baby teeth

The Importance of Baby Teeth: Myth vs. Fact

April 2nd, 2024

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play a crucial role in a child's oral health and development. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the importance of baby teeth. Let's debunk some of these myths and uncover the facts:

Myth: Baby teeth are not important because they will eventually fall out.
Fact: While it's true that baby teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth,
they serve several vital functions in the meantime.

Baby teeth help children chew food properly,
which is essential for proper nutrition and overall health. They also play a crucial role in speech development, as they help children learn to pronounce words correctly.

Myth: Cavities in baby teeth don't need to be treated because they will fall out anyway.
Fact: Cavities in baby teeth can have serious consequences if left untreated. Untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Additionally, decay in baby teeth can affect the health of permanent teeth developing underneath.
It's important to treat cavities in baby teeth promptly to prevent further complications.

Myth: Baby teeth don't require regular dental care because they are temporary.
Fact: Baby teeth are just as susceptible to decay and other oral health issues as permanent teeth. Therefore, it's essential to establish good oral hygiene habits early on, including brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups. Early dental care sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Myth: Baby teeth don't affect the alignment of permanent teeth.
Fact: Baby teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth and help guide them into the correct position.
If baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay or other issues, it can disrupt the natural alignment of permanent teeth, leading to orthodontic problems later on. Therefore, it's crucial to protect baby teeth and address any issues promptly.

In conclusion, baby teeth are far from insignificant.
They play a vital role in a child's oral health and overall well-being.
By understanding the importance of baby teeth and dispelling common myths, parents can ensure their children maintain healthy smiles for years to come.

Does your child have erupted teeth behind their baby teeth

June 5th, 2021

When a permanent tooth starts erupting under a baby tooth, the root of the baby tooth is resorbed and the permanent tooth takes its place. 

Sometimes the permanent tooth starts erupting in the mouth while the baby tooth is still there - this is known as shark teeth because of its appearance. It usually occurs in the lower and upper front teeth. If the baby tooth does not get out itself then it has to be extracted and the permanent tooth will naturally come in its place.

What causes Shark teeth?

Most commonly, at the age of 5-7 years, the permanent teeth start to push the baby tooth so they shed off. But sometimes the baby teeth don't want to leave the baby’s mouth and the permanent one comes right behind it and causes two rows of teeth to exist, one of the adult teeth and one of the baby teeth.

When should baby teeth fall out?

In total, a child has 20 baby teeth ( 10 upper and 10 lower) which start erupting at the age of 6 months. All these teeth come off before the age of 12 years. The permanent adult teeth are 32 in total and start erupting from the age of 6yrs.

Adult teeth eruption chart

What should you do if your baby has 2 rows of teeth?

For this case, there are some solutions for you. If the baby tooth is loose, tell your child to wiggle it out so it can come out on itself naturally. If the tooth is not loose you can take an appointment with a Children's general dentist. The dentist will perform a tooth extraction to remove the baby's tooth. If one of the front teeth grows the teeth behind it then it's most likely possible that the other one will do the same because pairs of teeth often act the same way. So instead of two visits, you can wait for the other adult tooth to grow so you can get your child’s teeth extracted in the same visit.

If your child is experiencing erupted teeth behind their front teeth,
C
all the Paterson Office 
(973) 742-4200 to schedule an appointment or
Passaic  ( 973) 574-1000
Union City(201) 325-8444

Serving Paterson, Passaic, and Hudson NJ, and the surrounding communities, we offer comprehensive oral health services ranging from routine cleanings to emergency treatmentWe are committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment to keep all members of the family comfortable in the office.

Find reviews and updates on Facebook, learn more about our practice online, or give us a call (973) 742-4200

Top 14 questions to ask your dentist

February 26th, 2021

1. How can I improve my child's smile?
This is a broad question and it is awesome because
there are quite a few ways to improve your smile.
This question keeps things open for your dentist to address. The learning possibilities here are ample.

2. What should my child's oral hygiene regimen be?
Not everyone does the same routine. Your dentist
can address how to set up an at-home care regimen
that fits yours and child's lifestyle.

Some examples are:
Brush, floss, and rinse daily.
Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking.
Examine your mouth regularly.
Develop a partnership with your dentist.

 

3. When should my child have their first checkup and how often should they have a dental exam and cleaning?

Asking your dentist this question is good because
the dentist can address your child's specific case.

For average, every 6 months is good practice.
It is still good to ask your dentist this question.

4. How can I keep my child's teeth whiter?
This is a good question to ask because you may find out extra ways to combat staining your teeth while staying overall healthy.

5. Does my child have any dental health conditions I should know about?
There are some things that concern me.

This question will be a great way to start a conversation about
your health goals for your child, and how you can reach your goals
as well as reach improvement.

If you have some concerns, let your dentist know so they can
address these so nothing gets missed.

6. When Do Baby Teeth Typically Fall Out?
Most children begin losing their baby teeth between the ages of six and eight.
Every child is different and their teeth may fall out in different times.
Consult with your dentist.

