February 14, 2019 by

4 Reasons to Have Kids’ Cavities Filled and 3 Tips for Prevention

Does the pediatric dentist really need to fill your child’s cavities? There are advantages to being proactive if tooth decay is detected.

Photo of four small children standing behind one another. There is a boy in the front, wearing a blue and green plaid shirt and blue jeans. Three girls are standing behind him.

Does a Pediatric Dentist Really Need to Fill Kids’ Cavities?

Yes. Consider four benefits.

Keeps Teeth Aligned – When cavities are filled, it prevents further tooth decay. Primary teeth guide permanent teeth into the right position. And when a decayed tooth is lost due to lack of treatment, nearby teeth will drift into the empty space and cause misalignment. Orthodontic treatment will be recommended.
Limits Sensitivity – Cavities can create sensitivity in tooth nerves. If your child’s teeth become painful or sensitive, properly chewing food will become difficult. Food that isn’t sufficiently chewed can create digestive issues. Also, if decayed teeth make eating uncomfortable, your child will avoid certain foods and possibly suffer from inadequate nutrition.
Improves Appearance – Cavities can darken teeth and cause them to chip or break. If a decayed tooth is visible when your child smiles, it can be embarrassing, and your child won’t enjoy smiling.
Controls Bad Breath – Tooth decay stinks. The odor from bacteria lingers on the breath. Your child might be teased or shunned by other children.

If your child has cavities and the dentist is recommending treatment for them, give serious consideration to the benefits, as well as the consequences of leaving the cavities untreated.

Ways to Limit Pediatric Dental Visits for Cavities

Below are some ways to limit pediatric dental visits for
having cavities filled.

Practice good oral hygiene at home – Monitor your child to ensure they are brushing their teeth twice daily and flossing between them daily. Brushing and flossing keep bacteria and plaque at a minimum.
Proper nutrition – Sugary foods and drinks increase the amount of acid on teeth and promote decay. Ensure your child drinks plenty of water. Plan ahead by keeping healthy snacks at home, including fruit, veggies, and nuts.
Regular dental checkups – Maintain regular pediatric dental appointments for cleanings and exams. Preventive care detects developing cavities early so they can be treated before a filling is needed.

When your child’s first tooth erupts, schedule an
appointment for a checkup. The dentist will examine the tooth and determine if it is healthy. Early attention to tooth development can identify any concerns and treat them before they worsen.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Dr. Hurley is an accredited cosmetic dentist who enjoys helping children achieve and maintain healthy, attractive smiles.

December 16, 2018 by

7 Ways to Make Dental Hygiene Fun for Kids

“I don’t want to brush my teeth!” Countless parents have heard those words bouncing off the bathroom walls as they try to convince their child to start their nightly routine. Maybe you’ve tried explaining why we need to floss and brush our teeth, depriving your child of his or her favorite snack, or enforcing an earlier bedtime, but you’re seldom successful. How about making it fun? Below are seven things you can try.

Dental Hygiene Can Be Fun

1. Let your child choose the toothbrush

A plain toothbrush just isn’t fun. Toothbrushes for kids feature colorful handles, cartoon characters, or superheroes. Buy a few different toothbrushes that your child likes, and let him or her choose which one to brush with today.

2. Have a contest

Let your children have a contest as to who can brush their teeth the longest. Set a two-minute timer, and watch them go! Remind them to brush thoroughly, not just quickly. If you only have one child, you can be his or her competitor. Dentistry for children is easier if you can make dental hygiene fun at home.

3. Brush to music

Music makes kids happy. Play some music in the bathroom, and let your child brush to it. There’s nothing wrong with stopping in between brushing to let your child dance a little. Use music to get him or her in the brushing mood.

4. Let a pal watch

Bring Dora, Mickey, Pooh, Sulley—or your child’s favorite pal—into the bathroom for brushing time. Your child can ask the pal to watch as teeth are brushed. You can be the voice behind the pal, cheering your child on! Another suggestion is to keep a dry toothbrush handy so your child can brush the pal’s teeth, too.

5. Reward your child

Rewards can be simple and inexpensive. Extra hugs and kisses, or one more bedtime story may be all that’s needed to encourage your child to brush. Stickers or stars on a mirror or a corkboard in your child’s room work well, too. You can use this same idea after your child’s pediatric dentistry appointments.

