Pediatric Dentistry

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday to ensure teeth and gums are healthy and developing properly. We provide comprehensive dental care for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. From that first dental appointment to orthodontics, our practice goal is to provide a positive and comfortable experience for your child so that they can look forward to their dental visits.

We offer a variety of services, including:

• Exams and cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Sealants
• Fillings
• Nerve Therapy
• White Crowns
• Silver Crowns
• Bridges
• Extractions
• Orthodontics

Starting Early Is Essential

Pediatric dental care is important because healthy teeth as a child mean healthy teeth as an adult. You might be asking yourself how? Primary, sometimes called baby teeth, guide the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth. The top or crown of the permanent teeth pushes against the roots of the primary teeth, causing them to resorb away, holding the space in which the permanent teeth will eventually erupt. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.

Normally between six and nine months of age, children get the first of their 20 baby teeth. The two lower front teeth are typically the first to appear, followed by the two upper front teeth. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). Teething can be uncomfortable, but rubbing the gums with a cold, damp washcloth can help ease discomfort.

Children keep primary teeth for about the first six years. They help with biting, chewing and speaking. Most children have a combination of primary and permanent teeth until around age 12.

Instill Good Dental Practices at Home

It is important to establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as their first tooth appears! at around the age of two. Use a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Use a rice-grain smear of fluoridated toothpaste until your child is able to properly spit (usually age 3). At this time, use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Most children need help brushing their teeth until they can confidently tie their own shoes. We recommend helping them till around the age of 8.

Schedule Pediatric Dental Treatments

Establishing good dental hygiene and scheduling routing dental treatments routine dental visits in early childhood is important. Early childhood caries (tooth decay) can happen fast — in six months or less. Seeing a pediatric dentist for routine cleanings and exams will help catch potential decay before it starts. As your child grows, we will continue to assess any need they may have for orthodontic intervention.

Utilize Preventative Treatments

Many dental treatments can prevent tooth decay in children or, if necessary, save or repair teeth. 

• Topical fluoride – The application of a higher concentration of fluoride than that found in water and toothpaste can make teeth harder and more resistant to decay.

• Dental sealants – A dental sealant is a plastic coating that is applied to the grooves of the teeth to prevent cavities by sealing the chewing surfaces. This super easy and painless process is easy to apply and provides years of protection.

• Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) – We recommend an appointment every six months for a gentle and thorough cleaning of teeth and gums to help prevent cavities and promote overall oral health.

Repair Damage

Sometimes despite good oral health, teeth and gums are damaged. We provide many treatments to help repair damage and restore oral health.

• Root canal treatment – If teeth are injured or severely decayed, sometimes a root canal nerve therapy is necessary.
• Bonding – If teeth are chipped or broken, they can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials.
• Tooth-colored fillings – If it becomes necessary to fill a cavity, we utilize composite fillings with tooth-colored resin to fill in cavities.
• Tooth extractions – If a tooth has decay, disease, trauma, or hinders normal tooth development, we can remove the tooth.
• Dental emergencies

In the event of damage to a tooth, there are several options to help your child feel relaxed and at ease during the repair. After tooth repair, we will work to improve the appearance, function and health of a child’s smile.

Our Middletown NJ Dental Practice Is Here To Help

We understand that taking your child to the dentist can be a stressful experience. That's why we take the time to get to know your child and make them feel comfortable. We also offer a variety of child-friendly amenities, such as toys, games and television.

We are committed to providing your child with the highest quality dental care. We use the latest technology and techniques to provide your child with a safe and comfortable experience.

If you have any questions about our pediatric dentistry services, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment for your child.

Thank you for choosing our pediatric dentistry practice in Middletown NJ. We look forward to helping your child achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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