Laser Dentistry for Kids: A Gentle and Minimally Invasive Approach

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Going to the dentist can be stressful, especially for kids. As important as sitting in that dental chair is, it can be a sensory overload. Your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, has an answer that can work for kids and adults. Laser dentistry is a gentler and less invasive way to give your child a better experience at the dentist. 

Gentle and Less Painful Procedures

A lot is going on for kids sitting in a dentist’s chair, especially if they need to have a procedure done, like getting a cavity filled. There is the sound of the drill as it whirls and the smell of the antiseptic solutions. It can be overwhelming for even grown-up dental patients.
Laser dentistry uses lasers that emit a focused beam of light that can interact with dental tissue to make the hard procedures easier. Laser dentistry is:

  • Less invasive
  • More precise
  • Stimulates faster healing
  • Produces less bleeding, swelling, and pain
  • Reduces anxiety

It takes advantage of something most kids love—technology. Pediatric laser dentistry offers children and their parents a modern and child-friendly way to manage their dental care. 

Types of Procedures Done With Pediatric Laser Dentistry

The exact procedures will depend on the dentist’s practice. Prepping a tooth with a cavity, for example, with a laser, can be effective and easier. The laser provides a precise tool for cleaning out the infection before the dentist puts in the filling. The precision of the laser means this can be done while saving as much of the natural tooth as possible. 

Lasers are also a good choice for treating soft tissue. They can remove plaque and treat swollen and bleeding gums. There is no need for scraping or cutting the tissue, and the use of the laser also leaves the healthy areas of the gum untouched. 

Make an appointment with the pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, today to learn more about pediatric laser dentistry. 

 

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.

4 Ways Your Child Should Care for Their Braces

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Your child’s braces can straighten their teeth and give them a beautiful smile. Braces need special care to last for the duration of their time on your child’s teeth. Knowing how to care for your child’s braces can prevent them from becoming damaged and needing repair.

The pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can help you by providing you and your child with advice. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Brush After Every Meal

Braces create spaces where food can become trapped in your child’s teeth. Brushing after every meal helps keep bacteria and food debris off your child’s braces and tooth enamel. Have your child carry a toothbrush in their backpack and on trips, so they can brush their teeth after every meal.

2. Floss

Flossing helps keep food debris out of the spaces between your child’s teeth. Flossing is more difficult with braces. Have your child use a floss threader to floss their teeth. The dentist can show your child how to use the floss threader.

3. Avoid Crunchy, Hard Foods

Crunchy, hard food can damage your child’s braces. Make your child aware of the foods that can cause damage to their braces, and ask them to avoid eating those foods for the duration of the time they are wearing braces. Some examples of the types of foods your child should avoid include hard bread, nuts, and hard candy.

4. Contact the Dentist if Something Breaks

If your child’s braces break, contact the dentist as soon as possible. Wires that are out of place can cause injuries to your child.

Do you have more questions about how to take care of braces in South Plainfield, NJ? Call today to speak with one of our dental professionals.

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.

How Can I Tell If My Child Needs Braces? 

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Kids who need braces usually show signs of dental trouble. Knowing the signs and watching for them can help you decide when to get your child evaluated. Your child’s dentist in Plainfield NJ can help you determine when your child needs braces. Below, we’ll discuss the signs that your child needs braces and what to do if your child needs braces.

Signs Your Child Needs Braces

Some of the signs that your child needs braces might be kind of subtle. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Your child has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
  • Your child frequently bites the inside of their mouth (without meaning to)
  • Your child’s teeth are crooked or crowded
  • Your child’s bite is not aligned
  • You can hear a clicking noise when your child chews their food or when they talk

Why Get Braces?

Braces can straighten your child’s teeth and improve their confidence in their smile. Braces can also improve your child’s oral health. Crooked teeth are harder to maintain, and can develop cavities more easily than straight teeth.

What to Do If You Think Your Child Needs Braces

If you think your child needs braces, the best thing you can do is have them evaluated by a dental professional. Only a dentist can say for sure whether your child needs braces.

If you think your child might need braces in Plainfield, NJ, make an appointment with the experts at Pediatrics on Park. At Pediatrics on Park, our experts can recognize the signs that your child needs braces. Call today to get started.

5 Small Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Avoid Cavities

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Kids are especially vulnerable to cavities because of their sugary diets. As a parent, you can help your child avoid cavities. It helps to work with your child’s pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ.

By stocking the right foods at home, taking advice from your child’s dentist, and by helping your child maintain clean teeth, you can help your child avoid cavities.

1. Eat Right At Home and School

Stock sugarless snacks in your house whenever possible. Sugarless snacks include food options like nuts, crackers with cheese, pita with hummus, and boiled eggs. Serve these snacks at home and in your child’s lunch box to help them eat well everywhere they go.

2. Consider Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a protective coating that your child’s dentist can put on your child’s teeth. Dental sealants can keep your child’s teeth away from the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Dentists paint dental sealants on molars. Sealants are long-lasting and effective. Ask the dentist if your child could benefit from dental sealants.