6. Find fun apps

Download a few apps onto your mobile device that encourage children to brush their teeth. Most of the apps feature music and timers. If you use the same app repeatedly, your child might get bored, so mix it up.

7. Join in the fun

Don’t just watch your child have fun while brushing his or her teeth. Get involved. Hum, dance, sing, and brush your own teeth along with your child. Ask your child for suggestions for tomorrow’s teeth-brushing event.

Dentistry for Children Takes Time and Patience

Be patient. You and your child will get through this difficult stage. Be certain to check your child’s teeth to ensure they have been thoroughly cleaned. By the age of 7 or 8, most children have the dexterity to floss and brush their own teeth, and they usually want to do it.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. She loves making visits fun for kids.

October 14, 2018 by

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 hope you can provide me with some information before I take my daughter to her pediatric dentist. She is 11 years old and fell off her bike and chipped her front tooth almost in half. It’s her permanent tooth so I’m wondering if a porcelain veneer or a crown would be best. I want it to look natural so she doesn’t get teased in school. My sister is a dental hygienist and she said that because my daughter is so young, her pediatric dentist isn’t going to recommend either a veneer or a crown that is made of porcelain. Is this true? Thanks. Sivan

Sivan – Your daughter’s pediatric dentist will first test the tooth and check for damage to the nerve in it. Depending on the health of the tooth, there are different ways to treat it.

Crowns or Veneers for Children?

Porcelain crowns and veneers are a challenge to stay in place as a child’s teeth and jawbone are still developing. The restoration would need to be periodically replaced as your daughter grows and develops. A single porcelain veneer can be costly. A dental crown is also an investment that you should weigh carefully. Porcelain restorations are more expensive than other options.

Dental Bonding Repairs Chips in Teeth

Most pediatric dentists suggest replacing the broken portion of a tooth with dental bonding. Dental bonding is a mixture of quartz or silica with dental resin. It is applied to the tooth in the dentist’s office using the following steps:

The affected tooth will be roughened and etched.
Dental bonding will be selected and blended to match your daughter’s tooth shade.
The bonding will be applied, shaped, hardened and polished.

Although some pediatric dentists offer the service, a skilled cosmetic dentist has the tools and composite materials needed to ensure the bonding matches your daughter’s teeth. Usually, it only takes one appointment to restore the appearance of the tooth.

Although it can be costly to replace porcelain veneers or crowns as children develop, dental bonding can be touched up and polished or replaced if necessary.

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who enjoys having children as patients.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley

September 17, 2018 by

Head-and-shoulders of a young brunette girl, approximately 6 yrs old, smiling. She has a lavender headband on her hair, and she is wearing a lavender shirt; for information on Chatham NJ pediatric dentistry. Finding the best pediatric dentist to meet your child’s oral health care needs isn’t easy. But it can be done. With a little homework, time, and patience, you can find an understanding, talented dentist to keep your child’s teeth healthy and attractive. We’ll discuss six ways to do it.

1. Know Your Child’s Needs

Know your child’s needs and make a list of them. Is he or she comfortable in a dental chair or anxious and nervous? If anxiety is an issue, the best pediatric dentist is one who is gentle and understanding. It may be helpful to find a dentist who offers some form of mild sedation to help your child relax during appointments.

Also, consider the condition of your child’s teeth. Are they healthy and aligned, or will orthodontic treatment be needed in the future? Does your child have TMJ issues, or any problems with swollen, irritated, or bleeding gums? A more experienced dentist will be alert to those issues and refer your child to a specialist as needed.

2. Ask for Referrals

Ask friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers if they know a good dentist for children. If you receive a referral, ask the person making the recommendation how long their children have been patients of this particular dentist. Ask the family (including the kids) what they do or don’t like about the dentist. Ask questions about the dental hygienists and how well they clean teeth. A person may love his or her dentist, but not be so pleased with the hygienist, or vice versa. The best dentist for someone else might not be the right dentist for your child. Consider what is important to you, including the dentist’s fees for services.

