Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that can be harmful to teeth when consumed in large amounts.
When sugar is consumed, it mixes with the bacteria in the mouth to form an acid that can attack the teeth.

This acid can erode the enamel on the teeth, Which can lead to tooth decay.
Tooth decay is a common problem that can cause cavities, or small holes, to form in the teeth. If left untreated, cavities can continue to grow and spread, causing more and more damage to the teeth.
Cavities can be painful and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious dental problems, such as infection and tooth loss.
To help protect your teeth from the effects of sugar, it is important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
If you do consume sugary foods, it is a good idea to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterwards to help remove the sugar from your mouth.
By taking these precautions, you can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay

What are the worst snacks for teeth?

Certain types of snacks can be especially harmful to teeth because they contain high amounts of sugar, stick to the teeth, or are highly acidic.
Here are some examples of snacks that can be particularly harmful to teeth:

Candy: Candy, especially hard candy and gummy candy, can be harmful to teeth because it is high in sugar and can stick to the teeth.

Dried fruit: Dried fruit may seem like a healthy snack, but it is often high in sugar and can stick to the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Fruit juice: Fruit juice is often high in sugar and acid, which can erode the enamel on the teeth.

Soda: Soda is high in sugar and acid, which can be harmful to teeth

Sports drinks: Sports drinks are often high in sugar and acid, which can be harmful to teeth.

Energy drinks: Energy drinks are often high in sugar and acid, which can be harmful to teeth.

By choosing snacks that are lower in sugar and acid, and by practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, you can help protect your teeth from the harmful effects of certain types of snacks

Looking for the best kids dentist near the Paterson, Passaic, Dover and Union City areas?

We are here serving Paterson, Passaic, and Hudson NJ, and the surrounding communities, we offer comprehensive oral health services ranging from routine cleanings to emergency treatment. We are committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment to keep all members of the family comfortable in the office.
Paterson (973) 742-4200
Passaic ( 973) 574-1000
Union City (201) 325-8444
Dover (973) 891-4015

Find reviews and updates on Facebook, learn more about our practice online, or give us a call.

Going back to school in 2021 is not the same as the days of old.
With Covid-19 we as a society have to take precautions that we
haven't needed to do for a very long time. ( Virus Pandemic of 1918 )

In this health article, we go over what items we should consider placing
in our children's backpacks. Ok, NJ, let's take a look!

1. Extra Masks

Sometimes children lose their masks or drop their masks.
People may step on it. But even if a person doesn't step on the
mask your child may have dropped, a dropped mask should never be picked up and used again. There are all sorts of bacteria including covid-19 residue
on the ground.

Taking pre-cautions and having extra masks is a healthy habit to have.

2. Phone Charger
We need to communicate with our children at all times, especially during emergencies. Having a charger in the backpack is super beneficial.

3.  Small refillable water bottle
It's better to have their own water to avoid getting sick from water fountains or sharing.
In school they are told to not drink from fountains, but having a water bottle stops them from rebellious fountain drinking.

4. Lunchbox
The lunchbox is self explanatory. Sometimes kids eat lunch at school. But like we will state later, having snacks available is a good habit.

5. File Folder
Have you ever went into your child's backpack and saw that a tornado hit the inside? Papers being thrown around is never desirable.

6. Tissues
A tissue on the spot is highly beneficial to a child when needing to sneeze or blow their noses.

7. Healthy Snacks
Who doesn't love a healthy snack? A good strong case will protect their snacks.
protect those snacks and they will protect a child's oral health as well as their overall health.

8. Strong Pencil case
Weak pencil cases will break and they will not protect the contents inside.

9. Sunscreen
Even in the beginning of the school year, that pesky Sun could be troublesome.

Children's general Dentist Location:

Smile Central Dental
Dentist, Paterson, NJ
Orthodontics, Paterson, NJ

Address:
140 Market Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
Orthodontics Center - 2nd Floor  (x 21 or x22 )
Children's General Dentistry - 3rd Floor
Treatment - 4th Floor

Phone: (973) 742-4200
Fax: (973) 742-4997

Paterson - Dental Office Manager: Cristal Jimenez
Paterson - Ortho Office Manager: Maria Gutierrez

About Our Practice
Smile Central Dental has always emphasized that outstanding people are the key to our success. Our strength and future growth depend on the contributions made by our team and each person within our organization. To ensure continued success, we feel it is important that all employees understand our policies and procedures. We hold them to that standard and they perform to the highest level. 
Our staff is dedicated to serving our community and providing the very best care.

