Pediatric dentist FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or your child has been sick.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.