Welcome to Dentistry for Children of Howell, your trusted children’s dentist in Howell, NJ, proudly serving families throughout Monmouth and Ocean County, including Manalapan, Wall Township, Farmingdale, Freehold Township, Jackson, and Lakewood.
Our modern dental office at 5315 US Highway 9 was thoughtfully created for kids—bright, welcoming, and comfortable. Supported by experienced pediatric dental specialists and advanced technology, we focus on making every visit calm, positive, and stress-free for children and parents alike.
We understand that a dental visit can feel unfamiliar for children, which is why our Howell pediatric dental team focuses on creating positive, confidence-building experiences at every appointment. Children are welcomed by name, treated with care, and encouraged to feel proud of their healthy smiles.
Our pediatric specialists use kid-friendly technology and explain each step in simple terms, helping families feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout their visit.
Most pediatric dental visits last 30–45 minutes, allowing plenty of time for personalized care without feeling rushed.
At your child’s first visit to our Howell children’s dental office, our team provides a gentle cleaning, digital X-rays if needed, and a complete exam. We’ll review findings together, discuss any recommended care, and offer practical brushing and nutrition tips to support long-term oral health.
Our Dentistry for Children Howell office is located at 5315 US Highway 9 in Howell, NJ. We’re located in the Greenleaf at Howell Shopping Center, next to Texas Roadhouse and near Starbucks and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
You can reach our parking lot by traveling North on Route 9. Parking is free and conveniently located right outside our building.
Comprehensive preventive and restorative dental care for infants, children, and teens. Our Aston pediatric dentists focus on education, comfort, and anxiety-free visits that support lifelong oral health.
Same-day pediatric dental care for toothaches, broken teeth, or urgent oral health concerns. Families in and around Aston rely on our team for timely, expert emergency dental treatment.
Early orthodontic evaluations, braces, and clear aligner options available through trusted partners. Ask our team about the Lifetime Retainer Program, designed to help protect your child’s smile if retainers are lost or damaged.
Dr. Winokur graduated from Georgetown University with a major in Human Science.She is a board-certified pediatric dentist.
Dr. Winokur graduated from Georgetown University with a major in Human Science.She is a board-certified pediatric dentist.
View More – Jenna C. Winokur, DMD
Dr. Philip Lee earned his DMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is excited to care for children with all types of dental needs.
Dr. Philip Lee earned his DMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is excited to care for children with all types of dental needs.
View More – Phillip Lee, DMD
Dr. Bridget Henn is excited to serve orthodontic patients in our Toms River, Howell, and Jackson locations.
Dr. Bridget Henn is excited to serve orthodontic patients in our Toms River, Howell, and Jackson locations.
View More – Bridget HennEvery child goes home with a written evaluation to share with their parent or guardian. If follow-up care is recommended, families can schedule with any pediatric dentist or with one of our 8 New Jersey locations.
Yes. Before any screening, written parental consent is required. Your school or organization can distribute consent forms and collect them in advance.
Please submit your request at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance to give us time to coordinate staff and scheduling.
We regularly visit schools and community programs across Ocean, Monmouth, Bergen, and Hudson Counties. Share your location when you request a visit and we’ll confirm availability.
We tailor presentations and screenings for children Pre-K through 5th grade. Group sizes from 20 to 40 or more are welcome.
No. Both dental presentations and visual dental screenings are completely free of charge for schools, daycares, and community organizations.
Most children feel groggy for a few hours and eat soft foods that day. Soreness is typically mild and managed with children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Most kids are back to normal the next day.
No. Your child must have an empty stomach before general anesthesia. Our team will give you specific instructions on when to stop eating and drinking, usually the night before surgery.
For some children, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or mild oral sedation is enough. For others, the amount of treatment needed, their age, anxiety level, or medical situation makes general anesthesia the safest and most appropriate choice. Your child’s dentist will recommend the least-invasive option that can safely complete the treatment.
Coverage varies by plan. Many plans cover the dental portion of the procedure, and some cover the anesthesia portion when it’s medically necessary. Our team will help you understand your benefits before scheduling.
It depends on how much treatment is needed. Most cases take between 1 and 3 hours of procedure time, plus time before and after for preparation and recovery.
No. Under general anesthesia, your child is fully asleep and will have no memory of the procedure itself.
When performed by board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists in a hospital setting, general anesthesia for dental procedures has an excellent safety record. Every case includes a full pre-procedure health review, continuous monitoring during the procedure, and post-procedure recovery monitoring.
