Children's Dental Health NJ

The Best Ways to Avoid Cavities in Young Children

 

Cavities, specifically early childhood cavities, are decayed tooth surfaces occurring in children 6 and under. Cavities are very common (one of the most common health issues), but also very easy to prevent. Eating the wrong foods, consumption of sugary substances, and improper cleaning can all lead to tooth decay.

 

Symptoms:
– Major tooth sensitivity
– Pains when eating or drinking (mainly sugar, hot, or cold substances)
– Pains when chewing
– Intense toothache (with little or no cause)
– Staining on tooth surfaces
– Observable or sensible holes in teeth

 

 

Do you want to prevent your children from getting cavities?
1. Create an efficient oral routine– Whether your child has teeth or not, it’s important to instill a routine in their heads to maintain a healthy mouth. For babies with no teeth, you can still clean their gums with a damp cloth to get rid of any trapped food.

2. Brush & Floss as a family– Create a family-fun routine to incorporate and instill healthy oral habits. This creates a healthy habit and also allows you to make sure they are doing it properly.

 

3. Establish a healthy diet– Snacking frequently creates more bacteria in the mouth, producing acids and wearing down the teeth. Try to avoid heavy consumption of acidic beverages and foods, or brush your teeth to clean away the bacteria.

4. Avoid sugary food and drinks– Sugary substances tend to stay in your mouth longer, so avoid putting sugary drinks in baby bottles or sippy cups. Diluting milk and juice with water is another helpful and healthy trick.

5. Don’t give your child a bottle before bed– This is one of the most unhealthy decisions you can make for your children’s’ teeth. The sugar in regular milk, formula, and breastmilk can heavily lead to tooth decay and extreme discomfort and pain. Try giving your child a bottle of water before bed if a bottle is a must-have before bedtime.

6. Find a good dental office- Like Englewood Dental!

 

The longer a cavity goes untreated, the worse the damage gets, and the harder it is to treat. Cavities are painful and uncomfortable, but they are unnecessary if you follow these healthy tips!

 

Schedule your child’s checkup today!  Call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect with us online. 


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Englewood Dental is Giving Kids A Smile This February

Did you know that millions of underprivileged children in the U.S. go without receiving dental care every year? The Centers for Disease Control claims that tooth decay is known to be one of the most common chronic childhood conditions, leading to serious health issues into adolescence and late adulthood. Unfortunately, as family income levels decrease, the amount of tooth decay and dental issues increase.

40% of New Jersey citizens said “cost” was the primary reason they did not visit their dentist more frequently. Families with lower income who find it hard to put food on the table, often put dental care at the bottom of their priority list, sometimes even cutting it out completely. The damaging effects of little to no dental care can result in a myriad of non-dental related health issues. The cycle continues as smaller salaries lead to the favoring of cheap food options, which typically contain processed ingredients that worsen oral health. These alarming statistics led to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) creation of Give Kids A Smile, an organization that gives free dental care to underprivileged children.

The Give Kids A Smile program launched by the ADA in 2003 as a way to spread awareness, as well as provide screenings, treatment, and education to children in New Jersey. Since the launch of the program, more than 5.5 million disadvantaged children have been given free oral health services. All of these services are provided by approximately 40,000 volunteer dentists and dental team members.

 

This year, Englewood Dental is hosting our 5th Annual GKAS event on Friday, February 1, from 9 am to 1 pm (Give Kids A Smile Day!). At this event, we will be offering free dental care to children 12 and under who do not have a dental home and cannot afford access to dental care. Our office will be hosting the GKAS event during Children’s Dental Health Month (February) along with additional initiatives to promote pediatric dental health awareness and encourage regular dental checkups and preventive care practices at home.

Participation in these events is a great way for communities and dental practices to ultimately terminate the dental health crisis children and families are facing. Remember the way you monitor your family’s dental health now, will affect them for the rest of their lives. Let us help you February 1st, 2019, by expanding your child’s access to dental care!

 

Schedule your child’s checkup today!  Call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect with us online.


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How to Deal with Kids who Don’t Want to Brush Their Teeth

At some point, most young children are bound to go on a strike against brushing their teeth. This is a very frustrating time for parents, since brushing teeth is so crucial to kids’ health. There can be many causes of kids resisting to brush their teeth, so it is important to identify those specific reasons and get your kids back on track with good dental hygiene.