3. Take Your Child to the Dentist

Take your child to the dentist twice per year, or as often as the dentist recommends. Try to make your child’s dental visits at the same time each year. Consistency will help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums.

4. Brush Teeth Right

Brush your child’s teeth every night for two minutes each night. Brush their teeth in the morning, too. If your child is old enough to brush their own teeth (around 7 or 8 years old), supervise their toothbrushing to be sure they’re doing it.

5. Get Your Child An Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes make toothbrushing fun. Electric toothbrushes also help your child maintain cleaner teeth. If you want a recommendation for an electric toothbrush, talk to your child’s pediatric teeth cleaning in South Plainfield, NJ.

 My Child Chipped a Tooth – What Should I Know?

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Kids can be hard on their own bodies! They run fast, fall down, get back up, and do it again. This kind of behavior can cause a range of dental injuries, including chipped teeth. In some cases, a chipped tooth is no big deal. Other times, a chipped tooth can be a problem. Your child’s dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can help you determine whether your child needs intervention with their chipped tooth. Here’s what you should know.

How Can I Tell If My Child Has Chipped a Tooth?

If your child chips a tooth, you may be able to see the injury. Even if you can’t see the chip, your child may experience bleeding, pain, difficulty eating, or swelling at the site of the injury. If your child has any of these symptoms (including an injury you can see), talk to the dentist.

What’s Wrong With a Chipped Tooth?

Although some dental injuries cause no pain or discomfort, if the chip in your child’s tooth is severe enough, your child may experience pain. In addition, a chip that goes deep can weaken your child’s tooth (leading to more breakage later), or may lead to dental infection.

What Should I Do If My Child Has Chipped a Tooth?

If your child has a chipped tooth, they may need emergency dental services in South Plainfield, NJ. If you can find the chip, put it in milk, then contact the dentist. Your child’s dentist can help you decide whether your child needs dental intervention. Even if your child’s chipped tooth is minor and needs no dental care, the dentist can still tell you what symptoms to watch for. Call today.

Pediatric Cosmetic Dentistry

Your Child Has Bad Breath? What to Know

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Just like adults, kids can get bad breath. If your child has bad breath, this could be a sign that they’re not taking very good care of their teeth. It could also be a sign of a dental problem. Your child’s dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can help. Taking your child to the dentist can help you determine what needs to be done to help your child get rid of their bad breath.

What Causes Bad Breath In Kids?

Many kids struggle to take good care of their teeth. It’s common for kids to lack the dexterity and coordination in their hands to brush their teeth properly. Kids younger than about 7 years old who brush their teeth without help from an adult often do a poor job. This can cause bad breath and poor oral hygiene, leading to cavities. Dental cavities can also cause bad breath.

If your child has bad breath, it could be an indication of a cavity, or it could be a sign that your child is not brushing their teeth well.

How Can I Help My Child Fight Bad Breath?

One way that you can help their child fight bad breath is to show them how to brush their teeth. If they’re six years old or younger, they may benefit from you brushing their teeth for them.

Should My Child See the Dentist?

If you’re brushing your child’s teeth well and they still have bad breath, they may need a pediatric teeth cleaning and examination in South Plainfield NJ. Call today to make an appointment.

Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry Explained

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When looking for a pediatric dentist for a special needs child, you should look for one with specialized training and experience. Special needs pediatric dentistry in South Plainfield, NJ, involves different methods and techniques that will help the dentist deal with your child in a way they understand.

Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry Explained

Here are a few things you need to know about special needs pediatric dentistry.

  • The Types of Special Needs Cases a Dentist Treats

A special needs pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can treat all types of special needs patients, including those with autism, down syndrome, speech or cognitive development issues, and other conditions.

  • What a Special Needs Pediatric Exam Includes

A special needs pediatric exam is similar to any other pediatric dental exam. The main difference is how the dentist performs the exam. Many special needs pediatric dentists use the “tell, show, do” method to help your child feel comfortable about the exam.

  • Communicating with a Special Needs Child

Having a dentist who knows how to communicate with your special needs child is extremely important. A dentist with special needs training knows effective communication techniques and how to develop a rapport that will help build a relationship and enable the dentist to do what they need to while helping your child remain calm, comfortable, and cooperative.

  • Dealing with Behavioral Issues and Physical Barriers

Dentists with special needs patients are uniquely trained to deal with various behavior issues. They will use positive reinforcement, distraction techniques, and medication and sedation when and if required. Additionally, a special needs pediatric dentist will also have an office that is designed to accommodate patients with disabilities. They will have support chairs, specialized lighting, mouth props, etc.

Contact a Reputable Special Needs Pediatric Dentist in South Plainfield, NJ

If you are looking for a special needs pediatric dentist, please Contact Pediatrics on Park today. Dr. Gonzales has specialized training and experience treating patients with special needs. Don’t trust your child with just anyone!