Tag: Bedminster NJ pediatric dentist

Pediatrician wants to put fluoride varnish on my twins’ teeth

Both of our twins have 8 teeth each. I haven’t taken them to a pediatric dentist yet because I thought I would wait until their 2nd birthday. Last week they had a checkup with our pediatrician. Everything went fine with their physical but then the doctor started looking at their teeth. She asked if they have seen a dentist yet, and I explained why not. So the doctor explained that since their teeth have erupted, I need to schedule an appointment for her to put fluoride varnish on the twins’ teeth. How do I know if this is a necessary thing or just an add-on from the doctor? Also, shouldn’t a pediatric dentist be doing this? Thanks. Vanessa

Vanessa – Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is brushed on the biting surfaces and sides of teeth. The fluoride penetrates tooth enamel and hardens the tooth. It’s used to help prevent or slow down tooth decay. But it may not completely prevent decay.

The process is simple:

  • Gauze is used to clean and dry each tooth.
  • Varnish is painted on the top and sides of each tooth. This only takes a few minutes.
  • The varnish will quickly harden.
  • You may be instructed not to brush or floss your child’s teeth until the next morning.
  • The varnish will brush off.

Pediatricians are trained to apply fluoride varnish to children’s teeth. The varnish is safe and is used by dentists and doctors all over the world.

If you are wondering if the varnish should be used on your children’s teeth, speak with your family dentist. It is possible that your dentist accepts young children as patients. If so, and your dentist recommends fluoride varnish for your children, you may be more comfortable with your dentist applying it.

Although many parents wait until age 2 to take their child to a dentist, teeth can be examined when they erupt. This method ensures proper dental care and early detection of dental issues before they progress.

 

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

Permanent tooth is coming in behind baby tooth. Can we yank out the baby tooth?

My daughter’s permanent tooth is coming in behind her baby tooth. It’s a lower front tooth. I tried to wiggle the baby tooth, but it won’t budge. Should we yank harder on the baby tooth? Is she going to end up with 2 teeth? - Journee

Journee - If your daughter’s primary tooth isn’t loose at all, contact her pediatric dentist to schedule an examination. Don’t try to extract the tooth on your own. It can cause bleeding, unnecessary pain, and may damage adjacent teeth.

After the examination, the dentist will let you know if the primary tooth will eventually be pushed out by the permanent one, or if it needs to be extracted.

How Common Is It to Have Two Rows of Teeth?

It is not uncommon for a permanent tooth to erupt before the primary tooth comes out. It usually happens with upper or lower front teeth. This condition occurs in about 30% of children and is often referred to as “shark teeth,” because sharks have two rows of teeth.

When the primary tooth is removed, or when it falls out, natural tongue pressure should move it to the correct position. If your child’s teeth are overcrowded, and the tooth does not move to the correct position, it may be best to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Although many parents may wait for the teenage years before visiting an orthodontist, treatment at an early age can intercept future problems and help reduce treatment time.

While waiting for the developments of a tooth in a second row, be certain to care for it with daily flossing and brushing. The developing tooth should not be neglected, because it can decay.

Remember to consult with your daughter’s dentist and not try to resolve the issue on your own.

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

Kids’ dentist doesn’t wear gloves

Have you ever seen or heard of a dentist who doesn’t wear gloves when putting their hands in your mouth? My kids’ dentist doesn’t wear gloves for the exam. I don’t want his bare hands in their mouth. I have asked him twice to let me see him wash his hands when he comes in the office and to wear gloves but both times he acted like he didn’t hear me. Should I bring gloves for him to wear during my kids’ appointment? Thanks Theta

Theta – We suggest that you schedule an appointment to discuss your concern with the dentist—a time that is separate from your children’s appointments.

If you don’t receive a favorable response, you may have to consider finding another dentist for your children. Sanitary conditions are important to oral health—particularly in a dental office. Germs that the dentist and staff are not aware of can easily be transferred with oral contact. So your concern about the dentist not wearing gloves is quite valid.

If you decide to find another dentist, have a few consultations first. Take your children with you to the consultations to ensure they are comfortable with the office and staff, and ask specific questions about the sanitation standards in the office, as well as how exams are conducted.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Is it too late to switch pediatric dentists?

My 11 year old daughter chronically gets cavities. We just can’t figure out why. We have always limited her sugar intake but it seems that with every appointment she has a new cavity. Our pediatric dentist insists it is diet related. She isn’t even trying to find a reason for the recurring cavities. I am really disappointed. Also I am beginning to wonder if my daughter has had as many cavities as we have been told. We schedule an appointment for the end of the month to have the cavities filled. I am rethinking this whole thing, though. Is it too late to switch pediatric dentists even though we schedule the appointment? Thanks Kendyl

Kendyl – It isn’t too late at all to switch pediatric dentists. Before you switch though, consider getting a second opinion from a pediatric dentist or a family dentist who accepts children as patients.

If you are certain that your daughter’s cavities aren’t related to her diet, it should be one of the first things you communicate to the dentist from whom you are getting a second opinion. The cause of the cavities can be genetic, or system. The new dentist and your daughter’s pediatrician may need to work together to identify the cause of the recurring cavities.

Don’t be afraid to discuss your concerns with your daughter’s dentist. Be candid in letting the dentist know your concern for your daughter’s oral health and the need to try to get some satisfying answers, in addition to the appropriate treatment.

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

Will our twins get cavities if I don’t breastfeed them?

I had twins 2 months ago. I am tired of breastfeeding twins. It takes up too much time. I at least need to give them a bottle three times a day so I can take a break while someone else feeds them. But I may decide not to breastfeed at all. Today a family member told me that I stop breastfeeding the twins, they will get cavities when their teeth come in. Is this true? Thanks Hanah

Hanah – Breastfeeding contains some chemicals known to protect teeth. It also boots your children’s immune system. But it is regular oral hygiene that helps prevent tooth decay. Even breast milk can promote decay in children who regularly fall asleep with breast milk in their mouth.

As soon as a tooth erupts, it should be gently wiped with a soft, clean cloth. When multiple teeth erupt, a toothbrush can be used. Molar teeth and teeth that appear next to each other should be flossed. Even before teeth erupt, your children’s gums should be kept clean with a soft, damp cloth.

If a bottle contains anything other than water, if left in the mouth for a prolonged period, it can promote tooth decay. Sugary drinks promote tooth decay and should not be given to babies, toddler, and growing children. Sugary drinks should even be avoided, or at least limited, for children who have permanent teeth.

Be certain that your children have sufficient calcium intake for healthy bones and teeth. Speak with your family dentist for tips on keeping your children’s teeth healthy.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Should a get a second opinion from a pediatric dentist?

My son’s permanent bottom teeth are growing in with chips in them. His dentist says this is normal, but I am concerned that he is going to have problems with the teeth in his teen years. Should I get a second opinion from another pediatric dentist? - Marcie

Marcie - We would need to examine your son’s teeth to determine if there is a problem. But what you describe sounds like normal tooth development. Ridges or bumps on the incisal, or biting, edges of teeth are referred to as mamelons. They are the result of three groups of cells that unite to form the incisal edge of a tooth.

The size and depth of mamelons vary by the individual. It is common to see them as teeth erupt. Some parents are concerned when they see teeth erupt with uneven edges, but as children grow into adulthood, the ridges slowly wear off. In some cases, the mamelons wear off unevenly, but a cosmetic dentist can contour the teeth to make them even.

You can ask your son’s dentist for more information. And if you want reassurance that the teeth are erupting normally, you can always seek a second opinion.