 

Why Your Children Are Resisting

Sometimes your kids will fight brushing their teeth due to sensory issues.  At this age, new teeth are erupting, which means there is a possibility that their gums are tender and sensitive. If it’s a hypersensitivity issue (low tolerance for certain tastes, sounds, or sensations), using an index finger wrapped in gauze serves as an alternative for a toothbrush, while alleviating these concerns.

It is known that children will strive to be independent, which includes not listening to Mom and Dad’s orders to brush their teeth.  Simply, it may be that your child is resenting brushing their teeth because they are constantly being “forced” to. Instead of forcing them to follow your orders, get into the process of letting them think that they are making this beneficial decision on their own.  You can do this by working as a team, this way, they slowly learn to do it on their own.  While brushing together, ask your child what they want to brush first. “Top row or bottom row? Left side or right side?”  Essentially, you are letting them know that they are in charge of whether their mouths get clean and receive proper oral care.

Sometimes kids want to be just like Mom and Dad, so take advantage of this and model good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing twice daily.  Say the steps of the process out loud, as well as admire your teeth in the mirror afterward, letting them know you are proud of the healthy smile you have achieved.

 

How to Make Brushing Fun

Turn this seemingly “boring” (in kids’ eyes) process into an exciting daily routine!  Approach this activity as if it is just as fun as any children’s game. Associating the task with the same affection towards playtime will result in your child enjoying brush time.  

Helpful Tips:

  • Play their favorite song and have a bathroom dance party!
    • Choose a shorter song, similar to the length of proper brush time (This can include flossing, too!)
  • Make or print out a Brushing/Flossing Sticker Chart and reward them with a sticker to add to the chart every time they execute proper oral care. 

  • Let them pick out a fun toothbrush (one with their favorite superhero, etc.) and toothpaste (try a new flavor– fruit, bubblegum, etc.)
  • Brush as a family, bring it into your routine

Regardless of perfect technique (for now), it is most important to just instill the habit of twice-daily brushing.  Practice makes perfect! So for now, mainly focus on the development of a daily morning and nighttime routine, and ingrain the healthy, super beneficial habit of a lifetime.

Schedule your child’s checkup today!  Call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect with us online.


5th Annual Give Kids A Smile Day!

Friday, February 1st, 2019

9 am – 1 pm

Learn more here!

 

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Best and Worst Foods To Ensure A Healthy Mouth: The Do’s and Don’ts

In order to achieve the healthiest mouth possible for your child, it is crucial that you establish a healthy diet. Their diet will not only affect their general health but their oral health as well. Initiating a balanced diet will help ensure properly developing teeth. Many dentists will recommend specific foods and vitamins for their teeth, however, there are also several foods your child should avoid. In fact, the signs of poor nutritional health will first appear in your mouth!

DO Eat the Healthiest Snacks and Vitamins for Your Teeth
It is known that fiber has significant impacts on your health, but little did you know– it affects your teeth too! Actually, fiber is known to be one of the most impactful nutrients you could put in your mouth. When consuming fibrous fruits and vegetables, they actually scrub your teeth and help with saliva flow. This, in turn, helps to remove mouth bacterias, ultimately lessening your chances of cavities and tooth decay. Be sure to add more fruits and veggies, like apples, carrots, and celery, into your diet– nature’s natural teeth cleaners!

There are several known benefits that come with drinking sufficient amounts of water, and improving your oral health is one of them! Foods like apples, a very water-rich substance, helps with the mouth’s production of saliva. Saliva works to prevent tooth decay through washing away food particles, which cleans the mouth and neutralizes the damaging acids attacking your teeth.

Vitamin C serves as a strong antioxidant, helping with the protection and healing of gums, as well as fighting gum inflammation. Oranges, grapefruit, and kiwi are all rich in citrus, which contains Vitamin C. However, those fruits are very acidic, so be sure to rinse your mouth out with water after enjoying them!

Vitamin A is one of the leading vitamins in ensuring overall oral health. Vitamin A works in magical ways by maintaining a proper saliva flow, which naturally cleans teeth of damaging acids, and prevents dry mouth. It also works to sustain the healthy mucous in the mouth that coats cheeks and gums, making them less susceptible to infection and disease. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin A include carrots, eggs, sweet potatoes, and fish.

