It’s a fairly standard habit for many people: wetting a toothbrush before brushing teeth. Some may wet their toothbrush before and after putting the toothpaste on, while others only do the latter. Because these habits often form in childhood, we’ll look at what pediatric dentists have to say about the matter.

Do Toothpaste and Water Mix?

Believe it or not, there’s a lot of discussion about whether or not to wet your toothpaste. Some pediatric dentists in South Plainfield, NJ may say that it ultimately doesn’t matter. Others may caution against falling into this standard habit because it dilutes the toothpaste, which will ultimately dilute its capabilities. Plus, the wetter the toothpaste is, the foamier it will get, and the more likely you’ll end up spitting out the toothpaste before it can do its job.

Tips for Better Brushing

The bottom line is that your child is better off focusing on their everyday brushing habits than about a small amount of water on their toothbrush. If you’re going to instill better habits in them, arguably the very best time to introduce best practices, you should be focusing on brushing for around two minutes and hitting every quadrant with relatively equal pressure and coverage.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in South Plainfield, NJ

Pediatric dentists don’t just understand how kids’ gums and teeth develop, they understand that each child has a different perspective on their dental habits. When you work with a staff who understands children, it’s easier to anticipate the stumbling blocks ahead. If you want to work with a team that can help your child maintain their long-term oral health with routine dental cleanings in South Plainfield (and more!), contact Pediatrics on Park today!

When your child needs orthodontic treatment in South Plainfield, NJ, they may not understand, or be fearful about the process. Here are some gentle ways to help your child to understand more easily.

Read a Book About It

It’s helpful to let a book do the talking. “Smile” is written for middle school ages 8-11, which is a common age where braces are needed. This fiction book is a funny and informative story about a young girl as she experiences life with orthodontics. Try out this Will Eisner award-winning, Scholastic book with your youngster.

Get Questions Answered

Have your child write down all the questions they have about orthodontics on a sheet of paper. Together, research answers online. Or, if possible, bring the list of questions to your child’s pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ to have them answered by your child’s orthodontist.

Affirm Their Attractiveness

Unfortunately, children can get the wrong idea about braces, thinking they are imperfect and need to be fixed. Make sure your child knows they are perfect just as they are. Reinforce that the orthodontics are a health treatment, not a beauty treatment. You don’t want them to think they are “less than” until they get their teeth fixed.

Use a Visual Model

Children learn more easily when they can see examples. Use this dental teeth model that has bendable teeth you can temporarily push out of alignment, show how the jaw works and how teeth can be lost without proper alignment. Your child will quickly see for themselves how teeth can be “awry,” and how it can be fixed with orthodontics.

Contact Pediatrics on Park today to book an appointment to discuss your child’s alignment issues. We’ll do all we can to ensure that their orthodontic experience is a positive one!

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.

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!

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.