Mission Statement
Smile Central Dental’s mission is to enhance the life of anyone we come in contact with. We accomplish this by educating both children and parents on the importance of their dental health, eradicating cavities on our beloved patients, and providing all members of our team with an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. All this while proudly serving the communities we are in that have given us the opportunity to do what we love.

Baby teeth start to develop before a child's first birthday and most children have a full set of teeth by their third birthday. As these teeth typically fall out within 3-4 yrs, it's a common belief that they are not important. This can't be further than the truth.

A tooth infection/cavity if deep enough can certainly affect the growth of the underlying adult tooth. A dental cavity if left untreated can extend deep in the tooth and to the surrounding teeth and gum area below. A pus-filled infection, an abscess can then form on the underlying permanent tooth that has to erupt eventually. This can delay or prevent the eruption of the adult tooth or can cause discoloration, malformations, and permanent staining of the adult tooth.

It is important to understand why good oral health is essential in baby teeth.
Baby teeth...

- Act as space holders for permanent teeth that will eventually erupt
- Help guide the permanent teeth into place
- Help children in chewing food and speaking properly during their critical developmental years.

Cavities in baby teeth affect permanent teeth and can cause several different types of problems.

Harm to Overall Oral Health

Cavities affect baby teeth the same way they affect permanent teeth. If left untreated, it may compromise a child’s overall oral health. The bacterial spread will attack neighboring teeth, and a significant untreated cavity could lead to an abscess and/or tooth loss, not to forget physical pain and emotional distress. Tooth loss due to damaged primary teeth cause problems with jaw structure, growth, and occlusion.

Orthodontic Issues

With a significantly larger cavity, there will eventually be tooth loss, giving rise to orthodontic issues. Adjacent teeth may shift to fill the space left behind by the missing /lost baby tooth that becomes a problem when the permanent teeth erupt and there is a lack of space. This can cause teeth misalignment.

Poor Oral Health Habits

Starting your kids early will help them establish good lifelong habits. Instill the importance of good oral health habits with children from a young age. You can lead by example and brush and floss side by side each morning and night.

Preventing cavities and keeping Baby teeth healthy

Remember healthy baby teeth set a solid foundation for strong permanent teeth. Bring your children routinely to the dentist and take care of their teeth at home by following the basic rule of brushing at least twice a day.

Looking for the best kids dentist near the Paterson, Passaic, and Union City areas?
We are here serving Paterson, Passaic, and Hudson NJ, and the surrounding communities, we offer comprehensive oral health services ranging from routine cleanings to emergency treatment. We are committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment to keep all members of the family comfortable in the office.
Paterson(973) 742-4200
Passaic  ( 973) 574-1000
Union City(201) 325-8444

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

About Our Practice
Smile Central Dental has always emphasized that outstanding people are the key to our success. Our strength and future growth depend on the contributions made by our team and each person within our organization. To ensure continued success, we feel it is important that all employees understand our policies and procedures. We hold them to that standard and they perform to the highest level.
Our staff is dedicated to serving our community and providing the very best care.

Mission Statement
Smile Central Dental’s mission is to enhance the life of anyone we come in contact with. We accomplish this by educating both children and parents on the importance of their dental health, eradicating cavities on our beloved patients, and providing all members of our team with an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. All this while proudly serving the communities we are in that have given us the opportunity to do what we love.

Children's general Dentist Location:

Smile Central Hudson County
Address:
3196 Kennedy Boulevard
3rd Floor
Union City, NJ 07087

Phone: (201) 325-8444
Fax: (201) 325-8447

Office Manager: Inocencia Troncoso
Current Operation Hours

About Our Practice
Smile Central Dental has always emphasized that outstanding people are the key to our success. Our strength and future growth depend on the contributions made by our team and each person within our organization. To ensure continued success, we feel it is important that all employees understand our policies and procedures. We hold them to that standard and they perform to the highest level. 
Our staff is dedicated to serving our community and providing the very best care.

Mission Statement
Smile Central Dental’s mission is to enhance the life of anyone we come in contact with. We accomplish this by educating both children and parents on the importance of their dental health, eradicating cavities on our beloved patients, and providing all members of our team with an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. All this while proudly serving the communities we are in that have given us the opportunity to do what we love.

Children's general Dentist Location:

Smile Central Dental
Dentist, Paterson, NJ
Orthodontics, Paterson, NJ

Address:
140 Market Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
Orthodontics Center - 2nd Floor  (x 21 or x22 )
Children's general Dentistry - 3rd Floor
Treatment - 4th Floor

Phone: (973) 742-4200
Fax: (973) 742-4997

Paterson - Dental Office Manager: Cristal Jimenez

Paterson - Ortho Office Manager: Maria Gutierrez

Current Operation Hours

About Our Practice
Smile Central Dental has always emphasized that outstanding people are the key to our success. Our strength and future growth depend on the contributions made by our team and each person within our organization. To ensure continued success, we feel it is important that all employees understand our policies and procedures. We hold them to that standard and they perform to the highest level. 
Our staff is dedicated to serving our community and providing the very best care.