7. Is mouthwash safe for kids?
Typically mouthwash is not advised for kids until they reach the
age of 6 or 7. But it is highly advised to consult with your dentist.

8. What is Causing the Pain in My child's Teeth?
Pain in your children's teeth can be caused by several
reasons such as tooth sensitivity, a broken tooth,
or an infection.

It is very important to seek consultation and ask your dentist
questions if your child is experiencing pain.

X-rays will be taken but causes can be detected by a full examination.

9. Are Sports drinks good for my teen?
This question is great for several reasons.
Sports drinks may be good for energy and performance, but they
contain alot of sugar and artificial elements which can be very harmful
to your childs or teens teeth.

Ask your dentist about sports drinks and healthy drinks.

10. Does my child need any dental treatments?
Even if you feel your childs mouth or teeth are fine,
dental treatments may be beneficial.
Talking about potential options with your dentist
is a good strategy.

11. What are your payment and financial policies?
Asking about a Dental firms policies and practices is
important so you may be fully informed before you move forward
with any treatments.

12. Is my child grinding their teeth and why?
What should I do?
Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you involuntary grind,
gnash or clench your teeth. Some people may not
know they are experiencing it and why, especially kids.

13. Should I change my diet in any way?

Believe it or not, food has a big impact on dental health.
A great way to improve your childs smile is to ask your dentist
about a healthy diet that promotes great dental health.

Every child needs a healthy diet but some may have allergies and other conditions. Make sure to speak with your dentist about this.

 

14. What is your continuing education policy?
This is a great question but it can better be asked the following way.

Do your dentists continue learning about dentistry, tools,
medicines?
Are your dentists part of any organizations?

Dentists have supporting organizations that keep them
informed and educated as science and dentistry practices
undergo change.

It's ok to ask them how they keep up with continuing education.
Our Dentists stay diligent on trends and continuing education in several ways.

 

 

Next time you visit the dentist, don't be afraid to ask these questions.
They are there to help your child with their dental health, overall health and to educate the community about dental health.

To schedule a first consultation or visit, please contact us at
one of our locations:
SCHEDULE an appointment here

My child's teeth don't seem to be straight

January 29th, 2021

Why some teeth do not come in straight?

It’s quite common for children to get adult teeth that are not straight.
The most common factors include extra teeth, missing teeth, large teeth, wide spacing, or inadequate spacing/small jaws. Habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, premature loss of baby teeth, or a poor breathing airway caused by enlarged
adenoids aggravate the problem, resulting in crowded teeth and/or an abnormal bite.
Crooked Teeth

Regular visits to the dentist

The first primary/baby teeth start to come in at about 6 months of age. As soon as your child first gets their baby teeth, it’s important to get them on their first trip to the dentist. This allows the dentist to help ensure your child’s teeth stay clean,
and they can examine the inbound adult teeth.
Once the adult teeth start coming in, regular dental visits will allow your dentist to notice if some teeth are not coming in straight and they can refer you to an orthodontist or in our case, to our orthodontist department.
Dentist Visit

Habits

A children's general dentist can help you identify and correct bad habits that might cause teeth to not erupt straight. One of the most common examples is pacifiers. While it can be a great way to soothe a baby and even provide health benefits for infants, it can also
play a part in teeth erupting differently.
However, One should wean their child of the pacifier by the age of two, otherwise, it can cause teeth to grow incorrectly. Thumb sucking is another big instigator of crooked teeth.
A children's general dentist has extensive experience helping children change habits and they can work with you to create a plan for breaking them and know how to provide the right kind of motivation to cause change.

 

Keep an eye on growth

Sometimes when children start getting adult teeth, they erupt (break through the gums) in a crooked fashion.
While they might look quite crooked in the early stages of growth, they do most of the time end up aligned in a correct position by the time they’re fully grown.
So even if your child is getting teeth that are initially crooked, there’s no need to panic. Your active role during this period is to have regular visits to your child’s dentist so they can provide timely professional insights about any required treatments.

Visit the Orthodontist

If your child gets a reference for an orthodontist, then you should definitely get a consultation. The sooner they can visit the earlier they can begin treatment. Earlier treatment means it's easier and cheaper to fix the teeth and bite,
by correcting minor issues instead of waiting until they become major issues.
Around the age of 7, adult teeth can start to come in, and that is a good time for a visit to the orthodontist, who can assess if early treatments are necessary to prevent major treatments in the future.
Do you feel that your child's teeth seem to be not straight?
Do you feel they may need braces? Contact one of our offices near you.

To schedule a first consultation or visit, please contact us at
one of our locations:

1. 140 Market St, Paterson, NJ 07505
Children's Dentistry - 3rd Floor
Orthodontics Center - 2nd Floor
Treatment Center - 4th Floor
(973) 742-4200

2. 625 Main Ave
Passaic, NJ 07055
Children's Dentistry - 3rd Floor
(973) 574-1000

3. 3196 John Fitzgerald Kennedy Blvd
3rd Floor
Union City, NJ 07087
(201) 325-8444

 

Babys first birthday equals babys first checkup

January 20th, 2021

Babys first birthday equals baby's first checkup
Subtitle: What happens at baby's first dentist visit?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a dental visit for children by age one.