3. Consider a Family Dentist

Family dentists treat both children and adults. Usually, a specialist isn’t needed to care for a child’s basic dental needs. So consider finding a family dentist who is willing to provide services for your entire family. Many families find it more convenient to choose a family dentist because they only have to visit one location for everyone’s dental needs.

4. Look for the Dentist’s Credentials

Look for pediatric or family dentists who show a real interest in dentistry and in children. Does the dentist’s website indicate how frequently he or she participates in continuing education? Does the dentist only meet the minimum requirement or more? Is the dentist a member of certain dental organizations?

The best dentists for children are serious about continuing education, and their education, training, and credentials show it. A dentist’s credentials provide you with information on his or her skill, experience, and interest in healthy smiles.

5. Look for the Dentist’s Reviews

Dentists often have reviews or testimonials on their websites. Also look for Google+, Yelp, or other reviews. Reviews are not always positive. Pay attention to each review and whether or not parents give details about what they like or dislike about a dentist’s services. Do the reviews really indicate that this might be one of the best dentists for children in your area?

6. Schedule Consultations

Once you identify a few dentists that might be right for you, it’s not necessary for your child to become a patient right away. Schedule a consultation with each dentist and take your child with you. It will be brief, but it will give you a chance to see the office, get a feel for the environment and the staff, and briefly chat with the dentist. A consultation can reveal how your child will be treated as a patient, and whether or not this is the best dentist for your child’s needs.

Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Until You Find the Right Dentist for Your Child

Your child’s oral health and smile are important. If you’ve done everything you can to find the best pediatric or family dentist only to find out that it’s not the right fit, don’t be afraid to switch. Save your list of possibilities for a dentist and move on to the next one. Your child’s dental records can be transferred to another dentist. If you decide to switch, ensure that it’s to a dentist with whom you have some familiarity through a consultation or a recommendation that gives you great confidence.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ family dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. For nine consecutive times, NJ Monthly magazine has named Dr. Hurley as top NJ dentist.

July 21, 2018 by

It’s been 4 months since my 13 yr old daughter received white fillings from her pediatric dentist and they still hurt when she chews. I told the dentist about it and at first, she said that it would take time for the fillings to bond to my daughter’s teeth and she might have some discomfort. Now she says she can drill them out but there is a risk her teeth might crack. When the dentist was hesitant about using white fillings, I should have taken that as a clue that maybe she didn’t know what she was doing. Am I the only one who thinks this whole situation sounds strange? Jodie

Jodie,

If your daughter’s pediatric dentist usually places amalgam fillings, she probably lacks the skill to ensure the composite fillings are correctly placed and bonded.

You would do well to find a cosmetic dentist who is experienced in the placement of composite fillings to examine your daughter’s teeth. Placing composite fillings requires more skill than placing amalgam fillings. There are cosmetic dentists who enjoy treating children.

If the teeth that have the composite fillings hurt when your daughter chews, it is very likely that the fillings were incorrectly placed. An experienced cosmetic dentist can remove the fillings and replace them with fillings that are properly bonded.

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

May 31, 2018 by

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.

May 11, 2018 by

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.

March 6, 2018 by

Do I need to take my son to the pediatric dentist? My 10 yr old has a tooth that hurts when we touch it. It’s one of his bottom right teeth. It’s not really sensitive to heat or cold, just when we touch it. He first felt a little pain when he was brushing his teeth and I felt around each tooth to see which one was hurting. What could make his tooth hurt to the touch? Is this a part of growth and development or is it a reason to take him to the pediatric dentist? Thanks. Julia

Julia – There are several possible causes of your son’s tooth pain. And in each case, it needs the attention of a pediatric dentist.

Receding gums – When the gums around a tooth recede, the tooth roots can be exposed. This will make the nerves of the tooth more sensitive. Aggressively brushing your teeth can cause the gums to recede. Gum disease can also be the cause. If left untreated, the recession will worsen and pain and sensitivity will increase.
Infection – The center of the tooth may be inflamed and irritated from an infection. The extent of the pain depends on the severity of the infection. If this is the case, the pain will increase until the infection is treated.
Damage or decay – If a tooth is cracked or if it has a cavity, it will become sensitive. Repair is needed to keep a crack from spreading or to prevent decay from progressing.

