Preparing Your Child For Braces

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Starting orthodontic treatment in South Plainfield, NJ is a big step in your child’s life—and a little preparation can go a long way in making the process smoother. Whether your child is excited or unsure, how you talk about braces ahead of time can shape their whole experience.

Set the Right Tone Early

A calm, confident attitude from you helps your child feel more at ease. Explain that braces are a common part of growing up and that many kids go through it. Help them understand the benefits—not just the cosmetic ones, but how braces can make brushing easier and chewing more comfortable in the long run. Remind them that having braces now will enable them to have a better smile for the rest of their life.

Talk About What to Expect

Children tend to handle things better when they know what’s coming. Let them know their mouth may feel sore for a few days after the braces are placed, but that discomfort doesn’t last. Remind them that the team at Pediatrics on Park will explain everything and make sure they’re comfortable along the way.

Help Them Prepare for the First Week

In those first few days, softer foods can make meals easier. Keep options like mashed potatoes, smoothies, pasta, or soup ready at home. Encourage them to take it easy and remind them that it’s okay to rest.

Start Strong with Good Habits

Before braces go on, help your child brush and floss well. If these oral hygiene habits are already in place, adapting to life with braces becomes much easier.

Braces are a big step—but with a little support and preparation, your child can start this journey feeling ready and confident. Contact your child’s pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ today to learn more about preparing your child for braces.

4 Reasons to Consider Dental Sedation For Your Youngster

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A trip to the dentist can feel overwhelming for some kids—especially if they’re young, anxious, or facing a longer procedure. That’s where dental sedation comes in. Safe, carefully monitored sedation options can make dental visits more comfortable for both children and parents. Here’s why it might be a smart choice for your child.

1. Helps Ease Anxiety

It’s completely normal for kids to feel nervous about the dentist. Sedation can help calm those nerves, allowing your child to relax in the chair. For children with dental fears or past negative experiences, sedation dentistry in South Plainfield, NJ can make appointments feel much less stressful.

2. Makes Longer Procedures More Manageable

Some treatments take time, and it can be hard for young children to sit still for extended periods. Sedation allows us to complete needed care while your child rests comfortably—without squirming, worrying, or needing frequent breaks.

3. Reduces Sensitivity and Discomfort

Even when a procedure is gentle, kids with sensitive teeth or strong gag reflexes may find it uncomfortable. Sedation can minimize those sensations and help prevent panic or distress during treatment.

4. Supports a Positive Dental Experience

Our goal is to help children build confidence around dental care. When visits are calm and painless, kids are more likely to develop healthy attitudes toward dentistry that last a lifetime. Dental anxiety is a real thing, and dental sedation goes a long way toward helping your child relax during their visit, which imprints positive memories of visiting the dentist.

If you think sedation might help your child, your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ is here to talk through the options and make sure you feel confident. Safe, effective, and tailored to your child’s needs—it’s just one more way we make dental care easier for families.

Dealing with Toothaches and Dental Pain in Children

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It’s never easy seeing your child in pain. When that pain radiates from their beautiful smile, you can do a few things to help soothe it. A little at-home first-aid and loving care will go a long way to keeping your child comfortable while you make an appointment for emergency dental services in South Plainfield, NJ.

What Is Causing Dental Pain?

The first step is to take a look inside your little one’s mouth to see if you can tell what is causing the pain. Look for:

  • New teeth erupting
  • Injury or trauma to teeth or soft tissue
  • Food stuck between teeth that is irritating the gum
  • Cavities or signs of decay
  • A broken or missing tooth
  • Infection

These common problems and dental emergencies can cause mouth pain in children.

Focus on Pain Relief

While you wait to make an appointment with your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, you can try some simple home remedies to relieve pain. A warm saltwater rinse will ease pain for many dental ailments. Mix about a half-teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Have your child swish it for 30 seconds and then spit it out.

If your child is able to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, that can help, as well. Placing a fresh but used peppermint teabag on the area causing discomfort can provide topical relief.

Contact the Emergency Dentist at Pediatrics on Park

Some dental problems that cause pain need immediate attention. If your child is experiencing severe pain or bleeding, call the emergency dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, right away. Our office can provide information on what to do at home to control bleeding or ease pain before you see the dentist. If it is not a dental emergency, our professional staff will recommend home care and make an appointment with the pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

Recognizing Dental Symptoms That Need Immediate Attention

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Symptoms are the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, but not every dental problem requires immediate attention from an emergency dentist in South Plainfield, NJ. It’s not always easy to tell the difference, especially when it comes to your child. Being able to decipher those symptoms and recognize the true dental emergencies is critical. 