Did you know that the hardest part of your body is your teeth? Due to this, it is imperative that one works to maintain their strength. Be sure to include lots of calcium in your diet. Calcium aids in several processes which include building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. Most, if not all, dairy products contain calcium, which will help to lessen oral acidity levels, prevent tooth decay, and maintain proper bone density. The protein, casein, found in cheese is essential for building strong tooth enamel. Dairy is not the only way to fulfill your calcium requirement. There are plenty of juices, soy or almond milk, and many other dairy-free products that all contain calcium, and will help you keep up healthy oral and general health.

Don’t Eat These Healthy Foods That Are Surprisingly Unhealthy For Your Teeth 
Did you know that some foods that are marketed as healthy are actually terrible for teeth and overall oral health? You may be surprised…

Contrary to what one might believe, “healthy” snacks like granola and trail mix contain a hidden and concerning amount of sugars and fats. These snacks can ultimately become detrimental to your health due to the high amount of calories. The excessive amounts of sugar and calories can cause eventual tooth decay and will leave your child hungry, causing them to overeat. Try to pick the brands (or make your own) with a high fiber content and a low amount of sugar.

This may be a no-brainer, but it is so often overlooked– “nutritional” sports/energy drinks. This exceptionally unhealthy beverage contains more sugar than the recommended daily amount for adults– they’re equally comparable to a can of soda! Although these drinks are a common drink to give your child during a sports game, it’s significantly healthier to simply give them an ice cold water (another natural teeth cleaner!)

Smoothies can serve as a wonderfully healthy snack full of nutrients and other beneficial substances– when made or purchased sensibly. Using ingredients like non-fat greek yogurt and natural nut butter can add exceptional proteins, but be careful to limit your high-bearing sugars. Fruits like grapes, mangoes, cherries, and pomegranates are packed with sugar and calories, easily turning this healthy snack into an unhealthy one. Healthy Tip: Use a straw to minimize direct sugar contact with your teeth!

On top of brushing and flossing, the best oral advice would be to make sure to base your child’s diet on foods that won’t cause tooth decay or cavities. Beautiful smiles will come when a healthy diet is included as part of your oral and general health care. If you’re concerned about how your child’s diet may be affecting their teeth, then bring them into our office where we will evaluate their smiles and offer a variety of treatment options that fit their case. We will teach your children (and you) the proper way to take care of their teeth!

Schedule your child’s checkup today!  Call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect with us online.


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Halloween and the Holidays: Tooth Decay Prevention

 

With the neverending candy supply and yummy desserts served at fall and winter parties, Halloween is the commencement for all sweet heavy holidays. With this in mind, knowledge of tooth decay prevention is a big factor in helping to keep your mouth happy and healthy!

 

 


Make it through the Fall/Winter Holiday Season with these Helpful Tips

We should always be cautious and limit the amount of sugary food we consume, but during the season of cavities, it is extra important to be aware of potential tooth decay causes.

  • Always make sure your kids brush & floss regularly– not just during Halloween, but every day!
  • Be aware of your child’s brushing and flossing techniques as it is super important that they are brushing away any potential candy stuck in their teeth.
  • Take notice of the candy your child is consuming.
  • Hard candies stay in the mouth the longest, leaving the most time for potential tooth decay or other damage.
  • Chewy/Gummy candies get stuck in teeth and also end up spending the most time in the mouth.
  • Sugar-free candy is the way to go!
  • Candy goes better with meals (it sounds ridiculous, but trust us on this one)! The saliva your kid’s mouth produces while eating meals helps with the acidity balance by washing away acid-producing bacteria.
  • Be sure that they drink lots of water with the treats they consume. Water helps to rinse the mouth of sugars, lessening the enamel contact.
  • Gum is okay– as long as it is sugarfree. Just like water, this too increases your mouth’s production of saliva.
  • End your Halloween season with a fun & friendly trip to the dentist!

It is always important to take measures that will effectively reduce your child’s risk of cavities and tooth decay. Candy should not be totally shunned, but it should also never serve as your kid’s go-to snack. Make sure to follow these tips for a teeth-friendly Halloween and fall!

 

Why wait? Schedule your child’s post-treat checkup today!  Call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect with us online.

 

 


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Teething Children: What are the best ways to soothe sore gums?

Babies often begin teething by about 6 months of age. The first teeth that generally appear are the two bottom front teeth—lower central incisors—followed by the two top front teeth—upper central incisors.

 

 

So, what does typical teething look like? The most common signs and symptoms of teething are:

1. Drooling
2. Chewing on objects
3. Irritability or crankiness
4. Sore or tender gums
5. Sleeplessness
6. Decreased appetite

 

 

What are the best ways to soothe sore gums?

  • Rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or moistened gauze pad. The pressure can help to increase your baby’s comfort
  • Use a cold washcloth, spoon, or chilled teething ring or refrigerate a pacifier
  • Make milk popsicles if your child is refusing to eat due to teething. Milk popsicles will keep your child fed and hydrated while also soothing the gums
  • Try chilled hard foods, if your child is eating solid foods, such as a chilled cucumber or carrot.
  • Let your baby gnaw on frozen apple chunks—cut a large piece of apple, let it chill in the freezer for an hour or more, and offer it to your baby
  • But keep a close eye on your baby, as pieces might break off and create a choking hazard
  • Serve your baby chilled purees if your baby is not yet eating solid foods
  • Give your child a foot massage—reflexology studies identify connections between certain spots in the foot and other parts of the body. The toe area correlates with the head and teeth, so massaging around the toes may offer relief
  • Dry the drool to prevent skin irritation. Keep a clean cloth handy to dry the skin, and possibly use a water-based cream or moisturizer to prevent irritation
  • Try a nice warm bath to take their mind off their pain by splashing around
  • Try an over-the-counter remedy like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Children’s Motrin) if your baby is especially cranky
  • Avoid homeopathic teething tablets and medications that contain the topical pain reliever benzocaine (Anbesol) or lidocaine as they are harmful to your baby.

 

The Children’s Dental Health at Englewood Dental is Here Every Step of the Way

We know that the first few months of a child’s life are full of excitement and growing! With all of these changes occur, we know that you will have a lot of questions about how to supply the best care for your child. If you are looking for more information about how to care for your baby while they are teething, or if you have any other questions about their developing oral health, give us a call at 201-871-3556 or make an appointment to speak with a pediatric specialist today!

 


Tooth Fairy Day!

Join us for an afternoon of fun and learning!

Saturday, October 13

12pm – 1pm


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Mouthguards Save Smiles!

As we begin signing out of summer camp and into after-school activities and sports, it’s important we take the time to focus on what’s important—our children’s smiles! It’s possible to avoid thousands of dollars in dental repair work by simply wearing a mouth guard. If that isn’t reason enough, did you know athletes who do not wear mouth guards are sixty times more likely to have a dental injury? Yikes.

 

Benefits of Wearing a Mouth Guard:

  • Mouth guards are designed to absorb the impact and act as a barrier between the teeth and soft tissue. This reduces the number of cuts to lips and gums and prevents chipped or broken teeth.
  • Mouth guards can protect against damaging expensive braces or orthodontic work. Suffering a blow to the mouth while wearing braces can not only cause extreme discomfort for your child by cutting and tearing the lips and soft tissue but can actually damage the brackets and wires as well.
  • Mouth guards are just as unique as your child! Not only are there multiple types of mouth guards, but they can also be custom made to ensure proper fit and comfort.

  1. Over the Counter or Stock mouth guards are the least recommended by professionals because of their lack of protection and bulk manner. Because they are created in a “one-size-fits-all” fashion, they are known for causing breathing issues during sports activity for wearers.
  2. Boil and Bite mouth guards are considered semi-custom. They are designed at home by dropping the mouth guard in boiling water and creating a mold yourself. This type is known for losing its shape rather quickly and most children complain of the foul taste it gives.
  3. Custom-fitted is the most recommended by orthodontists and pediatric dentists. Not only do they offer the best form of protection, but they are the most comfortable for your child as well. A mouth guard is only effective if the child wears it!

 

Taking Care of Your Mouth Guard:

  • Most mouth guards come with a protective case to store it when not in use. This can protect it from tearing, losing shape, and attracting bacteria.
  • It is crucial to keep mouth guards sanitized. While it is highly recommended to rinse the mouth guard before and after each use, it’s also suggested to use a toothbrush and toothpaste to ensure proper cleaning.
  • Due to the material mouth guards are made out of, it’s imperative they are not left in hot water or in the hot sun for too long. This can cause the mouth guard to lose its shape, rendering it ineffective.

No matter if the sport your child enjoys is non-contact or contact, it’s recommended they wear a mouth guard. The benefits greatly outweigh the costs of not protecting your child’s mouth.

If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric dentists to custom fit your child for a mouth guard, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online! 