The sooner you have your son’s tooth examined and the reason for the pain is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat. And it will prevent the pain from escalating to a dental emergency. Schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist right away.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ dentist award-winning dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley

January 17, 2018 by

After my daughter’s first visit to a pediatric dentist, I think I need a second opinion. At first, my daughter seemed to be getting teeth early. Now she is 3 years old but only has 10 teeth. It seemed like the pediatric dentist did a thorough exam, but he also seems clueless. He has only been practicing for 4 years. But I figured I should give him a chance because a young dentist is probably current with the latest technology, techniques, and research. I could tell he felt bad about not knowing what was wrong, but I didn’t get the sense that he was really trying to figure it out. I feel empty about this. Shouldn’t she have more teeth by now? What is happening? Do I need to switch dentists? – Kylie

Kylie – A baby’s first tooth erupts between 4 and 15 months of age. Children Photo of a five young children of different races smiling, for information on pediatric dentistry and late tooth eruption, from Chatham, NJ family dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. who are prematurely born, or who have a low weight at birth can have delayed tooth development and eruption. At 3 years of age, a toddler should have 20 teeth.

The teeth of a 3-year-old toddler should be white with smooth surfaces. Spaces between the teeth are normal. Gum tissue should be smooth, pink, and firm.

A Pediatric Dentist Will Look for Causes of Late Tooth Eruption

There are many possible causes of late tooth eruption. A pediatric dentist should review a child’s family and medical history to determine the cause. Some possible causes include:

Nutritional deficiency
Medical conditions, such as pituitary or thyroid dysfunction, or anemia
Genetics
Premature birth
Low birth weight

Schedule an appointment for your daughter with your family dentist if he or she enjoys providing dental care for children. Or you can find a new pediatric dentist for a second opinion. An experienced family dentist has seen a variety of dental cases in children and knows how to conduct research or consult with colleagues to identify the cause of an issue.

Your daughter’s teeth and gums will be examined, and if necessary, your dentist will work along with your daughter’s pediatrician to determine the reason for her delayed tooth eruption.

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

September 14, 2017 by

Many parents feel it’s not necessary to see a pediatric dentist if an infant only has one tooth or a few teeth. But is that a safe decision? Are there any risks in delaying a dental appointment?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, an infant’s first dental appointment should be scheduled at the eruption of the first tooth. What are the reasons?

Oral Health Risks in Infants

There are oral-health risk factors even for infants that a dentist will look for. Consider a few of them.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC)

ECC is a risk for infants. It affects infants who frequently drink sugary liquids, including breast milk, formula, milk, fruit juice, and other sugary liquids. ECC can also result when children fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth.

ECC can affect infants as young as six months old. It can spread quickly and be painful. An examination by a pediatric dentist is required to determine if your child is at risk.

Mutans Streptococci

Another risk factor is cariogenic bacteria (Mutans Streptococci). Although it’s unclear how the cavity-producing bacteria are transmitted to an infant, some possible causes include:

Intimate contact/saliva exchange
Sharing utensils or food with the infant
Poor oral hygiene and/or untreated cavities in the primary caregiver

Poor Habits

Poor habits can involve dietary and feeding habits, and finger, thumb, and pacifier sucking. A pediatric dentist will provide education about the effects of different habits, including:

Feeding while the infant is asleep – Salivary flow decreases during sleep. If a child is feeding on liquid—other than water—during sleep, it increases the risk of tooth decay. Also, drinking any liquid during sleep can cause choking.

Frequently drinking sugary liquids – Sugar promotes tooth decay.

Thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking – These are natural habits for young children, and they can be soothing. But aggressive sucking can cause problems with primary teeth.

Need for an Oral Examination

An oral examination from a pediatric dentist will detect signs of tooth decay. Although the first tooth should be wiped clean with a cloth, if it’s not cleaned properly, lingering bacteria can lead to tooth decay. Early detection of problems with first teeth, gums or other oral tissue, or the jaws can help your child’s dentist take preventive measures.

Your child’s oral cavities will also be examined for proper growth and development. Primary teeth need to erupt in the correct position so they can properly guide permanent teeth.

Although your infant might have only one tooth, after the first pediatric dental appointment, you will have a deeper understanding of the value of preventive dental care. Starting early also teaches your child the value of maintaining good oral health.

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