Yes. At our Toms River, Howell, and Jackson locations, the initial orthodontic evaluation for new patients is no cost, with no obligation to start treatment.
Call the office first. For temporary relief, orthodontic wax can cover a poking wire, and a loose bracket can usually wait until the next business day. Instructions for specific orthodontic emergencies are available from our team.
Yes to both. For contact sports, we recommend a mouthguard specifically fitted to work with braces. For musical instruments, there is usually a brief adjustment period, especially for wind or brass instruments, but most kids adapt within a few weeks.
Yes, and more consistently than before. Food can get trapped around brackets, so routine cleanings every 6 months (or more often if recommended) become especially important to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Most kids feel soreness for 24 to 72 hours after braces are placed or adjusted. Rinsing with warm water, eating soft foods, and using children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed can help. If pain persists more than a few days, call the office.
Treatment typically ranges from 6 to 30 months depending on the case. Most standard treatments take 20 to 24 months.
Phase I is early orthodontic treatment, typically between ages 7 and 10, that addresses specific developmental issues (like crossbites or severe crowding) before all permanent teeth have come in. Phase II is comprehensive treatment with full braces once all the permanent teeth are in, usually between ages 11 and 16. Not every child needs Phase I.
Yes, when it’s clinically warranted. Some issues benefit significantly from early intervention during the mixed-dentition years (ages 7 to 10). In other cases, we monitor growth and wait for the permanent teeth to fully come in before starting treatment.
We accept most major dental insurance carriers, including NJ FamilyCare and Medicaid, and we offer cash-pay options. Bring your insurance card if possible, but we will not delay emergency care to verify coverage.
A mild toothache that goes away with over-the-counter pain relievers usually isn’t an emergency, but it should still be evaluated within a few days. A severe toothache, especially with fever, swelling, or pain that wakes your child up at night, is an emergency and should be seen the same day.
Usually no. Re-implanting a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. However, you should still call us so we can evaluate the injury and make sure the permanent tooth wasn’t affected.
Yes. We treat emergencies for any child, whether they’ve been seen at Dentistry for Children before or not. Bring any available dental records, insurance information, and a parent or legal guardian.
During business hours, we hold same-day emergency appointments at every location. After hours, a clinician from our emergency team will return your call as quickly as possible. For true emergencies like knocked-out permanent teeth, come directly to the nearest office or call 911 if the injury is severe.
Yes. Pediatric orthodontics is performed by our specialist team at Toms River, Howell, and Jackson. Free consultations are available to determine whether early intervention is right for your child.
Yes. Our clinicians are trained to provide sensory-friendly, patient-paced care for children with autism, ADHD, and other special healthcare needs. For children who need additional support, we offer sleep dentistry at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
Call our 24/7 Dental Emergency Hotline at 1-855-266-7243. A clinician is available every day of the year, including nights and weekends.
We accept most major dental insurance carriers, including NJ FamilyCare and Medicaid. For families without insurance, we offer cash-pay programs. Call any location for specifics on your plan.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. We use a gentle knee-to-knee exam so babies stay comfortable in a parent’s lap.
Parents should report to the front desk to check-in for their appointment. We ask that only one parent or caregiver accompany the child(ren) to their appointment if possible.
Yes, we operate air purifiers in our clinical areas and hygiene bays.
Following each appointment, the dental chairs are wiped down with a healthcare-grade disinfectant wipe. We also rotate appointments throughout the office whenever possible to allow for necessary disinfecting and cleaning measures.
Our offices are cleaned at least once per week by a professional cleaning company in addition to our standard daily cleaning and sterilization protocols.
Based on recent guidance from the CDC, we are able to treat a patient that previously tested positive for COVID-19 if it has been at least 14 days since the diagnosis AND at least 10 days since the symptoms subsided.
Because the coronavirus is spread through airborne droplets, we have made changes to some of our in-office dental procedures. Some of these changes include air purifiers and isolation systems to be used during aerosol procedures.
Dentistry for Children has always followed stringent infectious disease controls, even before the coronavirus pandemic. Our offices follow the standards and guidelines set forth by our state Boards of Dentistry, the Centers for Disease Control, and the American Dental Association.
All patients and visitors are asked to self-monitor. We have signs posted throughout the offices asking for all patients and visitors to not enter the facility if they are experiencing any signs and/or symptoms or if they have experienced any signs and/or symptoms in the past 48-hours.
At the start of every shift, all employees are screened following current self-monitoring guidelines. Employees that do not pass the screenings are not permitted to enter the facility. Our employees are constantly provided with trainings and resources regarding to COVID and infection control.
Our staff is not subject to a COVID-19 test every day.
Our waiting rooms can be busy places. To limit the number of people in these spaces, and to allow for proper social distancing, we ask that only one parent or caregiver accompany the child(ren) to their appointment.
We have also implemented a buzzer system to allow families to wait in their car after check-in until they are ready to go back. If you’ve arrived at our office by public transportation or another means that doesn’t allow you to wait in a car, please notify the front desk for accommodations.
Our dentists and clinical staff wears a full kit of personal protective equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to:
Our front desk and non-clinical staff also wear a surgical mask while in our offices.
Our offices are taking an abundance of precautions to minimize the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including the coronavirus. This includes enhanced sterilization and cleaning procedures, stringent PPE requirements, adding physical barriers to our front desks and hygiene bays.
According to a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), “Oral health care is a medical necessity and has been found to be safe for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Thumb sucking peaks around age 2 and most children naturally stop by ages 2 to 4. If thumb sucking continues past age 4, or if you see changes to the teeth or bite, talk to your pediatric dentist.
Toothaches can be caused by cavities, a cracked or broken tooth, an abscess or infection, gum irritation from food stuck between teeth, or a new tooth coming in. Any persistent toothache should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist to identify the cause.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are the best protection for kids in contact or high-impact sports like baseball, soccer, basketball, football, and hockey. Ask us about a custom mouthguard at your next visit.
Start flossing as soon as two teeth touch. Parents should floss for their child until about age 6 or 7, when most kids can do it themselves. Supervise until around age 10.
Pick a child-sized brush with soft bristles and a small head. Manual or electric is fine. Pick whichever your child will actually use consistently.
Sit your child on your lap, facing away from you. Cup their chin with one hand, letting their head rest against your body. Brush gently in small circles along the gum line, and clean the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
Every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or your child has been sick.
X-rays help us see what a visual exam can’t: between teeth, below the gum line, and inside developing permanent teeth. They help us catch cavities early, confirm healthy development, and plan any needed treatment. Our digital x-rays use 80 to 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays.
Every 6 months for most children. Some children at higher risk for cavities may benefit from more frequent visits. Your child’s dentist will recommend the right schedule.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits let us establish a comfort level and catch any issues before they develop.
We accept most major dental insurance carriers, including NJ FamilyCare and Medicaid. We also offer cash-pay options for families without insurance. Call your nearest location for specifics on your plan.
An orthodontist is a doctor who specializes in the field of dentistry that aims to diagnose, treat, and prevent dental irregularities. This includes crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and other conditions that affect the look and function of the face and jaw. A children’s orthodontist has completed several years of training in addition to dental school, allowing him or her to successfully correct dental irregularities in adolescents.
An orthodontist’s goal is to allow for a healthy and functional “bite” in addition to a great smile by employing a variety of appliances and treatment. Orthodontists are responsible for placing fixed appliances, like braces, which use gentle pressure to move teeth into proper alignment. When your child visits an orthodontist, he or she will receive a thorough orthodontic examination. Then, the orthodontist will determine which treatment, if any, is required.
While it’s not required, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children by the age of seven visit an orthodontist to assess potential tooth and jaw problems so that corrective action or treatment can take place through early intervention. Many of our patients are referred by their Dentistry for Children dentist or family dentist, while others take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves to best enhance their child’s smile.
By age 7, per the American Association of Orthodontists. At this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for an orthodontist to identify developing issues early.
Yes, some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
There are five essential questions that our orthodontists will cover during the initial examination:
When a baby tooth is lost early, the teeth on either side can tend to tilt or drift into the empty space that is left behind. When this happens, crowding can occur and result in a lack of space in the jaw for your child’s permanent teeth to erupt. In this situation, your child’s dentist or orthodontist may recommend using space maintainers to maintain the space previously occupied by the baby tooth to avoid loss of space.
Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile through the proper alignment of both the teeth and jaw. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:
The orthodontists at Dentistry for Children offer both clear braces and traditional metal braces.
Each child’s treatment plan and the amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment can take anywhere between 6 and 30 months, however, most standard treatments take approximately 20-24 months.
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of orthodontic treatment. We will be happy to provide your child with a school excusal note to return with that day.
With any fixed appliance, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught around the appliances. You should also floss daily to reach the areas where your brush cannot. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your appliances are placed.
