585 Main St.
Chatham, NJ 07928
Phone: (973) 701-7777
Keeping Our Patients Safe

Keeping Our Patients Safe

Dear Friends:
I am excited to announce that we are being allowed to see patients again. We will be opening on Weds. June 3rd. We have made improvements to keep you and the staff safe. We would like to ease your concerns about coming to the office.

Click here for our  new office safety protocol

© All photographs on this site are of Dr. Allyson K. hurley's patients and represent her work and her photography.

Archives for May 2018

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We don’t have a pediatric dentist yet. Our first child is teething. I know that I am supposed to clean the first few teeth with a soft cloth, but kids grow quickly. I want to know what to do before time passes and I don’t know how to care for his teeth. As he grows and it’s time to start brushing his teeth, what kind of toothpaste should we use? – Lacey

Lacey -It is important to start caring for a child’s teeth right away. Pediatric dental appointments are important for proper growth and development of teeth.

Primary teeth are a placeholder for permanent teeth, so dental checkups ensure they are properly developing.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends gently cleaning teeth with fluoridated toothpaste as soon as the first tooth erupts. Applying fluoride to teeth helps prevent cavities.

It’s important to preserve your child’s primary teeth because they serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. They reserve space for permanent teeth and help guide them in the correct position.

Before Age 3

Clean your child’s teeth twice daily with a cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush for infants. Only use a smear of toothpaste (about the size of a single grain of rice) should be used. This small amount of toothpaste should be used up to age 3.

After Age 3

After age 3, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used. Even when a child is able to brush on his or her own, you should assist to monitor the amount of toothpaste used. Too much fluoride can damage growing teeth.

What about Fluoride Rinses?

Fluoride rinses are not recommended under age 6. In any case, if you think that your child may not be getting enough fluoride, you should consult his or her dentist.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Although Dr. Hurley is not a pediatric dentist, she is a family dentist and has been treating children for many years.

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Photo of three kids, one standing behind another. First is a dark-haired girl, followed by a blonde girl, and a blonde boy; for information on Chatham NJ pediatric dentistry.I am not convinced that my 4 yr old daughter should get fluoride treatments from her pediatric dentist. I don’t even give her fluoride toothpaste yet. She might swallow it, and she is too young for it. The pediatric dentist recommended it because my daughter has an unusual number of cavities. She has 4 cavities. This isn’t due to her diet either. I don’t give any of my kids sugary treats or drinks.  Can I ask for my daughter not to receive the treatments? I don’t want her to swallow it. Thanks. Audrey

Audrey – You can decline any services that you don’t want your daughter to receive. Before you decide to permanently decline the treatment, consider why your pediatric dentist might recommend it:

Reasons Pediatric Dentists Use Fluoride Treatments

  • Pediatric dentists routinely and safely provide fluoride treatments, even to young children, to help prevent early dental cavities.
  • The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry approves of the use of fluoride when the first tooth erupts to prevent and control cavities.
  • The prevention of cavities in primary teeth is important to preserve the teeth so that they can help guide permanent teeth into the right position.

If you have concerns about your daughter swallowing fluoride, in advance of the appointment, it may help to find out how fluoride treatments are administered at the dentist’s office. A varnish or foam may be used that may make it difficult, if not impossible, to swallow

If you are still uncomfortable, at your request, the dentist will certainly refrain from using the fluoride treatments until you agree that your daughter is ready for them.

Your daughter does have an unusual number of cavities. Discuss your daughter’s diet with her pediatric dentist, and ask the dentist to do some investigating on what might be the cause of the cavities. The pediatric dentist and pediatrician or family physician can work together to determine if a medical issue could be promoting cavities. Ensure that you are practicing good oral hygiene with your daughter at home, too. Floss between her teeth daily and brush twice daily.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Allyson Hurley of Chatham, NJ.