth at their best, even if they have the occasional sugary treat.

If you have questions about protecting your child against sugar, call your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, today.

5 Tips for Brushing Your Baby’sTeeth

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Brushing your baby’s teeth is one of the most important things you can do to care for their dental health. Your child’s pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can show you how to brush their teeth. In this article, we’ll go over some of the advice we give to parents to help them brush their child’s teeth.

1. Use the Right Size Toothbrush

Use a toothbrush that’s sized for your child. The right-sized toothbrush will have a head that fits in your child’s mouth and can be manipulated around their small teeth. Many toothbrushes for children have age ranges. Choose a toothbrush that’s in the appropriate age range for your child.

2. Time Yourself

Kids should have their teeth brushed for two minutes at a time, just like adults. If your child doesn’t have the patience to tolerate brushing their teeth for two minutes, time yourself with each brushing. Increase the time you spend brushing teeth gradually until your child tolerates two-minute toothbrushing sessions.

3. Make It Fun

Toothbrushing can be fun. Make toothbrushing a positive experience for your child by singing to them, talking to them, or telling them stories while you brush their teeth.

4. Use Baby Toothpaste

Baby toothpaste is formulated for babies. If you’re not sure which type of baby toothpaste to use for your child, talk to your child’s dentist for recommendations.

5. Get a Tutorial from the Dentist

Ask your child’s dentist to show you how to brush their teeth. The professionals at pediatric teeth cleaning in South Plainfield, NJ, can help. Call today to make an appointment for your child.