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that the toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your child’s dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
By having both pediatric dentists and orthodontists under the same roof at Dentistry for Children, our patients benefit from the continuous collaboration of our dental professionals.
Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when your child first gets their braces, but wearing braces will not stop a child from participating in any school activities. If your child plays a contact sport, it is recommended that he/she wear a mouthguard to protect any braces or appliances. Your Dentistry for Children team can help you with obtaining a specially made mouthguard that best suits their athletic and oral health needs.
Please feel free to contact the office if you are experiencing any discomfort or if you have any questions. Below are a few simple steps that might help if you are unable to contact us or if you need a “quick fix:”
Occasionally, a bracket may come loose. You can remove the loose bracket and save it in an envelope to bring to the office or leave it where it is, if it is not causing any irritation. Call the office as soon as possible in order for us to allow time to replace the bracket.
If a wire is poking your child’s gums or cheek, there are several things you can try until you can get to the office for an appointment. First, try a ball of orthodontic wax on the wire that is causing the irritation. You may also try using a clean nail clipper or cuticle cutter to cut the extra piece of wire that is sticking out. Sometimes, a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes discomfort. To do this you may use a pencil eraser, or some other smooth object, and tuck the offending wire back out of the way.
Please be careful to avoid hard or sticky foods that may bend the wire or cause it to come out of the back brace. If this does happen, you may use clean needle nose pliers or tweezers to put the wire back into the hole in the back brace. If you are unable to do this, you may clip the wire to ease the discomfort. Please call the office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to replace the wire.
Some brackets have small hooks on them for elastic wear. These hooks can occasionally become irritating to the lips or cheeks. If this happens, you may either use a pencil eraser to carefully push the hook in, or you can place a ball of orthodontic wax on the hook to make the area feel smooth.
You may be experiencing some discomfort after beginning treatment or at the change of wires or adjusting of appliances. This is normal and should diminish within 24-72 hours. A few suggestions to help with the discomfort:
A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is a certified professional who supports the pediatric dentist during appointments. RDAs hold state and radiology certifications, prepare treatment rooms, take and develop x-rays, review dental records, and ensure every patient is comfortable throughout their visit.
Dentistry for Children is a leading pediatric dental and orthodontic practice with 8 locations across New Jersey. Our team is made up of board-certified pediatric dentists, orthodontists, hygienists, and pediatric-trained staff who care for children from infancy through young adulthood, including children with special healthcare needs.
Pediatric dentists complete an additional 2 to 3 years of specialty training after dental school, focused specifically on the oral health of infants, children, and teens. They use child-sized equipment, understand how primary and permanent teeth develop together, and are trained to work with young patients and patients with special needs in ways a general family dentist typically isn’t.
Every 6 months, starting by their first birthday or when their first tooth comes in.
Yes. Primary (baby) teeth help children speak clearly, chew normally, and guide the permanent teeth into the right positions. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and long-term problems for permanent teeth.
There is no difference. DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degree. Both are awarded to general dentists at graduation from dental school. The specific letters used depend on which dental school a dentist attended.
Avoid heavy meals within 30 minutes before an appointment. Children shouldn’t eat for 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment. If your child received local anesthesia (Novocain), they shouldn’t eat anything crunchy or chewy until the numbness wears off, usually about 2 hours. Soft foods are fine.
Clean baby gums with a damp cloth from birth. As soon as the first tooth erupts, use a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste twice daily. At age 3, increase to a pea-sized amount. Too much fluoride toothpaste can make young children sick, so adult supervision matters.
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars), where cavities are most likely to form. They fill in the deep grooves that toothbrush bristles can’t reach and can protect teeth for several years. Application is quick, painless, and doesn’t require drilling or numbing.
Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face if there’s swelling. Children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage mild pain. Call our office to schedule an evaluation.
Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help establish a lifetime of healthy habits for your child.
We use white, mercury-free composite fillings on every patient. White fillings bond to the natural tooth structure, require less removal of healthy tooth, are less sensitive to temperature, and match the color of the surrounding teeth.
Knocked-out permanent teeth, cracked or broken teeth, severe toothaches, facial swelling, and dental trauma are all emergencies. Call the nearest office during business hours or our 24/7 Dental Emergency Hotline (1-855-266-7243) any time.
Fluoride protects teeth by supplying the enamel with important nutrients and minerals. Our doctors can help you understand how much fluoride your child is getting with a regular oral exam and consultation. Toothpaste is one important source of fluoride, but many communities also add fluoride to their water supply.
Healthy Smiles Start Here!