This post is sponsored by NJ top dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Our kids’ dentist won’t give them white fillings

A job transfer moved us from Long Island to Jersey 2 years ago. I finally found a pediatric dentist that I thought I liked until 2 of our kids got cavities. The dentist wants to use silver fillings and I don’t want my kids to have them. I could swear that I asked about this before we chose her as our dentist, but she doesn’t remember the conversation. The dentist doesn’t use white fillings at all. She says it’s a waste on children because they probably won’t be still for her to get it right. I am really against this because of the mercury in the silver fillings. Any suggestions on what I can do now to convince her? – Sydnee

Sydnee – If your children’s dentist doesn’t use white composite fillings at all, you probably won’t be able to convince her to do so for your children. Even on adults, correctly placing composite fillings requires skill and experience.

In order to correctly place a white filling, the tooth must be kept dry. The composite has to be properly applied and hardened so that it will remain bonded to the tooth. Since your pediatric dentist doesn’t use white fillings, this is experience that she lacks, so you may not get white fillings that last for your children’s teeth.

If you are insisting on composite fillings for your children, you can ask your own dentist if he or she accepts children as patients. If not, you can find a pediatric dentist who uses composite fillings, or a family dentist who places them for children.

This post is sponsored by top NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley

Can’t find a pediatric dentist to do veneers before pageant

My 7 yr old is in her 3rd year of pageant competition. Late last month she was bike riding, fell off, and chipped 2 teeth. I am trying my best to find a pediatric dentist to give her veneers, but I can’t. She has another pageant coming up next month. How can I find a kids’ dentist do her veneers? Tasha

Tasha – It is unlikely that you will find a pediatric dentist to give your child two porcelain veneers. You can speak with a cosmetic dentist to find out what he or she recommends for restoring your daughter’s teeth.

It may be easier to have dental bonding applied to the chipped teeth. Composite bonding can be made to match the color and translucency of natural teeth. Teeth are lightly etched; bonding is applied and hardened; and then bonding is smoothed and polished for natural-looking results.

You can contact a few experienced cosmetic dentists in your area and explain your situation to find one who accepts children as patients and may be willing to treat your daughter.

This post is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Pediatric dentist wanted to fill son’s cavities, but new dentist doesn’t

Our family had to move in the middle of the school year because of my job transfer. My husband and I were trying to avoid it, but delaying it may have cost me my job. Our 4 yr old son was in the middle of dental treatment too. We chose a family dentist that we thought we liked and had our records transferred here. Our previous pediatric dentist said that our 4 yr old has three cavities that need to be filled. We questioned filling the cavities, but the explanation was reasonable. Now the new dentist says that he won’t bother filling the cavities, I don’t understand. - Emilee

 

Emilee - Many dentists—pediatric dentists and general dentists—will decide to fill cavities on primary teeth. If the decay in a tooth progresses, the tooth may need to be extracted. And the bacteria from it can affect other teeth.

If primary front teeth need to be filled, those teeth would normally remain another two or three years. If molar teeth are the issue, they might remain another five or six year. The goal in filling the cavities is to stop the progression of decay and preserve the teeth because they can help guide permanent teeth to the correct position.

You may choose to get a second opinion on your son’s teeth, or you can ask your new family dentist to fill the cavities anyway, even if he doesn’t think it’s necessary.

This post is sponsored by top Bedminster NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Why would my child’s dentist say 2 primary teeth need to be filled?

I have 3 kids. The pediatric dentist says that my 5 yr old has 2 cavities that need to be filled. The 5 yr old is my youngest. Neither of the older children ever needed to have a cavity filled in a primary tooth that will eventually fall out. Is this really necessary? Thank you. - Wendy

Wendy - Untreated decay in a tooth can progress into an infection. If the infection is left untreated, it can lead to a pulpotomy for children, which is similar to an adult root canal treatment.

Removing the decay from the tooth and preserving it not only protects the tooth from infection. It preserves the tooth as a placeholder and helps permanent tooth erupt in the correct position.

Your child’s dentist is considering the long-term benefits of filling the cavities.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.