Keeping your child’s teeth healthy is important for their overall health and well-being. As a parent, you want to make sure you are doing everything you can to ensure your child’s teeth are healthy and happy. Here are the top 5 things parents need to know about pediatric dentistry.
1. When should my child first see a dentist?
You should start looking for a pediatric dentist in Edison or South Plainfield by your child’s first birthday or within six months after their first tooth erupts. This first visit is important to establish a “dental home” where your child will learn to feel safe and comfortable as they start to build a relationship with Dr. Geoffrey Gonzales while he manages their general and preventive dental care. By sending your child in for routine dental visits at our office in South Plainfield, NJ, we can begin to prevent common dental issues like cavities and tooth decay so your child can keep their smile strong and healthy.
2. How can I help my child brush their teeth properly?
When your child is ready to start brushing their teeth on their own, it is important to show them so they know how to do it correctly. Show them how to wet their toothbrush with water, add toothpaste to the toothbrush, and brush all of their teeth using gentle circular motions for two minutes. You can help them stay on track by using a timer or playing a two-minute song they enjoy.
3. What if my child has a cavity?
If your child has a cavity, Dr. Gonzales will most likely recommend getting a filling. Fillings are made of different materials, such as gold, silver amalgam, or composite resin (which looks like tooth-colored plastic). The size of the cavity and its location will let the dentist know what kind of fillings your child will need.
4. What is fluoride and why do my child’s teeth need it?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel to help protect against cavities. Children need fluoride because their teeth are still developing and are more likely to get cavities than adults.
5. What are sealants and do my child’s teeth need them?
Sealants are thin layers of a protective coating that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). Sealants create a barrier between the tooth enamel and bacteria and food particles, which helps prevent cavities. Dr. Gonzales may recommend sealants if they have deep grooves in their back teeth or if they have had cavities in the past.
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure your child’s teeth are healthy and strong. From basic cleanings and regular checkups to cracked tooth repairs and emergency dental procedures, the Pediatrics on Park team is equipped to handle all general dentistry procedures. We will help notice potential issues with your child’s bite and smile early on and recommend the appropriate steps needed to help improve your child’s oral development and minimize their need for treatment in the future. Our doors are open to families and children from all walks of life. Our primary service areas include; Plainfield, Edison, Metuchen, Piscataway, Fords, Fanwood, and surrounding areas.
At Pediatrics on Park, Dr. Geoffrey Gonzales provides specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a warm, caring, and child-friendly environment in Edison and South Plainfield, NJ. To schedule an appointment with our team, call us at (908) 916-3354.