Pediatric Dentistry at Aesthetic Dental Center of Bergen County

In many respects, pediatric dentistry is not that much different from dental procedures and practices for adults. Of course, young children are often more apprehensive about visiting the office and receiving dental care. Our staff is trained to help kids become at ease in the unfamiliar environment of a dental office.

As a parent, one way that you can help your child become more comfortable in the dentist chair is to make sure that you are comfortable yourself. Your child will pick up on any nervousness or anxiety that you may even be displaying unconsciously, which can affect them.

Our goal is making your child as comfortable as possible so that dental visits become routine. We want them to make regular dental visits for the rest of their lives to ensure that their teeth and oral health remain sound.

Tooth Decay

Any child can develop tooth decay. The outer shell of the tooth is known as enamel. This is an extremely thin shell, which is particularly soft with baby teeth. So they are more susceptible to developing tooth decay. However, tooth decay is largely preventable when you have the necessary information and take certain steps at home.

Your baby's teeth help them with eating and speaking. These teeth also help to guide their eventual adult teeth into their proper positions. Therefore, it is critical that you take care of baby teeth from the very beginning.

Causes of Child Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in children is caused by the same factors that lead to adult tooth decay. Bacteria is always present in our mouths. Sugar can make its way into our mouth through the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. This feeds the bacteria that is already present there. As bacteria multiplies, it produces acidic byproducts that can damage the enamel of the teeth. This can allow bacteria to penetrate into the soft parts of the tooth, leading to an eventual toothache that could require a root canal when left untreated. But before it gets to that stage, a tooth cavity develops. This is the time that we can intervene before costly and expensive dental work is needed. However, prevention is the ultimate answer to tooth decay.

One thing that often causes pediatric tooth decay is letting a baby fall asleep with a bottle of formula or milk. The sugar in the substances feeds mouth bacteria that eventually causes tooth decay. Since the flow of saliva is minimal during sleep, it cannot prevent damage.

Signs of Pediatric Tooth Decay

The presence of a dull white strip on the surface of the tooth near the gum line

A discolored band on the surface of the tooth, indicating further decay

Early Intervention

It is extremely important that we see your child regularly to detect tooth decay before it progresses. Childhood cavities can be reversed easily using dental treatments that we provide. Unfortunately, pediatric tooth decay is not always evident until it becomes more serious. Be sure to examine your child's teeth frequently. If you notice any abnormalities, schedule an appointment.

Teeth Cleaning

You can remove bacteria causing tooth decay by cleaning or brushing your child's teeth regularly.

Start cleaning their teeth once the first tooth emerges, using a damp cloth or toothbrush.

Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children ranging from 18 months to six years old.

Brush your child's teeth at least twice daily, morning and night before bedtime.

Children will need an adult toothbrush by about eight years of age.

Orthodontia

As children grow older, the straightness of their teeth and bite can become a problem. Kids are now able to undergo orthodontic treatment at an earlier age than in the past. Braces have also undergone change. Those old, clunky metal braces are now a thing of the past. Young children are now able to wear corrective appliances, and metal has been replaced largely by plastic. Since we do not have an orthodontist on site, we refer our patients to local orthodontic practices.

Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

As your kids grow older, they will need regular dental checkups from once every three months to annually, depending upon our individual recommendations. Limit the consumption of sugary foods and beverages, encourage good oral habits like regular brushing and flossing, and maintain your child's regular checkups.

Have you been putting off your child's regular dental checkups? If so, it is extremely important that you resume these critical appointments to prevent tooth decay and the complex and expensive procedures that would otherwise be necessary. Please contact Aesthetic Dental Center of Bergen County to schedule a dental checkup for your child.