Many parents may not know that baby teeth can get cavities just as permanent teeth can. Primary teeth/Baby teeth are necessary for children to chew and speak as well as to hold space for developing permanent teeth below the gums.

What are the benefits of visiting a children's general Dentist by age one?

  • Cavity prevention starts when they have their first tooth.
  • Starting when your child is young will allow them to become familiar with visits to the dentist.
  • Being proactive early can help keep their pearly whites healthy for life.
  • Earlier visits can be helpful for the detection of early tooth decay or any other dental developmental anomalies as well as provide parents with information on proper oral hygiene and development, and answer questions.

Baby smiliing first tooth

Recent studies show early childhood tooth decay to be on the rise.  Earlier visits to a children's general Dentist can prevent childhood tooth decay through education and regular visits.

Here is how you can make your child’s first dental visit a successful one:

  • Be positive and show excitement before and during your child’s first visit to the dentist. If you show any anxiety that you may have about visiting the dentist, your child would also be scared.
  • Talk about it-  use books and relevant resources to help prepare and get your child familiar with visiting the dentist.
  • Timing is vital- Plan beforehand so that you have plenty of time and arrive early so your visit is not rushed.  Make sure your child is well-rested before the visit so they are comfortable.  Morning is usually the best time for young children to visit the dentist.
  • Start them early-  Starting healthy habits like proper oral hygiene at an early age is important to prevent problems. 

Babys dentist visit

What Happens at the First Dental Visit?

The first dental visit is usually brief. It gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way and involves little to no treatment. 

During the visit, your dentist will 

  • Examine all existing teeth for decay. Hint: When that first tooth erupts. You can visit the dentist.
  • Look at your child's bite
  • Get a look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues.

Your children's general dentist would also educate you about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions that you might have.

 

To schedule a first consultation or visit, please contact us at
one of our locations:

1. 140 Market St, Paterson, NJ 07505
Children's Dentistry - 3rd Floor
Orthodontics Center - 2nd Floor
Treatment Center - 4th Floor
(973) 742-4200

2. 625 Main Ave
Passaic, NJ 07055
Children's Dentistry - 3rd Floor
(973) 574-1000

3. 3196 John Fitzgerald Kennedy Blvd
3rd Floor
Union City, NJ 07087
(201) 325-8444

 

 

When do my child's teeth erupt?

January 7th, 2021

Children begin the teething process after the age of six months.
While this is a very new experience, it could bring a whole new set of difficulties for the parents with an uncomfortable and hurting baby.
Educating yourself about how their teeth erupt and why they eventually lose them when they will start getting their adult teeth is the best way to navigate this period of their lives.
From 6 months to 3 years of age, kids get 20 primary or baby teeth. These teeth fall out (shed) at various times throughout childhood.

How Do My Children’s Teeth Erupt?
Typically, 6 months is when your child begins the teething process.
Before baby teeth start erupting, they form from the tooth buds in their jaw, and they start to move upward through the gums and into the mouth.
The first teeth that will start coming in are typically the incisors that are situated directly in the front of the mouth.

Baby teething

These teeth are often first noticed by nursing mothers as the baby begins testing them out while feeding. From this point until the age of 3 years,
there is a steady progression of teeth coming in until they’ve got their full complement of 20 baby teeth.

How Their Teeth Loosen And Fall Out
Ever wondered exactly what leads to the baby teeth loosening and falling out?
The tooth buds form a whole new set of teeth that start growing up under the primary teeth.
In the process, the old roots are resorbed, and the tooth moves up and out of the way, getting loose before they fall out. Children typically announcing that they have loose teeth is usually the first sign that it is happening.
It’s better to let a tooth go through the process on its own and fall out naturally.

Children's primary teeth ( baby teeth ) typically fall out around 6 years old.
The central incisors are usually the first to go. The first permanent molars are next. The last baby tooth usually is lost around 12 years of age.

Father and son enjoying healthy snack

 

How many teeth do people have?
People have a total of 32 permanent teeth ( adult teeth ).
As said above, children will have 20 primary teeth by the age of 3 typically.

Below you can view teeth charts to get a good view of when certain teeth will erupt.

Baby Teeth erupt chart

Types of teeth

Adult teeth eruption chart

 

 

 

To schedule a first consultation or visit, please contact us at
one of our locations:

1. 140 Market St, Paterson, NJ 07505
Children's Dentistry - 3rd Floor
Orthodontics Center - 2nd Floor
Treatment Center - 4th Floor
(973) 742-4200

2. 625 Main Ave
Passaic, NJ 07055
Children's Dentistry - 3rd Floor
(973) 574-1000

3. 3196 John Fitzgerald Kennedy Blvd
3rd Floor
Union City, NJ 07087
(201) 325-8444

invisalign the clear alternative to braces care credit making care possible today

Hours of operation vary by location. Please click on your desired office location for specific details: