NJ

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.

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

There are many reasons why the little ones don't like to
brush their teeth. Many parents have questions and say things like,
"What do you do when your child refuses to brush their teeth?"
and "help little one just won't brush their teeth"

Toddlers tend to take control of what's theirs. In this case, their mouth.

But there are a few ways to get your reluctant toddler to scrub their pearly whites. Toddlers don't like to stand still. They have to be constantly on the move.
So in their mind, 2 minutes of brushing can seem eternal.

• Get them involved:
  Have them pick out their favorite color toothbrushes at
  your general store of choice.
• Let them lead the way!
  If they are the ones holding the toothbrush,
  they feel more in control.
  Stay aware that they make a mess and that's normal. Kids are not proficient in
  brushing until they reach the ages of 7 - 8.
• Supervise how much toothpaste goes onto the toothbrush
  and the activity of brushing.
• Singing a cute children's song while they do it may help make it fun.
• Standing behind them in front of a mirror or embracing them
  can help give them a sense of security. If they can't see the mirror,
  use a stepping stool if needed. This helps them see everything
  going on rather than blindly waiting on the activity.

The "Deep Pressure technique"
Pressing firmly on their shoulder can keep your child grounded
and can keep them calm especially when their teeth are sensitive.

Is my toddler refusing to brush their teeth due to pain?
What to do?

It's very possible that their teeth are sensitive.
Don't be alarmed. This does not require a diagnosis of any sort.
Simply ask them if they don't like brushing their teeth.
If it's no. Ask them why.

But here's a little winning tip.
Don't ask them when their emotions are up.
They most likely will answer with bias.

Your tot can surprise you with their response.
Once you know why they don't like it, you can move forward from there.

Is your child a picky eater. It's a clue.
When a child is a picky eater, it means they are sensitive to textures. The feel of the brush alone may be the reason why they don't want to brush.

What if my toddler child doesn't like the taste?
Introducing to them another flavor may come in handy.
If they are involved in picking it out, it may
make things go smoother.

• Your toddler may then get excited when it's time to brush because
  the flavor they chose is fun.
• On the next visit, ask your dentist to help
  explain why brushing is good and (hint: fun )
• Characters can play an important role.
  Characters like Disney princesses and Spiderman play big roles
  in making tots feel more comfortable and at ease.
  It feels like they're not alone in this journey.
• Also having a favorite toy or stuffed animal near
  can give a sense of security and comfortability.
• Practice makes perfect! Well, not really but it helps.
  you can make things fun for your toddler by giving them
  an extra toothbrush for them to practice on a doll
  and supervising them.
• The Toothpaste battle avoidance
  If your little one doesn't want the toothpaste,
  you can use just plain water in the meantime as you gradually
  try again later to get them used to toothpaste.

More Character Examples:

The act of brushing is more important than the toothpaste battle.
- The laughing technique.
Your toddler can fall into some giggling
from you brushing their nose or chin and making it look
like an accident. Oops. That doesn't go there.

• While practicing on a doll, you can make a joke about the
  doll using a hairbrush to brush its teeth.
  Ask your child if that's right. They will tell you
  it's supposed to be a toothbrush

Sensory Activities before brushing. The "Sensory Diet technique"
When a child is active, they can tire out or slow down
after a while. Having them be active before bath time
and brushing can make them more toleratable to
brushing their teeth especially when they
are sensitive.

• Use a routine.
  Having a routine can ensure the consistency of brushing their teeth
  as well as promoting good habits.
• Brush in the morning after waking up.
• Brush after a bath or before bedtime.
• 5 - 10 minute reminders can be helpful
• Have a special song or a few different ones to sing
  while they brush, before or after.
• Maybe singing a victory song afterward can help.

We hope that this helps with your reluctant tot.

If your tot is still reluctant, you can always sing a song while having
an exciting visit to the dentist.
Our experienced, caring, and dedicated Children's general team of
dentists and hygienists are looking forward to providing
comprehensive dental and gentle care for your child.
Please contact us for an appointment.

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

1. Brushing too fast
brushing should be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes twice a day
You can damage enamel brushing too fast. Slow to moderate speed brush strokes is ideal.

2. Not Flossing
Flossing helps to remove bacteria hidden. In one corner we have gum disease and the other corner, the heavyweight champ, Floss! Gum disease affects mainly adults but can happen at an early age, especially if you don't have a proper oral care routine, which includes flossing every day. Floss comes out the winner!

3. Not using the right toothbrush
We recommend buying a chargeable electric toothbrush.
We realize that is not always an option, so we recommend using toothbrushes with soft bristles as these are much more effective. Avoid buying hard toothbrushes. These can damage tooth enamel and toss out toothbrushes after 2-3 months because they get rough. These can damage tooth enamel.

4. Not brushing your tongue
When brushing your teeth, brushing your tongue gently will rid
of bacteria that gets collected on your tongue called biofilm.
This type of bacteria can lead to bad breath and even tooth damage.
The tongue itself has peaks and troughs that are a perfect place for bacteria to thrive and settle. In fact, Its a leading cause of bad breath.
Let's brush those tongues and battle bacteria.

5. Not rinsing after brushing and flossing
Flossing and brushing is not enough. You can leave particles behind.
Rinsing is an important last step to brushing and flossing. Rinsing will
help rid of these excess particles.

6. Not drinking enough water
Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth
dry mouth can result in growth of bacteria and fungi which can,
in turn, lead to bad breath.

7. Frequently Snacking
An occasional treat is fine, but repeated sugar intake and other carbs will increase the risk of cavities. Sugar can stay stuck to your teeth.
These sugars can damage your teeth. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in
the mouth using sugar from foods and drinks to produce acids that
dissolve and damage the teeth.

It's important to monitor and moderate children's sugar intake.

8. Eating Acidic food at night
The acid in the saliva can damage can affect the health of your gums.
It is said to be best to eat at least two hours before your bedtime.
We recommend brushing the teeth before bedtime. This will help to keep
your mouth clean of acids.

9. Waiting too long before your final brush time and bedtime
It is very important to brush right before you go to bed.
Cavities can develop and grow rapidly when the mouth is dry.
Bacteria will eat away at your teeth eventually creating
holes (cavities) and leaving you without your teeth.
Plaque is also an issue. It can harden to form tartar.
plaque and tartar cause irritation, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums,
as well as dental decay, also known as cavities.
Let's make sure to brush our teeth before bedtime.

Bottom:
This article is intended to provide an understanding and knowledge about
Oral hygiene mistakes to avoid. Always seek advice from a professional dentist with any questions you may have regarding your child and medical conditions or treatments.