4 Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Form Good Oral Hygiene Habits

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Kids need to develop good oral hygiene habits when they’re young. This allows them to enjoy healthy teeth and gums from an early age. Developing these habits early on is also important because kids can carry these habits into adulthood. Taking your child to a pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can help. In addition, the suggestions below can help set your child up for success.

1. Brush their Teeth Starting From Babyhood

Brush your child’s teeth starting from babyhood. When your child’s first teeth erupt from the gums, brush them daily. This teaches your child that brushing is important. This also helps your child get used to having their teeth brushed, which may help make them more cooperative during toothbrushing as they get older.

2. Take Your Child to the Dentist Regularly

Take your child to the dentist regularly starting from age one. Experts recommend you bring your child to the dentist by the time they’re one year old even if your child hasn’t grown any teeth yet.

3. Keep Sugar-Free Snacks At Home

Kids love sugar! Keeping sugary snacks on hand at home can help your child develop a sweet tooth that might lead to more cavities. Give your child sugar-free foods starting when they’re able to consume solids.

4. Replace Their Toothbrush Regularly

Toothbrushes only last 3 months at a time. Replace your child’s toothbrush every three months, just like you would replace your own.

Want to know more about how you can set your child up for success? Ask during their next dental checkup in South Plainfield, NJ.

My Baby Is Teething! When Should They Go to the Dentist?

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Babies start teething when they’re between four and seven months old. When this happens, it’s a good time to start thinking about taking them to the dentist in Plainfield, NJ.

At Pediatrics on Park, we see very young patients all the time! We’re here to help your child get off to the right start with their oral health. If you’re wondering when your child should go to their first dental appointment, we can help! This is what you need to know.

How Old Should My Child Be When they Visit the Dentist?

Your child should visit the dentist six months from the date of their first tooth eruption, or when they turn one year old. If your child hasn’t been to the dentist by the time they turn one, it’s time to bring them to the dentist.

What Will Happen During Their First Dental Appointment?

During your child’s first dental appointment, the dentist will look inside their mouth and examine their teeth for signs of a problem. The dentist will also ask you if you have any questions about taking care of your child’s teeth. You can be there during the appointment to help keep your child comfortable.

Why Should My Child Go to the Dentist So Young?

Going to the dentist at a young age helps your child establish good oral hygiene. As your child gets older, they’ll think of going to the dentist as a normal and important part of life. Want to sign your child up for their first pediatric dentistry appointment in Plainfield, NJ? Call Pediatrics on Park today to make an appointment.

Should I Be Brushing My Baby’s Teeth?

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Most babies are born without any teeth. When their teeth start to come in, it may not be clear what you’re supposed to do to take care of your baby’s teeth. Your child’s dentist in Plainfield, NJ can answer your questions about baby tooth care. At Pediatrics on Park, we provide information for parents to help them take good care of their baby’s teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

Do Babies Need Their Teeth Brushed?

Yes, babies need their teeth brushed, just like adults. Your baby won’t be able to brush their teeth for a very long time, so your baby will rely on you to help them maintain clean teeth.

How Long Until My Child Can Brush Their Teeth?

Most children can brush their teeth by the time they’re about seven or eight years old. When your child can brush their teeth depends on their hand-eye coordination and other factors. Once they can effectively brush their teeth for two minutes at a time, you can stop brushing their teeth for them.

How Do I Brush A Baby’s Teeth?

To brush your baby’s teeth, you’ll need a baby-sized toothbrush and baby toothpaste. Use toothpaste the size of a grain of rice to brush your baby’s teeth. Your child’s dentist can show you how to brush their teeth for them.

When Should a Baby See the Dentist for the First Time?

Your child should see their dentist for the first time either six months after their first tooth erupts, or when they turn one year old (whichever comes first). To schedule your child’s first dental checkup in Plainfield, NJ, call today.

General Dentistry

Why Is It Better To Bring My Child to a Pediatric Dentist?

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Your child’s dental health depends on their habits at home and good dental care from a qualified dentist. Taking your child to a pediatric dentist in Plainfield, NJ can help set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health and hygiene. Pediatric dentists have the tools and experience to take care of children and their teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

Pediatric Dentists Have Strategies to Help Kids Feel Comfortable

Many kids get nervous around the dentist. If your child is anxious about visiting the dentist, bring them to a pediatric dentist who knows how to make them comfortable. Dentists who don’t see kids frequently may not have many strategies to help children feel at ease.

