Ask the Doctor

faq e

We've provided answers to a number of commonly asked dental questions. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please call us at (732) 815-1977. We look forward to resolving all of your dental concerns.



HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD VISIT THE DENTIST?



Our practice recommends patients should return every six months for their routine check-up to ensure good oral health. However, in specific cases, for example children in orthodontics or having specific oral hygiene needs more frequent recall visit may be indicated. Routine preventive visits will assist your child with a lifetime of healthy “teeth and gums”.



WHY ARE DENTAL APPOINTMENTS DURING SCHOOL TIME?


The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes dental care as medically necessary and that poor oral health can negatively affect a child’s ability to learn. This policy is intended to assist public health and school education administrators in developing enlightened polices on school absences for dental appointment. It also is intended to assist parents in making informed decisions. *
(* Pediatric Dentistry Reference Manual – V34 NO.6 12/13 )
Our office provides an Absentee Letter for your child’s school to validate your child’s Dental health appointment.




INFANT DENTAL CARE?



The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines on infant oral health care
Advises a child establish their dental home by their first birthday. The infant oral
health care visit should be seen as the foundation on which a lifetime of preventive
education and dental care can be built to help assure optimal oral health into
childhood. *
(*McDonald, Avery, Dean. “Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent”, eighth ed., 2004)

WHEN DOES THE CHILD’S FIRST TOOTH ERUPT?



About 6 months, the two lower front teeth (central incisors) begin eruption, the
remainder of the 20 primary teeth erupt during the next 24- 36 months. THESE
ARE MERELY GUIDELINES! Keep in mind that every child is genetically unique in
their eruption development.

It should be remembered that the time of eruption of both primary and permanent
teeth varies greatly. Variation of six months on either side of the usual eruption
date may be considered normal for a given child. *

(*McDonald, Avery, Dean. “Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent”, eighth ed., 2004)



WHY ARE PRIMARY TEETH SO IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN?



Your child’s first teeth play an important role in his/her development. They are
sometimes referred to as “guide teeth”, since they hold a spot for the future adult
teeth. While they are in place, these baby teeth help your child to speak, smile and
chew properly. They hold the space for the permanent teeth, guiding them into the
correct position, while assisting normal development of jaw bones and muscles.

If a child loses a tooth too early due to injury or decay, nearby teeth may be
compromised, resulting in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Neglected dental
caries (decay) in primary teeth can and frequently do lead to problems such as pain,
swelling, and infection (abscess) that affect the child’s overall well-being.











WHAT IS A PREVENTIVE SEALANT AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?



Sealants protect the grooved and pitted chewing surfaces of the teeth, where most cavities occur. Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult to clean these surfaces. Food and bacteria accumulate in these crevices, which makes these areas more vulnerable to decay.
Sealants “SEAL OUT” food and bacterial plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay. The teeth most at risk for this, are the six and twelve year molars. However, in some cases the permanent pre-molars and primary molars will benefit from this service.
The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable. It takes only one visit. Your child will be able to drink and eat after this procedure.
Research shows that sealants can last for many years and prevent “cavities”. The sealants are evaluated in our office at every recall visit and are resealed as needed.



WHY DOES MY CHILD GRIND THEIR TEETH AT NIGHT?



Parents are often concerned about nocturnal grinding of their child’s teeth, also
referred to as Bruxism. Many children stop this habit during the preschool years,
but some continue into the early adolescence. Night Guards are not recommended
for children. This habit usually resolves without treatment.

MY CHILD PLAYS SPORTS, HOW SHOULD I PROTECT THEIR TEETH?


The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the prevalence of
sports-related injuries with children and the need for prevention.
All contact sporting activities have an associated risk of injuries. The Academy for
Sports Dentistry (ASD) recommends the use of a mouth guard during contact
sporting activities to prevent trauma to teeth and jaws. Injuries can be significantly
reduced through faithful use of protective mouth guards. The mouth guard should
stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe
while playing sports. (* Pediatric Dentistry Reference Manual – V34 NO.6 12/13 )

Due to continuous growth changes in young children, mouth guards may need to be
changed for different sizes to make sure they are always fitting properly.
Therefore, prefabricated mouth guards are available at sporting goods stores and
can be cost effective. Keep in mind, any mouth guard works better than NO
mouth guard!

HOW SAFE ARE DENTAL XRAYS?




Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize a child’s exposure
to radiation. We employ the latest, state of the art technologies by using digitally
enhanced x-rays when absolutely necessary. Radiographs (dental x-rays) allow us
to diagnose and treat conditions that cannot be detected during a visual examination.
They are useful to survey cavities not visible to the clinical eye. They are also
helpful in detecting any pathology or congenitally missing teeth.

Our office is completely computerized utilizing the latest dental technologies. We
DO NOT take routine x-rays at every office visit. Each and every child is assessed
to determine their specific needs for x-rays. We also take into account their
medical history which allows for additional exclusions.











WHY MY CHILD HAVE A DOUBLE ROW OF TEETH?



Parents will often observe their child’s permanent teeth growing behind the baby
teeth. If a child’s mouth is overcrowded, permanent teeth may not be in proper
alignment causing them to erupt out of natural position. We recommend that your
child be evaluated and advise for each specific situation. The earlier that “over
retained baby teeth” are evaluated by the pediatric dentist, the better chance that
permanent teeth will erupt in satisfactory position.















HOW IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST DIFFERENT THAN A GENERAL DENTIST?

Just as pediatricians are different from family physicians, so are pediatric dentists
different from general dentists. After four years of dental school, pediatric dentists
complete an additional two to three years of postdoctoral education. The specialized
education emphasizes behavior management, child growth and development, patients
with special needs, emergency oral care, sedation and preventive dentistry.

Children present a very unique set of physical and emotional traits when compared
to adults. They are constantly growing and changing. They have different needs that
require creative communication skills and unique behavioral management. A pediatric
dentist is specially trained to manage these differences.











WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST?



Board Certification and Diplomate

“A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is a pediatric dentist whose credentials have been verified, who has successfully completed voluntary examinations, and who demonstrates specialized knowledge and skill. A Diplomate is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care through a voluntary commitment to lifelong learning.” *
*American Board of Pediatric Dentistry- Website