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Tips For Helping Your Child Overcome Dental Anxiety

Going to the dentist for the first time can be a scary idea for a child. However, most children overcome this fear and grow up to be quite the regular dental office visitor, and very responsible when it comes to their oral health.
Still, there are children who remain deathly afraid of dentists for any given reason. Considering the importance of proper oral care, parents must do whatever they can to alleviate any fear they children have of dentists. If they fail to do so, then they are condemning their kids to a lifetime of poor dental care, all because dentists scare them. To help your child overcome dental anxiety, here are some tips that might prove to be useful.

 

Tell your child that proper oral care is extremely important

Your child may be young, but he or she should be able to understand a clear and calm explanation from you about the important role a dentist plays in our lives. Explain to your kid how dentists are good people who only want to make sure that your teeth and gums get the care they need. To drive your point home, tell your child about how bad his or her teeth are going to get if your family dentist doesn’t get to attend to them.

 

Role-playing helps

Playing “dentist” at home with your child should give your kid an idea what to expect during your visits to the dental office. A toothbrush, a mirror, and a chair should be enough props to show your child there’s nothing to fear.

 

A pediatric dentist is best for your child

There are regular dentists, and there are pediatric dentists. While they have similar skills and expertise, pediatric dentists are trained to work with children. They are also better-equipped to deal with kids who are afraid of them. Their offices are also kid-friendly with the bright colors and fun pictures everywhere.

 

 


Learn more ways of helping your child conquer that fear of the dentist by checking out the infographic below.

 

It’s Children’s Dental Health Month!

Children’s Dental Health Month is the perfect time to get a checkup with the Tooth Fairy and a smile to celebrate. Come in on Saturday, April 28, 12:00pm – 1:00pm to meet the Tooth Fairy and get a FREE checkup!

Register Now


About the Author

Dr. Megan Peterson Boyle is a cosmetic dentist with Dental Studio 101 in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is focused on providing anxiety-free dental services, including sedation dentistry. She enjoys spending time outdoors and being around friends and family

 


Bring Your List to Santa!

santa with giftsBring Your List to Santa When He Visits The Children’s Dental Health Center!

Saturday, December 17, 2016

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Each child will receive a Free Dental Checkup and Goody Bag!

Space is Limited, Please reserve your child’s spot early.

Register Your Child Here


Follow These Do’s and Don’ts for a Healthy Smile this Halloween

Keep the Tricks away and Treat your children’s teeth right with these helpful tips for a healthy mouth this Halloween!

 

pumpkin-w-braces

Halloween is right around the corner, but there’s no need to be afraid for you little one’s teeth. Check out our Halloween Do’s and Don’ts for a trick-free holiday.

 

 

 

 

DO choose your children’s candy wisely – Opt for sugar-free candy, lollipops, and gum whenever possible. Not only will the increased saliva production help prevent a dry mouth, but sugar-free gum can help remove any leftover particles of food from between teeth.

applebitew-teeth

DO be sure to drink more water – By drinking less sugary beverages such as soda, juice, and flavored waters, the likelihood of tooth decay is minimized. As an added benefit, drinking more water will help rinse away bacteria causing sugar.

DO make brushing twice a day a priority – Brushing and flossing are your primary defenses against tooth decay, so be sure brush twice a day for 2 minutes, and floss once a day to remove anything brushing missed. Remember, toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months!

 

DON’T chew sticky candy – Avoid sticky or chewy candy whenever possible. They will cling to teeth and get stuck in crevices, which can lead to cavities quickly.

DON’T go for long-lasting candies – The longer your child’s teeth are in contact with sugary candy, the greater the risk for tooth decay. Try to limit candy intake to mealtimes or right after.

DON’T skip a visit to your dentist – Regular dental checkups are important, but especially so during this time of year. A timely visit with your dentist will not only help prevent dental issues but if there is anything going on, your dentist will be able to catch it before it becomes a painful emergency. Be sure your children’s teeth are healthy Before they indulge in treats.

 

Group Of Young Friends Together

At The Children’s Dental Health Center, we’re welcoming our Special Guest, the Doggie Dental Defender to help you get ready for a season of treats! Join us on Saturday, October 22, 2016, between 12pm – 1pm to meet our Doggie Defender. Your child will get a Free dental checkup, have their picture taken and take home a goody bag! For more information and to register online, click here.

Want a sneak peek at our special guest? Click here to visit our Facebook page for a behind-the-scenes look at our Doggie Defender.

 

 

Resources

Best & Worst Halloween Candy – AGD Infobites

10 Tips for a Healthy Halloween – ADA MouthHealthy

Healthy Halloween Headquarters – ADA MouthHealthyKids

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