Pediatric dentists work with kids all the time and have a range of strategies to make visiting the dentist more fun. Pediatric dentists also have waiting areas that are designed with kids in mind.

Pediatric Dentists Have Kid-Sized Tools

Pediatric dentists see kids all the time, so they use kid-sized tools to make your child’s visit fast and efficient. Whether your child is a toddler going through teething or a teenager in need of braces, your child’s dentist should have the right tools for them.

Pediatric Dentists Know Kids Well

Kids and adults are very different patients. Pediatric dentists are used to working with kids, and they understand kid’s dental needs better than anyone! Taking your child to a pediatric dentist means that you’re taking your child to an expert who can help them maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Does your child need a dental exam in Plainfield, NJ? Make their next appointment at Pediatrics on Park!

4 Tips to Help Your Grade School Child Maintain Healthy Teeth

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Your child’s dental health is important! During a busy school year, it’s difficult to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. These tips from your child’s dentist in Plainfield, NJ can help. At Pediatrics on Park, we’ve got a range of tips to help kids maintain healthy teeth.

1. Pack Sugarless Snacks

Sugary candy and other sugary snacks can cause cavities. Sugarless snacks are better for teeth and gums. Choosing a range of sugarless snacks for your child can help them avoid cavities and other painful dental conditions. Need some suggestions? Try these:

  • Nuts
  • Cheese and crackers
  • Peanut butter crackers
  • Boiled eggs
  • Humus and pita

If you’re packing your child’s lunch for them, don’t forget to send them water instead of sugary soda or juice.

2. Don’t Let Them Forget Toothbrushing

Most households are busy in the mornings as kids run out the door to school. Many families are busy at night too, with homework and activities. It may be easy for child to forget to brush their teeth under these conditions. Take time to remind your child to brush their teeth.

3. Stay On Top of Dental Appointments

Don’t forget to make your child’s appointment for a dental cleaning! If possible, make your child’s appointment before the school year begins. It’s easier to get your child to the dentist before school starts.

4. Watch for Signs of a Problem

Know the signs your child is having a dental problem. Tooth pain, bad breath, and discoloration of tooth enamel are all signs it’s time to see the dentist. Make an appointment for your child’s next dental exam in Plainfield, NJ.

Pediatric Dentistry

4 Ways to Make Toothbrushing More Fun for Little Ones

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Toothbrushing is one of the most important things your child can do to care for their teeth. Helping your child to develop good toothbrushing habits is one of the best things you can do to set your child up for a life of good dental health. As your dentist in Plainfield, NJ, we can help! We offer a range of suggestions to make toothbrushing more enjoyable for your little one. This can encourage your child to brush their teeth well and consistently.

1. Sing While You Brush

If you’re brushing your child’s teeth for them, one thing you can do to make toothbrushing more fun is to sing while you’re brushing. Tell your child that toothbrushing is finished when the song ends. Choose a song that takes you approximately 2 minutes to sing, because this is how long experts recommend that you brush your teeth.

2. Let Them Choose the Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Engage your child in their oral health by allowing them to choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. Giving your child this kind of control makes toothbrushing more rewarding for your child.

3. Give Them a Timer

Does your child brush their teeth? Provide them with a timer to help them brush for the recommended 2 minutes.

4. Brushing For Them? Let Them Watch a Video

If you’re brushing your child’s teeth for them, let them watch a short video on your phone while it’s happening. They’ll have fun and cooperate to brush their teeth!

Want more ideas? Talk to your child’s dentist during their next dental exam in Plainfield, NJ. Call Pediatrics On Park today to make their appointment.

Pediatric Cosmetic Dentistry

When Should I Bring My Child for Their First Dental Appointment?

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Most babies get their first teeth around six months old! When these first teeth appear, it’s important to take care of those teeth from the very first. Your child’s pediatric dentist in Plainfield, NJ can help.

Bringing your child to the pediatric dentist from an early age can help your child develop healthy teeth and gums. If you’re wondering when to bring your child for their first dental appointment, the professionals at Pediatrics on Park can help. Here’s what you need to know.

When To Bring Your Child – According to the Experts

Many dental professionals recommend that babies be brought to the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting from the gums, or when they turn one year old. (Whichever comes first!)