Mission Statement
Smile Central Dental’s mission is to enhance the life of anyone we come in contact with. We accomplish this by educating both children and parents on the importance of their dental health, eradicating cavities on our beloved patients, and providing all members of our team with an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. All this while proudly serving the communities we are in that have given us the opportunity to do what we love.

Children's general Dentist Location:

Smile Central Passaic
Address:
625 Main Ave
Passaic, NJ 07055
Children's general Dentistry - 3rd Floor

Phone: (973) 574-1000
Fax: (973) 574-1001

Office Manager: Esther Toledo
Current Operation Hours

Is the appointment schedule convenient?

Is the office easy to get to and close by?

Does the office appear to be clean and orderly?

Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?

Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?

Is information about cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?

Is your dentist a member of the ADA (American Dental Association)?

Know the difference between a children's general dentist and a family dentist.
Family dentists provide general dentistry for all ages, not only children.

Take a look at google reviews. Genuine accounts from people who
leave reviews can be helpful when seeking a good children's general dentist.
Beware of irrational statements, however.

Schedule Consultations With Each children's general Dentist.
Scheduling consultations can help with getting beneficial information.

You need to find a dentist who has strong behavior management skills.
Our doctors hold themselves to a high standard, professionalism, care, and making sure that patients feel comfortable.

Do They Have Special Training?
Our Doctors are not only licensed practitioners, but they have continuing education credentials and continue to stay updated in children's general dentistry.

Do They Have a Fun, Clean, and Comfortable Environment?
At our practice, we believe in helping our patients be at ease and having a fun and engaging experience.

Do They Take A Preventative Approach?
Our team has a systematic approach to preventive dental care.

Location.
When it comes to children, choosing a dentist that is close is good practice.

How are the practices of customer service?
We are dedicated to providing not only the very best dental care but excellent experiences and customer service as well.

Make your pick And Schedule Your Child’s First Appointment!
If your child has not been to the dentist yet, it would be a great preventive measure to schedule and attend a dental visit.

Looking for the best kids dentist near the Paterson, Passaic, and Union City areas?
We are here serving Paterson, Passaic, and Hudson NJ, and the surrounding communities, we offer comprehensive oral health services ranging from routine cleanings to emergency treatment. We are committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment to keep all members of the family comfortable in the office.
Paterson(973) 742-4200
Passaic  ( 973) 574-1000
Union City(201) 325-8444

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

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.

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,
Call 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 treatment. We 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

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.

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.

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

Have a fever? Wondering if it's Covid-19 or Toothache?
Since Jan of 2020, Covid-19 has caused fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Because you may already be aware of the symptoms of covid-19, and that's good, but it can make you panic.

Having a fever can make most people believe they or their children have covid
but having a fever can mean several other reasons such as a dental infection.
Let's read more to have a better understanding of the differences.

=========================
First, here is a list to understand the symptoms of covid-19.
Knowing the common symptoms is very important.

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

If you are experiencing these, stay as safe as possible, practice social distancing, and get tested. It is important to also limit your contact with the outside world to avoid being affected and spreading the virus respectively.

=========================
How do we determine if it is a toothache?
Here are the common symptoms of a toothache:

Pain in a tooth
Persistent throbbing or aching in a tooth
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods/drinks
Sensitivity to pressure when chewing
Swelling in the face or cheek
Tender/swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck

These symptoms create discomfort in the mouth. So self-monitoring for these signs can be very helpful in distinguishing a toothache from covid-19.

=========================
When to visit the dentist for emergencies

If you feel your child has a toothache, please call the dentist right away.
Your child may have an infection. Infection can spread through the face and even the
body if left untreated.

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

Give Kids a Smile Day! - Smile Central Dental - Feb, 1st, 2019

Announcement post!

We are happy to announce that we will be participating for our 15th year in the "Give kids a smile" movement. On Feb, Friday, 1st, 2019, we will be providing free dental services to those who need it and may very well not have insurance. 

Cited from the American Dental Association:
With the support of the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program, launched nationally by the American Dental Association in 2003, more than five million underserved children have received free oral health services over the last 13 years. These free services are provided by approximately 10,000 dentists annually, along with 30,000 other dental team members.

For those who have questions about dental health, dental problems, kids dentistry, braces, and treatment and need to schedule consistent visits with a dentist in the North Jersey area, give us a call at one of our locations nearest you.