Let Pain Guide You

Severe pain is always something that should grab your attention, especially if you see swelling around the face or inside the mouth. The combination can indicate a potentially severe infection. 

Don’t Ignore Bleeding

Bleeding is another significant warning sign, especially if you are unable to stop it. Most children experience minor bleeding when they floss and sometimes if they brush too hard. 

However, if your child has had trauma to the mouth or undergone a recent dental procedure and there is persistent bleeding, call our office and talk to a pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, to get advice. 

Other Signs That You Need to Call the Pediatric Dentist

Although bleeding and pain are primary indicators, other symptoms can also be warning signs, such as: 

  • Knocked out tooth—First, try to recover the missing tooth and secure it. Next, call the emergency dentist to get immediate attention. It may be possible to reinstall the tooth if it is whole. 
  • Broken tooth—A broken tooth can expose nerves and open the door for bacteria to enter the body. 
  • Abscess in the mouth—If you can see a pocket of pus or a swollen area inside the mouth, you need immediate attention. This might be a sign of a significant infection. 
  • Loose or missing restorations—If your child is missing a crown or filling, you’ll want to address that problem quickly. 

If you’re unsure if your child needs emergency dentistry in South Plainfield, NJ, call our office to speak with a dental professional. 

 

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for My Young Child?

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Sedation dentistry doesn’t always enjoy the best reputation in the public eye. Because movies and TV shows often portray it as over-the-top, you could easily conclude that it’s neither safe nor helpful for your child. Here, we’ll look more at how sedation dentistry in South Plainfield, NJ works, but why some parents rely on it to help them manage every trip to their dentist in South Plainfield, NJ.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a branch of the dental industry that uses medications to help children feel more relaxed during their dental procedures. Whether it’s a standard cleaning or a crown fitting, sedation medications are known to take just enough off the edge so a child can get through the appointment without a crisis.

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry

It should be said that not all parents should choose sedation dentistry. Some kids just need organic support to make it through, which you can do with little more than a pep talk or by choosing a pediatric dentist in South Plainfield with a stellar reputation. However, if you find that it’s an all-out war to take your child to the dentist or if you find that it’s more stressful for them every time they have to get in the car to go, sedation dentistry can be the key to helping your child face their fears.

Sedation Dentistry in South Plainfield

Sedation dentistry has come a very long way since its inception with dentists not able to precisely calibrate the proper dosage for kids based on their size and personal needs. However, not every staff has the same experience working with young kids, so it’s important to find experts with a proven track record. At Pediatrics on Park, we can help you decide if and how to use sedation dentistry to help your kid achieve better oral health!

4 Signs Warning Your Child Needs to See an Orthodontist

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Your child’s teeth should line up so they’re straight up and down, without being crowded by other teeth. Their teeth should also line up when they clench their teeth. If your child’s teeth are misaligned, they need help from an orthodontist in South Plainfield, NJ.

As a parent, you can help your child by identifying when they need an orthodontic evaluation. You may not always be able to tell when your child needs braces, but watching for the warning signs can help you get your child help.

1. Their Teeth Are Crowded

Do your child’s teeth overlap, so some teeth seem like they don’t have enough space? This is called “crowding.” Crowding happens when teeth don’t have enough room on the jaw. Orthodontists can help with this problem through dental extraction and braces or clear aligners.

2. They Struggle With Speech

Some sounds are hard to pronounce when the teeth are not properly positioned. If your child has a persistent speech impediment, this could be a sign that they need braces. Have your child evaluated to find out whether this is the cause of their difficulty.

3. Their Bite Doesn’t Line Up

When your child clamps their teeth together, the front top teeth should come down slightly over the bottom teeth, and the teeth on the sides should line up. If your child’s bite doesn’t look like this, it could be a sign that your child’s bite needs correction.

4. They Find Chewing Painful or Tiring

Kids who need braces sometimes bite the inside of their mouth while they chew, or feel a painful clicking when their jaw comes together. If your child has complained about these problems before, talk to their orthodontist in South Plainfield, NJ.

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.