During this first dental appointment, your child’s dentist will look in your baby’s mouth, help your baby feel comfortable in the dentist’s office, and answer your questions about caring for your baby’s dental health. The dentist will also show you how to brush your baby’s teeth and gums.

What If Your Child’s Teeth Have Not Erupted By Age 1?

If your baby’s teeth have not erupted by the time they’re one year old, bring them to the dentist’s office anyway. This gives the dentist a chance to find out if anything is going wrong with your baby’s teeth.

Ready to Make The Appointment? Give Us a Call

The professionals at Pediatric on Park are here to help. Contact us to schedule your child’s next pediatric dental exam in Plainfield, NJ. We’re excited to meet you and your baby!

Does Your Child Need a Palatal Crib Appliance?

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There are so many dental needs a child could encounter before they even exit their toddler years. So, what should you do? It’s best to ask your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, what you should watch out for. But until then, let’s talk about palatal crib appliances and why your child might need one.

Does Your Child Need a Palatal Crib Appliance?

A palatal crib is an early childhood intervention appliance. It’s primarily used to stop thumb-sucking and tongue thrust. It’s non-invasive and extremely effective.

The Dangers of Thumb Sucking

There are so many issues that could result from your child sucking their thumb as they begin to age.

For example:

  • Speech disorders
  • Malocclusion
  • Tooth decay and oral infections
  • Overbite and open bite
  • Misaligned and crooked teeth
  • Sleep apnea (if their jaws aren’t fixed before they become an adult)
  • Tongue thrust
  • Mouth sensitivity
  • Eventual social ramifications

How a Palatal Crib Immediately Stops Thumb Sucking

Now that you know the dangers of childhood thumb-sucking in South Plainfield, NJ, let’s take a look at how a palatal crib (sometimes called a palatal thumb crib) can help.

A palatal crib is a small metal appliance. It’s worn inside a child’s mouth. It attaches to the upper part of their mouth behind their teeth. The palatal crib wires are formed in a semi-circular pattern. It is designed to keep a child’s thumb and tongue from touching the gums behind their front teeth.

So basically, it’s a physical barrier that prevents the sensation a child receives from sucking their thumb or thrusting their tongue. And believe it or not, it’s comfortable, effective, and well-tolerated by children.

Looking for an Exceptional Pediatric Dentist in South Plainfield, NJ?

If your child has thumb-sucking issues, please Contact Pediatrics on Park today. We will help you correct those issues. Dealing with your child’s thumb-sucking problems now will save you loads of money later.

Tips for Preparing Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

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Visiting a pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can be scary for a child, especially if they’ve never been before. Here are a few tips that will help you ease your child into that all-important first dental visit. How you prepare your child for that first visit will lay the foundation for every future dental visit going forward. All it takes is a little forethought and mental preparation.

Take Your Child to One of Your Dental Visits

Take your child to one of your dental visits so they can see that you’re not afraid. It will also show them exactly what will happen during their visit. And that there’s nothing to be afraid of.

Read Your Child Stories about What Happens at the Dentist

Kids love stories! Reading them a story will help relax them and make it easier for them to understand the dental process.

Take Them to the Dental Office Before Their First Exam

Taking your child to the dentist’s office before their first exam will show them there’s nothing to be afraid of. So, their first visit won’t be a memory of an uncomfortable situation.

Tell Them About the Prizes They Will Get after Their Exam

Telling your child about what prizes they will get after their dental exam gives them something to look forward to (and a reason to want to go).

Never Schedule an Exam Near Their Nap Time

It’s best not to schedule a dental exam near your child’s nap time. Doing so will ensure a cranky, uncooperative child.

Bring Your Child’s Comfort Item to the Exam

The best way to make your child feel comfortable at their first dental exam is to bring their comfort item (blanket, favorite toy, etc.) to the exam.

Role Play the Exam with Your Child

Role-playing will show your child exactly what their first dental exam will be like. You can start by being the dentist and examining your child’s mouth. Then, let them be the dentist and examine your mouth. This works like a charm!

Choose a Pediatric Dentist

It’s extremely important to choose a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists have special training, techniques, and experience dealing with children.

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in South Plainfield, NJ?

Finding just the right pediatric dentist for your child is so important, especially when taking them to the dentist for the first time. If you are looking for a kind, patient, compassionate dentist who knows how to deal with children, please Contact Pediatrics on Park today.