Our Treatments at Children's Dental Center of Monmouth in Red Bank, NJ

EARLY DENTAL CARE

Teething

When it comes to early dental care, the first tooth usually appears between 6 to 12 months of age. During this time, your baby's gums may be sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of 3. To soothe the gums, you can rub them gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth. Teething rings are also effective, but it's best to avoid teething biscuits as they contain sugar that can be harmful to baby teeth.


While your baby is teething, it's important to watch out for signs of baby bottle decay. Check your baby's teeth every two weeks for any dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines, especially on the inside or tongue side. When a bottle containing anything other than water is left in an infant's mouth while sleeping, it can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. However, during sleep, saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child's teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids.


Infant’s New Teeth

The primary, or “baby,” teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth around age 6.


Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place, infants with missing primary teeth or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer, the teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent teeth to come in crooked. Missing teeth should always be mentioned to your family dentist. The way your child cares for his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems—hence, the need for regular care and dental checkups.


A Child's First Dental Visit

Child's first dental visit should be scheduled around their first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with the doctor and their staff. A pleasant and comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow the child to sit in a parent's lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they may feel.


Good teeth are important for a child's nutrition, pronunciation and speech habits, and self-image. They also guide the eruption of permanent teeth. A healthy, well-balanced diet is necessary for the teeth, bones, and soft tissue of the mouth. Snacks that children eat can cause cavities, so it's essential that they receive healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and cheeses that promote strong teeth.


Infant Tooth Eruption

A child’s teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as 4 months of age, the primary or “baby” teeth push through the gums—the lower central incisors are first, then the upper central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order varies.


Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 21. Adults have 28 secondary (permanent) teeth—32 including the third molars (wisdom teeth).


Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Our office is dedicated to fighting baby bottle tooth decay. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child’s mouth.

NITROUS OXIDE

Most children are calm, comfortable and confident in a pediatric dental office. The office is designed for young people, and pediatric dentists have additional training in caring for infants, children and adolescents. Staff members choose to work in a pediatric dental office because they like children and want to cater to their special needs. These elements combine to make your child feel relaxed and special.

Sometimes, however, a child may feel anxious before or during treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a safe, effective agent used to calm a child’s fear of dental visits and enhance effective communication. Additionally, it works well for children whose gag reflex interferes with successful dental treatment.


How will my child feel when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen?

Your child will smell a faint sweet aroma and experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. Since it may produce a feeling of giddiness or euphoria, it is also called “laughing gas.” It raises the pain threshold and may even make the time appear to pass quickly. If your child is worried about the sounds or sensations of dental treatment, he or she may respond more positively to the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.


How safe is nitrous oxide/oxygen?

Very safe. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is well tolerated. It has a rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations and is non-allergenic, Your child remains fully conscious – keeps all natural reflexes – when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen. He or she will be capable of responding to a question or request.


Are there any special instructions for nitrous oxide/oxygen?

First, do not give your child any food in the few hours preceding the dental visit, as food in the stomach may make your child nauseous. Second, tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child, as it may limit the effectiveness of nitrous oxide/oxygen. Third, tell your pediatric dentist is your child is taking any medication the day of the appointment.


Will nitrous oxide/oxygen work for all children?

We understand that not all children are alike. Every service is tailored to your child as an individual. Nitrous oxide/oxygen may not be effective for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, or discomfort while wearing a nasal mask. We will review your child’s medical history, level of anxiety, and dental treatment needs and inform you if nitrous oxide/oxygen is recommended for your child.

HOSPITAL DENTISTRY

Some children may sometimes require treatment in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.


What is General Anesthesia?

General Anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness that eliminates awareness, movement and discomfort during dental treatment.


Who should receive general anesthesia for dental treatment?

Treatment in a hospital setting under general anesthesia may be recommended for children with dental needs who are extremely uncooperative, fearful, or anxious, or for the very young who do not understand how to cope in a cooperative fashion. General anesthesia can also be helpful for children requiring significant surgical procedures or patients having special health care needs.


Is general anesthesia safe?

Although there is some risk associated with general anesthesia, it can be used safely and effectively when administered by an appropriately trained individual in an appropriately equipped facility. Precautions are taken to protect your child during general anesthesia; personnel who are trained to manage complications will manage your child closely. We will discuss the benefits and risks of general anesthesia and why it may be recommended for your child.


What Special Considerations are associated with the general anesthesia appointment?

A physical evaluation is required prior to general anesthesia for dental care. The physical assessment provides information to assure your child's safety during the general anesthesia procedure. We will advise you of the evaluation appointments that are required.


Patients are instructed to report to the pediatric dentist any illness that occurs prior to the general anesthesia appointment. It may be necessary to reschedule the appointment. It is very important to follow instructions regarding fasting from fluids and foods prior to the appointment.


Your child will be discharged when stable, alert, and ready to depart. Patients often are tired following general anesthesia. You will be instructed to let the child rest at home with minimal activity until the next day. Post-operative dietary recommendations will also be given.


Our dentists treat patients under general anesthesia at Jersey Shore Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center.Our dentists treat patients under general anesthesia at Jersey Shore Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center.

Share by: